The Hack Newsletter - Edition 39 | Think Cloud
Welcome to the Hack Newsletter! Discover essential guides for achieving digital success with expert cybersecurity tips, impactful productivity hacks, and compelling technology stories. Are you ready to elevate your digital journey?
đ„đŁEdition 39 of The Hack - AI Innovation: Transforming Businesses in Yorkshire, Humber & Beyond
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Welcome To Our Monthly Newsletter,
Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit 2024: SMEs & Beyond Your next employee is probably on AI....
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Aura Innovation Centre at Bridge Head Business Park in Hull hosted the Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit: SMEs & Beyond.
With over 100 attendees, the event united tech enthusiasts, business innovators, and community leaders to explore AI's future applications. The event showcased captivating speeches by industry frontrunners from Lampada,
Think Cloud, and the University of Hull. It ignited thought-provoking panel conversations and engaging workshops that provided valuable insights and interactive learning experiences.
Delegates learned about the latest AI advancements locally and globally and discovered how innovative AI solutions are shaping the future of technology. It highlighted the Humber Innovation Support Programme (HISP) and its role in fostering innovation through funding and emphasised the power of collaboration between business, academia, and industry to drive technological advancements.
This collaborative approach allows businesses to leverage their strengths and resources, fostering an environment for idea exchange and co-creation.
Photo By Blink Video
Photo by Kevin Greene Photogrphy
The Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit demonstrated AI's potential to revolutionise business operations and inspire innovation.
Ready to revolutionise your business with AI? Enhance your leadership skills with AI solutions to drive business growth. In just one day, explore our course, "The Ultimate AI Edge: Your Secret Weapon to Outpace the Competition", for ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini skills. Empower yourself in AI confidently through interactive modules, expert insights, and practical exercises.
Unlock these productivity gems in Windows 11
Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been continuously updated, bringing new features and improvements to make your life easier.
But while big announcements like the AI assistant Copilot and expanded hardware support grab headlines, some lesser-known features deserve your attention, too.
These hidden gems can speed up and make your Windows 11 experience more accessible, helping you stay productive and organised.
One of the most helpful features of Windows 11 is Focus mode. Picture this: Youâre deep into an important project, and suddenly, notifications start popping up - emails, instant messages, reminders. Itâs hard to maintain focus with all these interruptions. Focus mode comes to the rescue by silencing them.
To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select âFocusâ from the menu.
This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can pause anytime. Itâs your digital âDo Not Disturbâ sign.
Another great feature is Live captions. Imagine youâre in a noisy office or have difficulty hearing. Understanding audio and video files can be challenging. Windows 11 has built-in live captioning that automatically generates captions for your content.
You can activate it from the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions) or by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + L. The first time you use it, you must agree to Microsoftâs voice processing terms and download a speech pack. After that, captions will appear at the top of your screen, making it easier to follow with audio or video.
If you find typing tedious, youâll love Voice typing. This lets you dictate text instead of typing it. To start, press Windows Key + H. Make sure your microphone is connected (your webcam mic works fine). Click the mic button that appears, and youâre ready to go. You can even set it up to automatically punctuate your sentences. Voice commands like âstop listeningâ or âignore thatâ help you control the flow of dictation. Itâs a real time saver for writing emails and documents.
And if you want a tidy and efficient desktop, Start menu folders are a game-changer. To create a folder, right-click an app and select âPin to start.â Then drag another app over it, and theyâll combine into a folder. You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. Itâs a simple way to keep things organised and within reach.
Finally, thereâs the Snapping bar. If youâre a multitasker, this feature is a lifesaver. It lets you snap windows into various layouts on your screen. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and layout options will appear. You can place windows in different positions, making the most of your screen space. You can also use the Windows key + arrow keys to snap windows into place. If you donât see the snapping options, turn them on in Settings > System > Multi-tasking.
These features might not make headlines but can enhance your Windows 11 experience. Try them out and see how much time you can save.
THE HACK PODCAST
Cyber Security In Financial Services And Business Integrity - With Daniel Williams
As a personal finance professional passionate about cybersecurity, Daniel Williams has spent years navigating the complex landscape of financial and digital security. His insights illuminate a vital truth: cybersecurity is not merely a technical concern but a cornerstone of business integrity and success.
Businesses of all sizes and entrepreneurs must prioritise robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their assets, reputation, and future growth.
Leon and Dean join Dan in this podcast to explore business, cybersecurity, personal development, and productivity in depth. Tune in to catch this insightful discussion.
NEW TO MICROSOFT 365
Better coordination, wherever you work from
If some of your team works from the office while others are remote, collaborating and coordinating for meetings can be more challenging.
Microsoft Places is a new AI-powered tool that can change all that. It helps employees coordinate in-office time, book rooms and desks, and see coworkersâ schedules. It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams to make planning easier and boost workplace connections.
NEW TO GOOGLE WORKSPACE
Google Gemini
Formerly Google Bard, Google Gemini is a highly advanced AI model introduced by Google that offers a wide range of functionalities, making it a versatile tool for Google Workspace users. Gemini is designed to be Google's most capable and general model yet, delivering state-of-the-art performance across many benchmarks. It's been optimised in three versions: Ultra, Pro, and Nano, catering to a wide range of tasks from highly complex to on-device applications .
Pros:
Broad official integration across Google services, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and Calendar.
Capable of performing complex tasks with conversational commands.
Provides accurate and human-like responses based on Google's in-house AI model.
Cons:
It may not always provide context-specific answers. Only available in some countries.
TECH FACTS
Certain fonts use less printer ink and cut costs over time. The classic Times New Roman is one of the best standard ink-saving fonts.
The US Air Force used PlayStation 3s, but not for gaming. They used 1,760 consoles to create the worldâs 33rd-fastest computer inside their research laboratory.
Appleâs iTunes has some interesting terms and conditions. By agreeing to them, youâre agreeing not to build nuclear or biological weapons with iTunes.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE MONTH
âIt doesnât make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire
smart people so they can tell us what to do.â
Steve Jobs,
Co-founder of Apple
Zero-click exploits exist?
Zero-click exploits are cyber attacks that can hit your device without you clicking on anything. Yep, that means anyone can fall victim. They usually target messaging or voice-calling apps, using hidden messages or files to slip malware onto your device.
Since these attacks leave little evidence, theyâre tough to spot. To stay safe, ensure your software is constantly updated, and your team doesnât open messages or take calls from unknown senders.
Tech Update
Easier file sharing between your PC and Android phone
Windows 11 could be getting another new feature thatâll make your life easier if you use an Android phone.
Microsoftâs working on letting you access files on your phone through File Explorer. This means no more emailing yourself or using third-party apps to move photos or documents between your phone and computer.
This update aims to streamline your workflow and save time, which is perfect for when youâre busy â which is all the time, right?.
1 Year Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Dom
1 year at Think Cloud
FUN TECH QUIZ
Fun tech quiz - put your tech knowledge to the test.
What was the original name of Amazon.com?
What does the word âAndroidâ mean?
Why was the QWERTY keyboard designed?
What was a computer mouse first called?
Nomophobia is a phobia of what?
Answers at the bottom of the page!
Secure Your Success with a Cyber Risk Assessment
In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than a technical requirement; it's a strategic asset for business success. That's why we're introducing our Cyber Risk Assessment service, designed to enhance your cybersecurity posture while mitigating risks before they escalate.
Guaranteeing Peace of Mind
We understand the importance of trust in business decisions, especially when it comes to cybersecurity investments. To ensure you can make this critical decision with confidence, we offer our Cyber Risk Assessment with a 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, you face zero risk.
PROMPT TUTORIAL:AI Writing Tutor Prompt
AI Writing Tutor Prompt
I want you to act as an AI writing tutor. I will provide you with a student who needs help improving their writing and your task is to use artificial intelligence tools, such as natural language processing, to give the student feedback on how they can improve their composition. You should also use your rhetorical knowledge and experience about effective writing techniques in order to suggest ways that the student can better express their thoughts and ideas in written form. My first request is
"I need somebody to help me edit my master's thesis."
The Day The Data Disappeared
Itâs a bustling Monday morning; your business is humming with activity. Employees are logging in, meetings are scheduled, and projects are in full swing. Suddenly, chaos erupts.
The server has crashed, and access to all your companyâs crucial data vanishes. No one can get it started again. And then the harsh reality hits â there are no backups.
Many businesses have faced this real scenario. The consequences are dire. The company is paralysed without access to client information, ongoing projects, and financial records.
Deadlines are missed, clients are furious, and the financial loss can be staggering. Whatâs worse? All this could have been avoided with a solid data backup plan.
Data backup might sound like a dry topic, but itâs the unsung hero of modern business operations. Data is the lifeblood of any organisation. Everything hinges on the availability and integrity of this data, from customer information and financial records to proprietary business strategies. Without it, businesses simply canât function effectively.
Think of data backup as an insurance policy for your business. For example, you wouldnât drive a car without insurance and shouldnât operate a business without a data backup strategy. Backups provide a safety net, ensuring that even if the worst happens â a cyber attack, hardware failure, or human error â your business can bounce back quickly.
If you had regular backups in this scenario, the crisis could have been a minor inconvenience instead of a catastrophe. With a backup in place, you could have restored your data swiftly, minimising downtime and avoiding the loss of trust and revenue.
Beyond crisis recovery, data backups are also crucial for compliance and legal reasons.
Many industries have regulations requiring businesses to maintain data records for a certain period. Failing to comply can result in hefty fines and legal trouble.
Better still, the cost of data backup solutions has become increasingly affordable.
Cloud-based backup services, for instance, offer scalable options that can grow with your business. They provide automated, regular backups, so you donât have to worry about forgetting to save your data manually.
And, of course, investing in a robust backup strategy also contributes to peace of mind.
Knowing that your data is safe and recoverable allows you to focus on growing your business without the constant fear of data loss. Itâs a small investment with potentially huge returns.
BUSINESS GADGET OF THE MONTH
NVX Office 200 Bluetooth speaker
If you rely on your mobile for work calls at your desk, you might miss theconvenience and sound quality of a âproperâ phone. You get the best of both worlds with the NVX Office 200 Bluetooth speaker. Dock your phone onto it, and you have a desk
phone that lets you dial and answer calls, browse contacts, and speed dialâall with exceptional audio and
conference calling abilities.
Give us a call today to get yours!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
QUESTION
Iâm overwhelmed by the number of websites asking for a location, notifications, camera, and microphone access âcan I switch it off?
ANSWER
In the latest Edge browser in Windows, you can manage your privacy by going to a site, clicking the lock icon next to the website link and selecting âSite permissionsâ.
QUESTION
Switching from window to window is a
real pain when Iâm busy. Is there an easier way?
ANSWER
Try split screen. Hover over the Maximise button of a window and choose Snap Layouts. This is only available on Windows 11, though.
If you need help upgrading, get in touch.
QUESTION
Should I upgrade to Windows 11
or wait for Windows 12?
ANSWER
At time of writing thereâs no release date set for Windows 12. But we do know support for Windows 10 will end next year, so upgrading to Windows 11 is a good idea.
Take a look at our latest blog posts
- AI's Icebox Moment: Like Coca-Cola, Innovate and Protect Your Recipe
-
Reaching End Of Life, Windows 10 Says Goodbye.
-
The Hack Newsletter - Edition 40 | Think Cloud
Answers To Fun Tech Quiz
Cadabra Inc
Human with a male robot appearance (gynoid is the female equivalent)
To slow down typing speeds (on typewriters)
X-Y position indicator for displays
Being without a working mobile phone
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