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4 Reasons Why Every Business Needs IT Support

It’s no secret that we are living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (or 4IR), where technology is the center of businesses and industries. It’s practically impossible to run a modern business without the use of technology, which is why having an IT support team is so important. Ensuring that you have professionals on call to assist you with your IT infrastructure is just as important as having an accounting or sales team, as your business will only function as well as your technology. Here are four reasons why you should get an IT support team:

Data management

Many businesses rely on data. They can have loads of information ranging from general to highly confidential. An IT support team can help manage that data and organise so it’s easier to find while taking up as little space as possible. This boosts productivity, saves time, and adds an extra layer of security.

Enhance customer support

An IT support team allows you to accommodate customer concerns and improve service through multiple communication channels like emails and calls. From setting up email addresses to adding call extensions, your IT support team will ensure that you are well-connected with your customers.

Security

Cybercrime is always on the rise. Both small businesses and big companies can become victims to cybercrimes and can have damages and losses of billions of rands. Criminals will continue to find new ways of taking advantage of small businesses that don’t have the proper infrastructure in place. No business is safe unless it takes active measures to protect itself.

Your IT team can put up security measures to protect your business. They can also establish security protocols around your computer network system ensuring that your assets won’t be used or abused by those pesky cybercriminals.

System maintenance

A good IT team will be able to keep your operations running smoothly while being on the lookout for possible issues and addressing them before they can do any harm. This includes overseeing the business’ core tasks such as quality control, customer service, and logistics, as well as auditing current practices and coming up with recommendations on how to improve. It is critical for companies to maintain their systems and maximize upgrades to guarantee an optimum level of operation.

As you can see, technology is vital in a business. IT has allowed the business world to be more connected and helps level the playing field for small players in various businesses. The role of an IT support team further advances your company’s interests in getting the most out of your technological investments. If you’re looking for a reliable IT support provider, contact us today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

Email: info@theoasis.co.za

Website: www.theoasis.co.za

Cloud Computing: What is it, and what does it mean for my business?

We’ve all heard of cloud computing one way or another. In fact, you’ve probably used it before. Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft Azure, etc. It’s difficult to avoid because the future of business depends on it.

To put it simply, cloud computing is accessing resources – programs, files, data, etc. – through the internet. These resources are available to anyone who has a device with internet access, and of course, the login details to the cloud. Unlike hard drives, it cannot be destroyed, so rest assured that your data is 100% safe.

Among many, the main benefits that entice business owners to switch to cloud computing are the following:

Cost

Besides the fact that it reduces the need for hardware, it also requires less maintenance and labour, therefore cutting costs.

Security

Your data is encrypted and then stored in secure databases. This makes your data inaccessible to hackers and anyone who isn’t authorised.

Scalability

Your business can adjust the size of its storage needs quickly to suit its situation, which allows for flexibility.

Now that you’re aware of the amazing benefits of the cloud, let’s look at the different types of clouds and which one will suit your business.

Public Cloud

A public cloud works on a subscription basis. You can pay by the hour, week, or even year. You don’t have to worry about maintenance, and you only pay for what you use. This option is good for small businesses. Examples of a public cloud would be Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud.

Private Cloud

A private cloud is controlled by one company and is not shared with others. Its services and infrastructure is maintained on a private network. This makes it easier to customize resources to meet your IT requirements. You have more control, scalability, and flexibility. This option is good for bigger businesses.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid cloud combines a private cloud with a public cloud and allows data to move between the two. This option is cost effective and flexible. You essentially get the best of both worlds! A good example of a hybrid cloud is IBM’s Hybrid Cloud Solutions.

We, at Oasis, make it our mission to give you the best, tailor-made IT solutions for your business. We offer and support the following cloud services: Office 365, Google Apps, Exchange Online, Azure and File Storage. Contact us today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

Email: info@theoasis.co.za

Website: www.theoasis.co.za

Making Your VoIP Network Bulletproof: 5 Bulletproof Tips to Protect Your VoIP from Cyberattacks

VoIP is unbeatable when it comes to efficiency and flexibility. However, it’s not immune to cyberattacks. See how you can secure your VoIP ASAP!

Many modern-day businesses have now switched to the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This technology allows employees to perform voice calls using their internet connection.

It’s often a wise choice considering VoIP’s several benefits. These benefits include:

Low operating costs
Increased accessibility
High scalability
Advanced features for teams of all sizes
Portable
Superior voice quality

However, VoIP systems also have limitations, with cyberattacks being their number one downside.

Fret not! The good news is that you can protect a business’s VoIP system from hackers.

Read on to discover the most common threats to your network and tips on preventing them.

All VoIP systems require a stable internet connection to function properly. Unfortunately, their reliability on the internet makes them vulnerable to various security issues.

Some of the most frequent ones include:

DENIAL OF SERVICE

Denial of Service (DoS) is a common threat to VoIP systems comprising attacks designed to shut down a machine or network and make it inaccessible for use.

When this happens, legitimate users of VoIP technology may not be able to access their information systems and devices. And call centers can be affected by lower call quality, uptime, and latency.

TOLL FRAUD

Toll fraud is a threat that consists of making calls to outside lines from a company’s existing system. Hackers will dial costly international numbers intending to rack up toll charges to your business.

PHISHING

This is a common threat wherein attackers send fraudulent messages designed to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Often, the unsuspecting victims would divulge information about passwords, internal IP networks, and similar data.

Scary, right? Given the number of threats imposed by attackers on VoIP systems, it’s necessary to optimize your VoIP security ASAP!

Here are 5 valuable tips to get you started.

SET UP A FIREWALL

Secure firewalls are necessary for all VoIP systems. If spam or a threat comes your way, the firewall will identify and gain control over it, shielding your system from the attack.

USE STRONG PASSWORDS

Your VoIP system is no different from any other software or platform you use for handling sensitive information. For this reason, it needs to be protected with strong and regularly updated passwords.

Aim for combinations of at least 12 characters, including numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special symbols. And for ultimate protection, go for passwords consisting of a random character series.

Also, remember that some VoIP phones come with pre-set passwords, often available publicly. That’s why you should change yours as soon as you get a chance.

Ideally, try to change your passwords every three months.

RESTRICT CALLING

Many VoIP attacks happen due to toll fraud. So, if your business runs locally, there’s no need to have the international call option enabled. This allows you to be on the safe side and avoid paying expensive bills you weren’t even responsible for making.

ENCOURAGE YOUR TEAM TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR

Many VoIP attacks are due to irresponsible behavior. To prevent this from happening, educate your team on how they can best do their job without affecting the system’s security.

They should know how to spot unusual network activity, handle passwords, and report suspicious behavior. They should also report ghost calls and missing voicemails whenever received. Staff also shouldn’t store voicemail for too long.

The reality is that sometimes, cybersecurity training during onboarding often isn’t enough. That’s why you should do periodical training to always keep your VoIP system safe.

USE A VPN FOR REMOTE WORKERS

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are great software that encrypt traffic regardless of your employee’s location.

You can set up such a network for your remote staff to prevent data leaks and breaches.

If you have just set up a VoIP system for your company or are thinking of starting one, securing it should be your number one priority. Don’t risk falling prey to toll fraud, malware, phishing, and other attacks.

If you need assistance in implementing these changes or would like to further discuss securing your business’s VoIP system, contact us today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

Email: info@theoasis.co.za

Website: www.theoasis.co.za

Cybersecurity and Why You Should Need It

Cybersecurity should be every company’s main concern. Anybody can fall victim to a hack, whether it’s opening an “urgent” email attachment, or clicking a “Google Docs” link for an “important invoice.” Hackers are getting smarter, and so should your cybersecurity system.

So, what exactly is cybersecurity? Well, cybersecurity essentially comes down to keeping your company’s information, data, intellectual property, and devices safe and private. Just as a house without a fence is vulnerable to break-ins, so is a business without cybersecurity protocols.

Before we dive into how you can strengthen your cybersecurity system, let’s touch on what cyber threats there are. Common cyber threats include:

Malware like viruses and trojans.

Backdoors that allow remote access.

Formjacking, which inserts malicious code into online forms.

DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks, which flood servers and networks with traffic to knock them offline.

DNS poisoning attacks, which redirect traffic to malicious sites.

Cyber threats can cost organisations billions of rands and cause severe damage. Impacted organisations also stand to lose sensitive data, face fines, as well as reputational damage.

That’s only a few of the possible threats that your business, whether big or small, can encounter. Cybersecurity ensures the safety of your company’s assets by reducing the risk of cyberattacks. It entails:

Network security. This includes detecting vulnerabilities in your servers, firewalls, and network protocols.

Cloud security, which concerns securing data, applications, and infrastructure in the Cloud.

Anti-virus software, which will detect any virus or malware on your device and eliminate it.

Have you made cybersecurity a priority in your business? If not, we strongly urge you to do so as soon as possible! Otherwise, you’ll continue to make yourself vulnerable to a hack.

The primary reason for the numerous successful hacks on businesses can be credited to a lack of cybersecurity. Business owners, especially those running small companies, underestimate this. They make the mistake of doubting that hackers would pay attention to them. Believe us, they will.

Luckily, you can take these steps right now to resolve that issue:

Invest in cybersecurity

Investing in cybersecurity means several things, but these are the most basic:

Direct enough resources towards making your accounts, hardware, and network safe.

Educate your team on the dangers of cyberthreats and train them to follow security procedures. Employees are often the weakest point in your security grid, as any device they use for work can be a potential point of entry for hackers.

Leverage two-factor authentication, or 2FA

It’s a highly effective solution to preventing hacker attacks. This method works by requesting confirmation before the user can log into their account.

Encourage your employees to use 2FA on both work and personal accounts.

Use antivirus software

It may sound old-school, but it’s still an excellent method of cyber-attack prevention. But to ensure maximum cybersecurity for your business, purchase a professional package.

If you’d like to learn more about using advanced cybersecurity methods for your business, we can help. Contact us today to secure your company!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

Email: info@theoasis.co.za

Website: www.theoasis.co.za

Choosing The Right VPN For Your Business In 2022

Did you know that public networks expose you to security threats? This means that cyber thieves can track your online activity and can even intercept it and steal confidential usernames and passwords!

This is where a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, comes in. A VPN encrypts the data you send and receive while online, thereby making it difficult for cybercriminals to track you. Whether you’re in a coffee shop, the library, or even the airport, you need a VPN to protect your data.

Another place you should consider using a VPN is the office. Many companies rely on public networks for communication and data sharing. It allows them to cut costs and allocate their funds elsewhere, but it also raises several security issues.

For starters, the network provider might be monitoring the activity, which gives them access to customer details, emails, and confidential files. As a result, sensitive information can end up in the wrong hands, compromising the organisation’s reputation.

To eliminate these security threats, you need to switch to a VPN, which offers online anonymity and privacy, allowing you to conduct your daily operations privately.

However, you can’t go with just any VPN. Here are the 5 factors you should consider before choosing a reliable VPN.

The location of the VPN servers.

Ensure that the VPN has servers that are close to your business location. Connecting to a far server will result in latency issues (slow internet).

Price

While choosing a free VPN may seem tempting, they don’t deliver a great experience. They are often full of ads. Free VPNs usually track your online activity and then sell the data they collect to advertisers. You’re better off using a paid VPN.

Device compatibility.

Can the VPN be used on all the devices that you use? This is an especially important question to ask if you have cross-platform work.

Availability of a kill switch.

VPNs aren’t failproof. Overloaded platforms can trigger IP leaks, interrupting your private connection and exposing your true address when online.

To avoid this scenario, look for platforms with a built-in kill switch. It disrupts your devices’ access to the internet in case of IP leaks. The kill switch stops transfers of unencrypted information and can help prevent cybercriminals from obtaining your data.

Customer support.

Customer support might be the most important factor. Your provider should be easy to contact through different portals, such as telephone, live chat, and email.

Easy accessibility lets you inform the VPN developer of possible issues. For example, they can help restore your network if it goes down and prevent unwanted exposure.

Most client support teams are highly accessible, but make sure to verify this by reading customer reviews.

The digital world is filled with challenges, especially if your business uses public networks. Loss of data can happen at any time, which can give your competitors the upper hand and tarnish your reputation. That’s why switching to a VPN is one of the wisest investments you can make.

Contact us today to discuss your cybersecurity and find out where you might have any potential risks!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

What are Solid-State Drives and Do I Need It?You Should Care

Have you ever gone hard-drive shopping and seen something like “16GB RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD Storage” and had no idea what it means? We know that reading device specifications can be tricky, but it’s important to be knowledgeable on these things especially in this day and age.

The focus of this blog post is the part of the description that says “SSD”. SSD stands for Solid-State Drive, which is a new-generation storage device used in computers. Contrary to the traditional HDD (Hard-Disk Drive), an SSD can withstand harsher conditions like being dropped or extreme temperatures.

They are also faster than conventional hard disk drives (HDDs), more compact, and have no moving parts! This makes them good for gaming, video editing, and running other heavy applications. Sounds good, right?

Well, there are some downsides to it as well. For one, they’re much more expensive than an HDD, though buying one would be a good investment. SSDs have their own share of advantages and disadvantages, which we listed below:

Advantages

Durability

SSDs don’t have any moving parts; therefore, it can keep your data safe if you accidentally drop it or leave it in extreme temperatures. It is also lighter in weight than an HDD.

Better computing performance

Booting is the process of starting up a computer. SSDs allow faster boosting of computers, thereby improving the computer’s performance.

Generates less heat

Unlike HDDs, SSDs generate less heat, which means that you can use your laptop more comfortably on your lap without having to worry about burns.

Disadvantages

Price

As discussed before, the pricing of SSDs continues to be its biggest con. A 120GB SSD can cost anywhere from R500 and upwards, while a 120GB HDD would cost around R300.

Storage size

Because SSDs are generally expensive, they are mostly sold in smaller storage sizes as this is more affordable. An SSD’s storage capacity is usually under 160GB.

High power consumption

SSDs consume more power than an HDD especially when the computer boots.

Despite its disadvantages, SSDs trump HDDs in performance and speed. It’s a great replacement to make, especially with its recent advancements in the tech space.

Contact us today to purchase your SSD!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

Wi-Fi Frequencies, Wi-Fi Security, and Why You Should Care

Okay, so there’s been some talk about 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but what exactly are those? And why should you care? Not to worry! We’re here to help you weigh your options so you can choose the best IT set-up for your lifestyle.

Wi-Fi Frequency Bands

2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are Wi-Fi frequency bands that refer to the rate of data transmission and the signal range. The higher the frequency, the faster the data transmission and the shorter the signal range.

With this in mind, we can say that the 2.4 GHz band transmits data at a lower speed but has more coverage, while the 5 GHz band provides less coverage but transmits data at faster speeds.

How are 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and 5 GHz Wi-Fi different?

Now that we know what Wi-Fi frequency bands are, we can dive into the main differences between them.

2.4 GHz

5 GHz

Longer signal range

Shorter signal range

Slower data transmission rate

Faster data transmission rate

Used for low-bandwidth activities

Used for high-bandwidth activities

Susceptible to Wi-Fi interference

Can avoid Wi-Fi interference

You Should Choose 2.4 GHz if…

Your home is spacious. 2.4 GHz has more signal coverage. While it has a slower transmission rate, 2.4 GHz will ensure that you get a good signal throughout your home.

You mostly do low-bandwidth activities, such as browsing the internet.

You don’t have many 2.4 GHz devices, such as garage openers or baby monitors.

You Should Choose 5 GHz if…

You have a smaller house, or your PC is close to your router since the 5 GHz band has low signal coverage.

You engage in high-bandwidth activities, such as gaming or videoconferencing.

You have many devices that use the 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz band can help avoid wireless congestion.

We hope we’ve helped make your choice easier. However, ensuring your internet set-up is optimal doesn’t end there. Another big factor to take into consideration is your internet security.

Now that you have access to the internet, you are prone to cyberattacks and breaches. As hackers get smarter, the need to protect your digital assets and network devices is even greater.

Internet security, in essence, prevents unwanted access and ensures your data remains accessible to those who you authorize. Sounds good? Great! Let’s walk through the different types of security options and see which is the best fit for your business!

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

WEP is a security algorithm introduced to provide data confidentiality for wireless networks. It aims to add a layer of security to the wireless network by offering strong encryption to the data. Though it has become obsolete, it is still used in modern times with older devices. WEP is the least secure network type.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

WPA was developed to fill the gaps found within the WEP protocol. It aims to provide more sophisticated data encryption and better user authentication.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)

WPA2 has stronger security and is easier to configure than the prior options. It uses the Advanced Encryption Standard, which is able to secure top-secret government information, which makes it a brilliant option.

WPA2-PSK

WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) requires a single password to get on the wireless network. This makes it as safe as the people you entrust your password to. There could be major repercussions should the password fall into the wrong hands, which is why WPA2-PSK is used mainly for residential or open networks.

WPA2-Enterprise

WPA2-Enterprise is different from the other protocols in that it requires each user to have a password unique to them. Because each device is authenticated before it connects, a personal, encrypted tunnel is effectively created between the device and the network. The security benefits of a properly configured WPA2-Enterprise grant a near-impenetrable network.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)

WPA3 offers greater protection for passwords, individualised encryption for personal and open networks, and more security for enterprise networks.

WPA3-PSK

WPA3-PSK trumps WPA2 in that it offers greater protection for simple passwords, individualised encryption for personal and open networks, and even more secure encryption for enterprise networks.

It is essential that you choose a security option that is the most useful to you as a business. The last thing we want is for you to fret about the nitty-gritties of Wi-Fi frequencies and security options. Contact us today to see how we can help you set up your internet!

Contact us for IT Services today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

The New Microsoft 11 Is Here!

Since its release in 2015 Microsoft Windows 10 has been replaced with the latest version of the operating system, Microsoft Windows 11. The need for better home and business technology is a growing demand as we are now in a time when computers and technology play a more central role in human lives.

However, before you jump in and upgrade to the new operating system, we think we have some answers to the questions, you may have about the new Windows 11.

Question #1: What is new and improved in Microsoft 11?

Besides a significant boost in performance, functionality, and style there are other featured upgrades that we will cover that Microsoft has made.

Microsoft Teams

With work now being a mixture between home and in the office, Microsoft Teams became a new spotlight for effective internal communication for the office and between colleagues. As a result, it’s no surprise that Teams is now integrated into the operating system of Windows 11, which makes communicating with family, friends, and colleagues easier.

            Productivity

The streamlined productivity functions are small, but Windows 11 will now remember the last layout of your choice when docking. When using virtual desktops, you can choose between different backgrounds and the new Windows 11 features a Snap Layout function that allows users to choose from a variety of layout options at the click of a button.

            Gaming Experience

If you are an avid gamer, the new Windows 11 offers better gaming experience. Gamers can look forward to playing their games on Windows, with the Xbox Game pass and Cloud gaming supported by the Xbox app of the new Windows 11.

            Overall Look

The new Microsoft 11 has changed the overall look and design of Windows from Microsoft 10. Some may see a similarity to macOS or those that have used Apple before, as the icons in the taskbar are now permanently centred and the icons have a more tightly rounded corners than to their square design before.

Question #2: Is my hardware compatible for the new Windows 11?

If you are unsure about whether your computer is compatible, speak to us at Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions and we can have a look at your hardware to ensure that Windows 11 can run smoothly on your laptop.

Some compatibility elements are:

4 GB of RAM

At least 64 GB of storage

At least a 1GHZ dual-core processor

A graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

Not all computers are compatible to the new Microsoft operating system upgrade and, if you are feeling hesitant about the upgrade, contact us at Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions and we can assist you!

If your computer is not compatible or you have found that you can’t run the Windows 11 upgrade, don’t worry, Windows 10 will stay compatible with Microsoft until 2025!

There is nothing wrong with staying with Windows 10, you still have enough time to think about changing and upgrading your operating system.

Question #3: Is the Microsoft Office Suite available on the new Windows 11?

Microsoft Office Suite is not available to the new and upgraded Microsoft 11, you would have to pay for a Microsoft Office subscription first.

If you have an existing Microsoft Office subscription to Microsoft 365, then you are set!

The next step you would need to do is the installation of the Office suite on to your device after you have upgraded to Windows 11. It is important to keep in mind that the Microsoft Office 2010 version is older and has been discontinued as of last year, 2020. This means that if you are still wanting to use this version, you would have to make changes that would help in avoiding making yourself vulnerable to security risks or formatting risks to the operating system.

Overall, Microsoft have had a look at the pain points of their users and have made their efforts to upgrade the OS to increase their user’s experiences. Windows 11 is the new era of Windows and Microsoft have made a clear point in showing how technology is just a tool used to increase our everyday productivity and efficiency.

However, this doesn’t mean that you must upgrade to Windows 11 immediately, if you find that you’ve become a wizard and master of Windows 10, then the change is not as urgent.

If you are thinking of making the change to Windows 11 and want to find out more about the compatibility, security updates and if your laptop is well-suited for the new OS, then an IT Service provider, like Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions is willing to talk you through it.

Contact us for IT Services today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

Anti-virus and Cybersecurity: What you need to know.

Given the status of the Covid-19 pandemic, one can see that now more than ever before, people are more connected and reliant on the internet and they continue to remain so. Through mobiles, tablets, computers and laptops, people are looking to get connected and stay connected. However, with cyberthreats, like ransomware, malware, and viruses, people and even businesses can’t afford the risk of leaving their networks and their data unsecured and unprotected.

One of the most misunderstood occurrences with a computer is a virus.

If you’ve shared the thought that maybe your devices should have some type of antivirus protection, the short answer is yes. Make no mistake, viruses and cyberthreats are real, and every computer is vulnerable to attacks. To put it simply, a virus has the capability to make copies of itself that can spread to other computers, of which in this part, can make further copies of itself. Viruses differ to each other in that each virus can attack in a different way to the other. One can be created to send an email to everyone in your address book, wipe out all your data on your computer, or even send messages on your social media platforms.

Common types of cyber threats can be found not only in computers, but mobile phones and any other internet connected devices.

Malware: Malicious Software (Malware) is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of damaging software that is designed to be harmful or carry out malicious and unwanted actions to a computer, or computer network. This is commonly known as a virus as well as spyware and trojan horses. Malware has the capability to destroy, delete and crash your device and the files on it.

A type of malware known is spyware which attaches and hides itself within your computer and without your permission can make changes to your device. This can affect how you use your device and the overall productivity. As it says in its name it can quite simply ‘spy’ on your activity and generate unwanted advertisements and browser displays on your online web activity. It has the ability to encourage your browser to display certain websites and search results.

Typically, a virus masquerades itself as something else.

This can be an unprotected email with an interesting email attachment such as instructions to win R 1 000 000 or even a bright and jumpy link on your web browser encouraging you to download pictures or “never before seen” photos of your favourite celebrities. Once these links are opened/ downloaded, the virus springs to life and copies itself onto the user’s computer. Once on the device, the virus can figure out how to spread itself across the computer and even shared networks.

This kind of masqueraded virus or scam can also be known as phishing. It is mostly linked to fraudulent websites and emails that can trick you into giving your personal or financial information. As a result, money can be stolen, or a personal account can be compromised. This type of scam is seen when an email or message is received claiming errors in your account, trouble with your payment options or that suspicious activity has been noticed on your account. A link will be provided where your personal information will be uploaded, and this is where users can fall for the trick.

Therefore, one must ensure that they have the correct and most suited infrastructure protection on their computers, networks, and devices.

Caution and common sense can only go so far in keeping your computer and devices safe, there is much more that is needed to keep them protected. There is always room for human error which is why antivirus programmes and software are essential. A proper antivirus solution and infrastructure protection will give you peace of mind that there is a defence line.

Using an IT Company, such as Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions can help protect your data, devices and networks from malware and viruses. Having a proper cybersecurity infrastructure on your device can help prevent any threatening and destructive attacks. Avoid the risks of ransomware, at Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions through the deployment and management of antiviruses such as Bitdefender, ESET and AVG, we will protect your infrastructure!

Contact us for IT Services today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

So, you need a new laptop?

While shopping for a laptop can and may be overwhelming at times, don’t let it ruin the fun in the fact that you’re out shopping (or shopping online) for a new laptop! Although you will be faced with numerous choices, many brands and prices that will vary, this laptop buying guide will help you navigate between all the models, styles, and functioning systems.

Buying a laptop is not a simple decision, but we will show you the basic steps you need to have in mind to ensure that you’re buying the best laptop for you!

The deciding factors for a laptop begin with the pre-planning. It essentially comes down to three simple things that you need to keep in mind.

Determine your price range. This is important, as this will allow you to know what to look for and stay within your budget.

What are you going to use your laptop for? Will it be used for work, school, gaming, or university etc? The laptop that will be the best for you, will be the one that does exactly what you need it to do.

Where will you use it? Are you using your laptop at your desk for majority of the day, or are you a busy professional moving from meeting to meeting? Establishing the use of the laptop will determine the portability of your laptop.

Once these steps have been decided, you can start looking at the next set of functions that will make your laptop custom to you!

First, you need to pick and figure out which operating system you would like, and which would work best for you. A laptop’s operating system determines the way that the interface will look, how it operates and the types of software that you can use. Taking the time to think what type of software you want to run on your laptop and on which system will help in your decision on choosing the hardware that you need.

Most laptops come with one of three operating systems: MacOS, Chrome OS or Windows. Deciding on which is the right one is a personal preference. Each system has their own strengths and weakness, make sure you are well researched on each system beforehand so that you choose a laptop that runs well with the system.

MacOS

PROS

CONS

MacOS comes with free productivity apps that are preinstalled in the Mac devices, or which can be downloaded from the App store.

MacOS is exclusive to MacBook laptops and iMac desktops, which are very expensive compared to other operating systems and hardware.

Clean and user-friendly interface. Those who are familiar with the IOS in Apple products will notice the similarity of MacOS to that found within the iPads and iPhones.

The operating system is not compatible for those who are interested in and currently in the gaming market. MacOs has limited game titles and there are restrictions on the options for hardware upgrades and customisation.

Chrome OS

PROS

CONS

Due to the compact design of Chrome OS, the operating system is the most affordable out of all the other operating systems. Chrome OS is most compatible with a Chromebook.

Chrome OS constantly needs internet access to edit and have full access to documents. This means that if a Chromebook is offline, then you can’t access to documents or your Google drive.

Chrome OS has an expected battery life of between 9-11 hours. This means that a Chromebook is good for if you are on the go or travelling due to the expected long battery life.

The storage on Chrome OS is only 32GB which means that your storage is limited. However, you can save to your Google Drive and Google Docs, but only if you have an internet connection.

Windows

PROS

CONS

Windows has great software support. The system is best suited for any game and software developers and since Windows has a large audience, developers prefer to make utilities, games, and software for Windows operating system.

There is a high amount of hacker attacks on Windows operating systems. The security of Windows is vulnerable to hacking and so Windows users must constantly update their anti-virus software, and, in some cases, they may have to pay monthly charges for improved protection.

Windows is made for both touch screen devices and desktop computers and the interface is user-friendly.

On Windows you may have to constantly reboot your system. If your system is running slow or you have too many programs open at the same time, this can create a delay and hangs up. The solution is too reboot.

These are just some of the features, functions, and systems that you need to keep in mind for when you are choosing your new laptop. Deciding on the brand of your laptop may be overwhelming we encourage doing some extensive research, read reviews and even browse through brand’s social media pages to get an accurate overview on what products they have to offer.

Memory (Ram)

This is random-access memory (RAM) which is an important specification in your decision for a well performing laptop. RAM stores the processor computing tasks where the processor picks up these tasks and makes them happen. When a laptop or computer has more RAM, then the overall general performance of your laptop will be improved. If you have demanding software, then RAM will allow the processor to take on more tasks at once.

Using the Internet

Updating social media

Watching and streaming video clips

4 GB and over

Studying (researching and writing essays)

Creating spreadsheets and documents

Creating and working on presentations and office admin

6 GB and over

Streaming HD films and tv series

Gaming

Editing programmes for amateur photos and videos

8 GB and over

Graphic design

Editing programmes for professional photography, videography, and music production.

CAD Design

16 GB and over

Storage

When it comes to the storage of your laptop, there are four types that refer to the amount of space available on your laptop. The space will be able to store anything from documents, images, software, and everything else. When choosing the right storage, you will have to make a choice between eMMC, SSHD, HDD and SSD drives. Each will be specific to your type of storing option tailored to you and/ or your profession such as if you are a professional photographer or videographer, you would want to look at getting a laptop with a large enough storage to safely keep your images and videos.

Battery Life

If you are planning to use your laptop at home or the office, you will want to make sure that your laptop has a battery that will be able to last for at least 7/8 hours. If you are a young university student, moving from lectures to lectures, you would need to have a laptop with a battery life that would sufficiently last you for majority of your schedule. Make sure your laptop comes with an easily accessible charger, so that should you need too, you can have a quick access to keep your laptop’s battery alive.

Connectivity

Connectivity is an essential need for any laptop, this refers to how well your laptop connects to the devices around it. This includes the internet, external storage, and screens. When looking at the connectivity of your laptop, there are several factors to keep in mind.

            WiFi: This is the fastest way to connect to the internet. A laptop that has WiFi can connect with any fibre optic broadband which can give you the fastest internet connection possible. This is perfect for those who need the internet for school or work, streaming videos and even gaming online.

            USB Port: Laptops with an USB ports allows for your laptop to connect to multiple devices and laptop accessories. This includes if you need an external mouse, a printer, your mobile phone and even your camera.

            HDMI: An HDMI connection is an easy addition to any laptop that allows you to connect your laptop to any modern TV or a monitor. This means that the HDMI cable allows to transmit full HD video signals, so you can enjoy what’s on your laptop, including video and audio, on any TV or HD monitor.

Make sure to get in contact with us, Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions, if you need more assistance in choosing the right laptop for you. Once you have chosen your laptop, we can assist you with all your infrastructure needs under one roof, as Oasis offers hardware, software, consumables, stationery, and support.

Contact us for IT Services today!

Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions.

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za

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