Blog Posts from the Helpdesk
Critical Windows Update – 12th March 2019
March 12th 2019 – Microsoft are scheduled to release a critical update for Windows 7 users.
As you know from our articles on the 2020 problem, support for Windows 7 is set to end in January 2020. However updates to Win7 will end in March 2019 if you don’t install Microsoft’s next patch due on the 12th.
Surprisingly (the surprise being that it is not already in place) Microsoft is putting in place a new system to ensure that the operating system updates have not been tampered with. It will use an SHA-2 hash algorithms to authenticate the updates. The problem is, the SHA-2 algorithm is not supported in older operating systems.
So, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 2008 SP1, and SP2, which all use the older SHA-1 encryption, need updating with support for SHA-2 and this is planned in an update on March 12th. If you’re a Windows 7 user and don’t install this critical update, you will not receive any future Windows patches.
In summary on March 12th Microsoft will roll out a stand alone update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 which you need to install. LIS managed services customers will receive this automatically and we will also deploy it to all unmanaged customers with our control software installed. Just leave your desktop or laptop turned on and let us sort it out.
After that, you’ll be in a position to receive all remaining updates until next year. It’s also a chance to grab a few extra months to decide on which upgrade path to take. Do you want a new Windows 10 PC or to upgrade your existing machine? Contact LIS for a quote when you have decided or for advice if you are not sure.
Apprentices – Good or Bad?
Degree level apprentices are a game-changer among smaller UK businesses (this is an FT article, but without the paywall)
and yet apprenticeship take up is down by a quarter.
Apprenticeship Take Up is Down!
It is hard to avoid the conclusion that a really useful idea for businesses has been made unattractive by politicians. What are your views?
LIS has an apprentice and we think he is great! When you call us, ask for Louis and you will get really good service! But then you will get that from the rest of the team too…
Football Pundit Super Computer
Super computer predicts who’s going to win this year’s Premiership!
#football #tech #premierleague #artificialintelligence #mysticmeg
Left Behind on Cloud?
With 88% of businesses now using the cloud in some way, are you getting left behind?
Supporting Cloud Solutions
It’s easier, safer and less expensive than you may think. Get in touch to find out more. LIS are the experts at working out the right strategy for you and then helping you implement it.
#cloud #software #infrastructure #strategy #planning
Happy Birthday LIS
LIS is 23 today! We have been looking after IT Support for businesses in Essex and London for all that time and we have still have a core of clients from those early days. Many thanks to all we have worked with as clients, suppliers, staff (and in some cases all three) over the years. Your patience, tolerance and support has been appreciated.
The good news is the the LIS product range and client base are wider and stronger today than they have ever been. Our helpdesk is providing a first rate service for clients with 99% of all calls responded to immediately and most issues resolved within 1h. Our remote monitoring and management tools are keeping managed service clients protected 24/7/365 and our managed antivirus and antispam products are rock solid defences. Telecoms, broadband, mobile data and mobile voice are growth areas for LIS with highly competitive offerings.
So here’s to another 23 years! Happy Birthday LIS.
The 2020 Problem
Have you heard of the 2020 problem? Do you know how it could affect your business?
If not, you need to watch our short video – it will take one minute of your time and could save you a fortune! If your upgrades are not our project plan already, Contact LIS to book your slot
#tech #2020problem #business
Happy, productive, loyal? The HR Challenge!
Happy employees are more productive and loyal. Here’s 7 ways to keep your team on your side
#staff #happiness #wellbeing #workplaces #management
Are you sitting comfortably?
No it’s not story time. This is how to improve your posture in front of the computer!
#health #computers #posture
Bad Management Habits
Time for a TED Talk: How to break bad management habits now
#management #education #business #leadership
The First Email
Can you believe it was 48 years ago that the first ever email was sent (wonder if it was spam…)? This is the man who sent it. If you are cursing the junk you receive as a consequence then you need our Antispam Service rather than being cross with Ray Tomlinson.
#computerhistory #emails #tech #IT #business
YouTube Criminal Tutorials Condemned
Police have condemned online cyber crime tutorials that anyone can access. This is why it’s so important to have a very high level of protection for your business. LIS can build, manage and maintain your defences but no wall is perfect especially if you publish the instructions on how to bypass it! US government take note…
Tech Trends 2019
Folding phones, cyber-crime and space tourism – the top tech trends for 2019. LIS can do the phones and protect you from cyber-crime but space tourism is beyond our remit. Sorry!
Costly Friday Coffee?
Working in a coffee shop today? Be very careful when you use public Wi-Fi.
#cybersecurity #business #dataprotection
Small Businesses Struggle
According to a recent study by British Business Bank, smaller businesses are struggling to grow. LIS can help with the tech side of things but things look set to get even tougher in business over the coming weeks and months…
International Business
Going abroad on business this year? Did you know it’s not polite to refuse a drink in Japan? Make sure you know your travel etiquette before you fly. LIS can keep your vpn and email on track so you can work, track your laptop and mobile in case they go “missing”. That is the easy bit!
#international #business #travel
