Tag: computers

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.

 

1. 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).

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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

 

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

1. 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.

 

2. Better computing performance

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

 

3. 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

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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

 

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

 

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

 

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