Microsoft Archives | 247 IT Services https://247itservices.co.za/tag/microsoft/ IT Support Services Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:51:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://247itservices.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Logo-alone-150x150.png Microsoft Archives | 247 IT Services https://247itservices.co.za/tag/microsoft/ 32 32 Microsoft Celebrates 50 Years of Technological Innovation https://247itservices.co.za/2025/04/08/microsoft-celebrates-50-years-of-technological-innovation/ Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:59:49 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2640 What would the world be without Microsoft? It is difficult to imagine and luckily we don’t have to. This week Microsoft is turning 50. In April 1975, two childhood friends, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, launched a small software company in a strip mall in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What began as an ambitious startup has […]

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What would the world be without Microsoft? It is difficult to imagine and luckily we don’t have to.

This week Microsoft is turning 50. In April 1975, two childhood friends, Bill Gates and Paul Allen, launched a small software company in a strip mall in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What began as an ambitious startup has since become one of, if not  the most, influential companies in living memory.

Now, half a century later, Microsoft is the second-largest company in the world, trailing only behind Apple, and it is only becoming stronger as the company continues to go down new and more exciting paths.

The Leader in Operating Systems and Office Software

Microsoft’s first major breakthrough came with the development of MS-DOS, which turned into what we know as the Windows operating system, a system now used in millions of devices worldwide.

Alongside its OS dominance, Microsoft became the go to company for office productivity software. Microsoft Office, once sold on floppy disks and CDs, is now available via Cloud Computing, which has further ensured its supremacy despite having free competitors like Google Docs.

Businesses across the UK and globally still rely fully on Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and Outlook for daily operations, which just goes to show the company’s early innovations still hold their ground.

Unafraid to Try New Things

Over the decades, Microsoft has attempted to add more products and services outside of its software and operating systems, but only enjoyed varying degrees of success.

The company entered the gaming industry in 2001 with the Xbox, which has remained a formidable competitor to Sony’s PlayStation despite trailing in market share. Microsoft also ventured into search engines with Bing in 2009, though it could not compete with Google and Bing remains a mostly unused search engine. One of its more successful expansions, however, was its acquisition of LinkedIn in 2016, which brought the company into the social media industry.

Despite its lukewarm success in other areas, one could say that these have been mostly hobby ventures, as Microsoft’s main focus has always been in the software and operating system arena.

An AI and Cloud Computing Future

With AI becoming the single most talked about tech development in recent years, it is unsurprising that Microsoft has focused a lot of time, money and energy on this industry.

The company is also increasingly taking  an interest in the possibilities of Cloud Computing. Microsoft Azure, its Cloud Computing platform, is currently the second-largest in the world, just behind Amazon Web Services (AWS).

But AI is where Microsoft is set to shine. The company has made significant strides, investing over $14 billion in OpenAI since 2019 and integrating AI-powered tools into its product lineup, like Microsoft 365 Copilot.

However, unlike its biggest competitors, the company lacks its own proprietary AI silicon chips and is instead relying on external suppliers. Whether these investments will cement Microsoft’s place in the AI revolution or leave it playing catch-up remains to be seen.

Fascinating Facts About Microsoft

Microsoft’s history is long and filled with fascinating stories, all of which have shaped this tech giant into the company that it is today. Some interesting facts about its journey include:

  • Microsoft’s first software development was a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800, a mail-order hobbyist computer that had neither a screen nor a keyboard. It was created without access to an actual Altair and was tested on a Harvard mainframe.
  • Microsoft executives very nearly cancelled the Xbox project before its launch, but it’s a good thing they didn’t, as the console ultimately became one of the company’s most successful consumer brands.
  • Microsoft initially underestimated the Internet’s potential, only shifting focus after Netscape gained popularity in the 1990s. Bill Gates famously redirected the company towards web-based technology in 1995, a year after Amazon was founded.
  • The once-loathed Microsoft Office assistant, Clippy, was scrapped in 2001, but it still appears as an emoji in newer Office applications and remains a beloved internet meme.

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Microsoft is a household name these days, and some 300 000 UK-based companies use Microsoft products. If you are not yet using a Microsoft product, why not give it a try as the company turns 50? At 24/7 IT Services, we are highly experienced in all things Microsoft, and we provide our clients with a range of services such as Managed IT Support, IT Security, and so much more. Contact us today for more information.

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5 Tips to improve your Productivity in Word https://247itservices.co.za/2022/08/24/5-tips-to-improve-your-productivity-in-word/ Wed, 24 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2292 As one of the most used programmes in the business world, Microsoft Word remains a popular resource for document creation of all types. Each day millions of Word documents are written and saved, and as such, when it comes to boosting office productivity, it certainly helps to have a couple of useful tips up your […]

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As one of the most used programmes in the business world, Microsoft Word remains a popular resource for document creation of all types. Each day millions of Word documents are written and saved, and as such, when it comes to boosting office productivity, it certainly helps to have a couple of useful tips up your sleeve.

Microsoft Word was one of the very first Microsoft Office applications to be introduced. Now an essential part of daily life for most, Word is not just a handy tool for writers and teachers, it is also a business tool often used to create invoices and other necessary business documents. The programme was first launched back in October of 1983 and originally it was called the Multi-Word Tool. It was later simplified to what we all know it as today, which is Microsoft Word.

As the go-to Office application used by around 90% of businesses around the world, most employees are already proficient in the use of this application. But there are still a handful of tips and tricks that you can tap into, if you are looking for a way to improve your productivity.

  1. Text to speech

Did you know that Word has a handy feature that allows you to talk to your computer and have it turn your words into text? Since research has proven time and again that most of us speak faster than we can type, this handy feature can come in very helpful if you are looking to save time or if you are just too tired or lazy to type things out. You will need to install a feature called Dictate, which is available from Microsoft, in order to convert your speech to text.

  • Look up synonyms

Want to sound more professional with your writing? Or maybe you have just used the same word one too many times and now it is looking a little repetitive, Word has a synonym feature which will allow you to highlight a word, right-click to open a drop-down menu, and then from there select the synonyms option to find a better word.

  • Improve your proofreading

In business, grammatical and spelling mistakes can look sloppy and unprofessional. With Word, you already know it will protect you from the more obvious mistakes, but there is a way that you can take things to the next level, by enhancing your proofreading. Open the file menu and from there go to the options. After that click on proofing, which should be displayed in a tab and have a look at the various enhancements available.

  • Do some research

You don’t necessarily have to go into a browser each time you are looking for new information. Instead, with Word’s new Researcher tool, you can run a Google search from the programme while you work. This awesome feature is guaranteed to give your productivity a boost and it is going to save you loads of time. This feature is also designed to give you only the best quality resources.

  • Use Read Aloud

With the latest versions of Word, under the review tab there is a feature called Read Aloud. This is a proofreading tool of sorts and it basically reads your text out to you. This is an especially helpful feature for those who have big blocks of text. While reading over your text is the most common way to proofread, it is not unusual to miss something while editing. Having it read aloud to you by someone (or something) else, is often a better way to spot and correct mistakes.

* At 24/7 IT Services in London, we offer our extensive client base a range of helpful services, including Network Services, IT Consultancy and Managed IT Support. Contact us today for a consultation or a quote.

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The Pros and Cons of Syncing your Work and Home Computer https://247itservices.co.za/2022/08/03/the-pros-and-cons-of-syncing-your-work-and-home-computer/ Wed, 03 Aug 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2276 The rise in popularity around working from home might have waned in some businesses, but there are still plenty of companies who have liked the practice so much that they have decided to adopt it as a part of their approach to business operations. Working from home has opened up a whole new world of […]

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The rise in popularity around working from home might have waned in some businesses, but there are still plenty of companies who have liked the practice so much that they have decided to adopt it as a part of their approach to business operations.

Working from home has opened up a whole new world of opportunity and those who have decided that this practice works well for them have found that there are certain things that they can do to efficiently blend the city centre office with the home office of the employee.

One of the most used methods, is to sync the work computer with the home one.

Syncing computers is nothing new. In fact, many people have been syncing personal laptops and desktops for years. And then there are those who sync emails only, which is also a practice that has worked quite well for many looking to bring some of their work home with them, but not all of it.

These days, with working from home being a lot more acceptable, people are looking for new and improved ways to have access to their work documents, without having to lag around computer equipment. But in doing so, this new way of working which, let’s face it, is blurring the lines between home life and work life, is going to have its pros and its cons.

How to get synced?

If this is something that you are looking forward to doing, you need to know how to get up and running. To sync your 2 systems, you need to start by making sure that you have a Microsoft account that is being used on both computers. You will also need to check with your IT department to make sure that you have permission to sync.

Once you have this out of the way, you will be able to sync your systems by using the default Microsoft setting which will also allow you to decide what to sync and what not to.

The Pros and Cons of Syncing

There’s not a huge array of pros and cons, but they are worth knowing if you are still trying to make your decision.

The pros naturally include the fact that you will have everything right where you need it, so you will not find yourself having to run back to the office every other day to get something.

The other advantage of syncing your two computers is that even when you are in the office, whatever you are working on will be also be available at home.

And then there is the fact that your home system might be a lot better than your work setup, so being able to work from home more efficiently will make you more productive.

But as with all things in life, where there is a pro, there is also a couple of cons.

The biggest con being privacy.  When you sync your personal computer with your work one, you will need to be to be very careful about what you share, or you could end up syncing all of your private data, which in turn could end up being viewed by your IT department or anyone else who happens to use your computer.

And finally, cyber security concerns can be an issue. If your work network is more secure than your home one, the result could be that the company is made vulnerable through your home system.

Syncing computers is a great option for anyone who is able to work from home. For those who have adapted to this sort of lifestyle, productivity is generally greatly improved and working from home can also reduce stress. Just be smart about your syncing and you will experience more of the pros than the cons.

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Need a team to take care of your IT requirements? At 24/7 IT Services in London, we offer a wide range of related services, including managed IT support, cyber security and VoIP setup. Contact us today for more information.

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How to Preview any File in Windows https://247itservices.co.za/2022/06/22/how-to-preview-any-file-in-windows/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2194 Since so much of the system is geared towards helping users to be as productive as possible, there are plenty of shortcut options that are designed to save you loads of time while helping you to get the information that you need.

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Windows is without a doubt the best operating when it comes to improving productivity. With its easy use, the many applications that are compatible with it, and the fact that although it is a system that has its fair share of ups and downs, it is still a system that (most times) will work like a dream, Windows is the most installed and used operating system on the planet.

Since so much of the system is geared towards helping users to be as productive as possible, there are plenty of shortcut options that are designed to save you loads of time while helping you to get the information that you need. There are shortcuts that will minimise your desktop and give the option of adding another, which is incredibly helpful when you are looking at working with a variety of applications.

And then there is the little known shortcut that will allow you to preview a file without having to open it, which will definitely be a big help, especially if you have plenty of other files open and you don’t want to slow down your PC or laptop by opening more.

Whether you are working with Windows 10 or Windows 11, this shortcut should work, and it is suitable for a number of applications including Word, Excel, PDFs, photos, graphics, videos, music, and audio files.

This feature can also be used to previews files that are unknown. When you preview the unknown file, you won’t have to worry about not having the correct type of application to open it, something which can be the case if you are working with design files.

How to Preview Files and Additional Preview Programmes

There are a number of ways that you can preview a file in Windows, and these are the easiest options.

Use Windows File Explorer Panel

The simplest way to preview a file in Windows would be to use the built in feature, which is the File Explorer. You can access this by opening the File Explorer in your version of Windows and then clicking on the view tab and then selecting the preview option. Click just once on the file that you want to view and you will be given a preview in the tab next to it. This option will also allow you to increase or decrease the size of your preview.

Use the QuickLook Programme

If you are looking for something different, you can download QuickLook for free. It easily integrates with File Explorer, and once it is installed, all you need to do is select the file you want to use and then press your space bar. A preview window will pop up where you will be able to view the file. You will also be able to increase or decrease the size of the preview.

Use the Cool File Viewer Programme

A programme that doesn’t integrate with Windows File Viewer, but is quite sophisticated and might be preferred by those who are looking for something a little more advanced, this programme is a good option. With Cool File Viewer, you can preview most files as well as have a look at and even extract if need be, files that have been compressed in ZIP or RAR formats. And as for office applications, with this programme you will be able to both view the file and edit it. The downside of the programme is that it will only allow you to preview a limited number of programmes before you have to use a paid version.

If you are looking for a team of IT professionals to assist you with your business IT needs, you can contact 24/7 IT Services today. We offer a variety of solutions including IT consultancy, Cloud Computing and Network Services.

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How to Master OneNote https://247itservices.co.za/2022/05/11/how-to-master-onenote/ Wed, 11 May 2022 06:20:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2174 OneNote is basically the last digital note book that you will ever need to have. It is versatile, it comes with many options for customising and you can even use it to full effect if you are disconnected from the web. It also works on any kind of platform.

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It is one of the office applications that comes with the account but it is quite often overlooked. But once you get to grips with Microsoft OneNote you might just find that it is the one thing that has been missing from your line up of productivity tools.

As a member of the Microsoft Office family, OneNote is convenient because it is right there and always ready to use. It allows you to jot down your ideas, whether they are ideas at work or ideas at home, and it allows you to do so in the style that best suits you. With OneNote, you are able to type, draw or physically write things down while you can also taking clippings from the web and then save them with your other notes.

Beyond just being able to write down ideas and save things from the web, OneNote gives you the option to collaborate, as the app syncs via the web with anyone who shares access.

OneNote is basically the last digital note book that you will ever need to have. It is versatile, it comes with many options for customising and you can even use it to full effect if you are disconnected from the web. It also works on any kind of platform.

While those who have been using OneNote for a couple of years have got a good grasp of the basics, those who are new to the app and who want to make sure that they make the most of it can find that the process of getting comfortable with the app can be greatly improved with a couple of tips.

How to use OneNote

OneNote is the perfect application for organising and productivity. The app could be used on the go when it is on your phone, or it can be used when sitting at your desk. If you have a Microsoft 365 account, the app should already be on your desktop or in your start menu, ready to use. If you are working with your phone, you will need to either connect your account to access it, or you will need to download it from the relevant store.

The app allows you to do various things, and so when you are getting started out, you first need to have some understanding about what you need the app for.

To Create a Quick Note

This is possibly one of the things the app is most used for, and it is always convenient to whip your phone out of your pocket and quickly write down thoughts on a quick note before you lose track of your thoughts. With OneNote on your phone, you can do just that by opening the app and selecting the new quick note option.

To Create a Notebook

If you want to put all of your notes together in one place, you can create a notebook. With this option, you will need to go over to the Show Notebooks Button and then click on the +Notebook button. After you have given the Notebook a name, you can start creating.

Access your Notebook

Not only can you create quick and easy Notebooks for your own use, but you can also share your Notebooks with others. To access the Notebooks that you have been given access to, you can click on the Show Notebooks Button again, and then go to the More Notebooks option. Here you will be able to see and select the Notebook you want to open.

OneNote is also pretty fantastic when it comes to creating lists. This app also allows you to import Excel sheets, which can make creating lists rather easy.

If you need an IT team to assist you with your Microsoft 365 account setup or to give you an introduction to some of its uses, you can contact 24/7 IT Services. We offer a variety of services which include Business Continuity and Cloud Computing.

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The Latest Windows 11 Developments https://247itservices.co.za/2022/04/13/the-latest-windows-11-developments/ Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2156 If you have not yet gone over to Windows 11, but you have been thinking about it, these are some of the latest features and interesting developments that you can expect to see if you update your operating system to the newest version of Windows.

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It has been a couple of months since Windows 11 officially launched and like all versions of Windows, the first few months have seen a lot of the kinks worked out and plenty of new features brought in.

A few days ago, Microsoft held an event during which they updated the public about what they are working on and what is to be expected from Windows 11 in the coming days, weeks and months.

At the event, Microsoft went over several features that they have already made public. Initially, it would seem that nothing new was being said but for the more focused listener, there were actually quite a few new features mention.

If you have not yet gone over to Windows 11, but you have been thinking about it, these are some of the latest features and interesting developments that you can expect to see if you update your operating system to the newest version of Windows.

Smart Context IQ Features

Microsoft is all about making the experience as user friendly as possible and so it is no surprise that one of the new additions that is coming out has to do with smart, contextual features. This feature is designed to be able to recommend relevant content and contacts in the start-up menu as well as in the Microsoft 365 apps.

This feature is also designed to reduce the number of clicks that you need to make in order to get to wherever you need to be. This saves a lot of time, especially in the business context.

The company is also bringing out a feature which they have called “Suggested Actions” which can guide you to quickly doing everyday tasks, such as adding contacts or creating Calendars.

Improved Widgets

One of the most helpful features, and something that has been around for a while is the Widgets Panel. It has undergone a couple of changes over the years and although users have known that this feature is undergoing some changes and being improved, users are not quite sure what changes to expect just yet.

What we do know is that the widget panel will be looking a little different in the coming months, and it is possibly going to be a lot more user friendly.

Cloud Integration

For the commercial users, in the coming months, it will be easier to integrate the local desktop with the Cloud PC experience as it is offered to Windows 365 accounts, in a number of ways.

Users will be able to directly log into their Cloud PC and make it the primary Windows experience. This will be available as the Windows 365 Boot.

With Windows 365 Offline, users will be able to work in Windows 365 even if they are not connected to the web. Once their connection is restored, the work that has been done will sync back to the service without any of the data being lost.

Users will also be able to switch between their local desktop and the Cloud PC as they please, using the Task Switcher.

And finally, there is the Windows 365 app which gives users another way to connect their Cloud PC from their Start Menu or the Task Bar. This provides an easy and effective way to personalise the work experience.

Windows 11 is going to become the main version of Windows in a couple of months and if you have any questions about this version of the operating system, you can have a chat with our team at 24/7 IT Services. We are in the business of getting companies sorted out with the best IT solutions including, managed IT support and Cloud computing.

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Microsoft 365 Data Should be Backed-Up. This is why. https://247itservices.co.za/2022/03/16/microsoft-365-data-should-be-backed-up-this-is-why/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2097 The Cloud has changed much of how we do day to day business tasks. When once backing up information was something we did to a server or an external hard drive, these days the Cloud has become the main backup spot, for Office data and other information alike.

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The Cloud has changed much of how we do day to day business tasks. When once backing up information was something we did to a server or an external hard drive, these days the Cloud has become the main backup spot, for Office data and other information alike.

When it comes to Microsoft Office 365, there is still a lot of misconceptions about who is responsible for the data backup. And what Microsoft provides and what they are responsible for is completely different to what users assume, and for this reason data is often easily, and unexpectedly lost.

Why you should back-up your data?

Microsoft does not provide its Office 365 clients with the sort of data backup they think they are getting. In reality, Microsoft at best offers clients a partial backup which the clients then assume is a full backup.

The only way to guarantee that your data is correctly backed up would be to getting into the habit of manually doing it yourself. But the fact that Microsoft is not doing a good job of backing up is not the only reason why you should be doing it yourself. There are a couple of other important reasons as well:

  1. It leads to less downtime

Although Microsoft is a mega software company, it is not immune to sudden power outages, disconnections and software failures, right when you are in the middle of doing something. In fact in 2020, a major outage left much of Microsoft’s European clients without access. The big problem when using anything on the Cloud is that when something like this happens, it results in software being inaccessible and depending on how bad the outage is, any data you were working on could be lost.

Because of this reason, Microsoft actually has a clause in its service level agreement encouraging the regular backup of data on a third party app.

  • Backup tools are not that great

Microsoft 365 does come with its own built in backup system but it is quite limited. For instance, you will be able to recover some of the data that you have lost or deleted but if the data has been gone for a while, it can’t be recovered. The recovery process can also be rather complicated, in that it is not a one-click and everything comes back kind of solution.

And finally, with the built in backup, data is not secure. Instead, since it is being backed up to the Cloud, the backup itself is vulnerable to data loss.

  • Permanent deletion is permanent

With Office 365, any hard delete is permanent. There is absolutely no backup for this deletion process and so if you were to accidently opt for a hard delete, there would be no way to recover your data.

Usually, this wouldn’t be a massive problem, because unless you are really not paying attention, it is a hard mistake to make. The real problem is that when an item has been soft deleted, and has been left in the bin for more than 30 days, it will be permanently removed.

  • Account deletion also results in the full deletion of data

Data is connected to the user’s account, so if the account has been deleted for whatever reason, the data will disappear.

This is also true for accounts that are being migrated and for accounts with an outdated license. To avoid losing data from an account that is lost for whatever reason, it is important to always have that additional backup in place.

  • Microsoft 365 can’t protect your data from other threats

Even if Microsoft 365 had the best data protection solutions, it can’t protect you from other threats like hackers and viruses that can affect your computer, and corrupt or delete your data. While Microsoft 365 tries to give its users some protection, you need to make sure that you have additional security measures in place, and that you regularly backup your data.

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Why you should wait a while before updating to Windows 11 https://247itservices.co.za/2022/02/23/why-you-should-wait-a-while-before-updating-to-windows-11/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2116 There is a lot of talk about the latest version of Microsoft Windows, and millions of PCs and laptops have been alerted to an available update to Windows 11. But like all technology, and as with all things in life, you probably don’t want to be among the first people to install the update, especially if the update is available for a work computer.

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There is a lot of talk about the latest version of Microsoft Windows, and millions of PCs and laptops have been alerted to an available update to Windows 11. But like all technology, and as with all things in life, you probably don’t want to be among the first people to install the update, especially if the update is available for a work computer.

Microsoft Windows is without a doubt one the world’s most used and best known operating systems. For the most part, the system works seamlessly, and except for a couple of versions that many in the IT field would happily forget, the Windows operating system has been greatly beneficial for both business and home users.

But just because there is a new version, doesn’t mean you should be in a hurry to click the download and install button, even if it is free.

Although Windows updates, in general, should not be put on hold for too long, when it comes to updating the entire system to something new, it pays to pause. And what’s more is that you can actually put the update on hold indefinitely, something you can’t normally do when you have other updates waiting to be installed.

Since Windows 10 support is going to continue on until 2025, you shouldn’t worry about being left behind.

When the Windows 11 update became available, a couple of IT experts installed the update to see what the fuss was all about. And after using the update for a while, the general consensus was that it is far better to wait before installing it, for a number of really good reasons.

Why you should wait before hitting update

  1. System functionality is different

In order to get the most out of any new Windows system, functionality is key. While on the whole, the latest version of Windows is fully functional, there are a few things that will definitely be annoying. For instance, the Taskbar and the Start Menu are both considered to be less functional than that of Windows 10. The Taskbar can’t be moved or resized and new apps can’t be added to the Start Menu.

  • The system is slightly flawed

One of the greatest reasons why you should wait before you upgrade to Windows 11, is that because it is a new system, you will be among the first users to identify and then have to deal with the system flaws, of which there are a few. Generally, with the new system, the flaws will only be fully identified through the system being used, and then it can take a couple of months for the flaws to be fixed through yet more updates. A flawed system is not only going to set you back with your day to day work, but it can so frustrating that you’d spend each day more stressed than you’d otherwise need to be.

  • Features are limited

When Windows 11 was first announced, Microsoft users were excited to learn that the system would be compatible with Android apps, the very same that they would use on their smartphone devices. But here’s the catch, this compatibility will not be available with the first version of Windows 11. Instead, they will be a part of the updates that will follow. So if this was your main reason for wanting to update, best wait.

  • Familiarity is missing

What makes any operating system truly work for the user is familiarity. When you are using the same system day in and day out for years at a time, you soon develop a natural ease with it. And when you know your way around it, you can become incredibly efficient with the tasks you need to do. So when you install Windows 11, without knowing much about it, you are going to have to become familiar with everything all over again, and in the meantime, you’ll have to struggle with getting to know a whole new system.

Want to know more about Windows 11 and when you should update? You can give our team a call and we can have a chat about your concerns or answer your questions.

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Increase Productivity using Microsoft 365 Power Automate https://247itservices.co.za/2022/01/14/increase-productivity-using-microsoft-365-power-automate/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:25:33 +0000 https://247itservices.co.za/?p=2076 Increasing productivity in the workplace is made a whole lot easier when using Microsoft 365 Power Automate. With the opportunity to automate various tasks, staff can turn their attention to more important aspects of the business, and this increase in productivity means your business can continue to grow at a steady pace.

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Increasing productivity in the workplace is made a whole lot easier when using Microsoft 365 Power Automate. With the opportunity to automate various tasks that would otherwise be boring, given that they are repetitive and time consuming, staff can turn their attention to more important aspects of the business, and this increase in productivity means your business can continue to grow at a steady pace.

Everyone loves the benefits of automation, especially because it not only reduces workloads but it can also reduce error. Microsoft 365 Power Automate is filled with standout features and hidden gems that work perfectly in businesses of all shapes and sizes, and if you have not yet set up this powerful productivity tool in your business, now is a great time to consider it.

What is Microsoft Power Automate?

For those not already familiar with Microsoft Power Automate, this is what it is all about.

Power Automate, as described by Microsoft, is a service that enables you to automate your workflows between various apps and services. It allows you to synchronise files, to get notifications and to even collect data that will later on help you to improve various aspects of your business.

The programme comes with ready to use templates to get you started and it also includes a few non-Microsoft related products, such as Twitter, Google, Dropbox and Google Drive, which when accessed across platforms will make staff even more efficient.

Power Automate is so easy to get to grips with that you don’t actually need IT skills or any advanced developer skills to integrate it into your current business set up and once you are ready to go, the amount of work that you will manually have to do, will be a whole lot less than usual.

Before we get into how it will benefit your business, you need to know that Power Automate is not a free service and will require a license. This can be bought through your IT company or directly from Microsoft.

No matter what your goal is with this programme, you should start your approach by having a realistic and honest look at the problems facing your business or holding you back from achieving your business’s full potential. Once you see where day to day tasks can be improved, you can branch out and think a little bit more about which typse of business automation can be introduced. 

How does Power Automate Make Business Easier?

There are a variety of things you can do with Power Automate, and this is why there are various ways you can improve your company’s overall productivity.

  1. Create flows

Work flows are nothing new to businesses, but being able to automate various flows is. The most basic process that you can create with Power Automate is personalized, business centric flows. The most common flows available, and the most easy to use if you are new to Power Automate, include:

  • Instant cloud flow
  • Desktop flow
  • Business process flow
  • Templates are included

Taking the time to create and then perfect a work template is a lot of effort. But having a template ready-made, and which only needs a few tweaks, can increase work productivity. Templates are especially helpful if you are managing remote workers.

  • Instant sharing

Having a number of staff working on a single template or document, which can be updated in real time, with notifications of changes being instantly sent to team members, is a great way to improve business productivity as it can ensure that the work flow continues even if everyone is not in the same building.

  • Calendars

Much like the shared documents, a shared calendar can be incredibly beneficial in that everyone can be kept on the same page all the time. This way, with tasks and times available to everyone, no one can say they were not informed of an important deadline, and the team will also be able to better plan their tasks.

  • Better organised e-mail attachments

If yours is the kind of company receiving plenty of emails each day, you are probably looking for a way to better organise your mail and whatever comes with it. With a specific kind of automated flow, you can automatically save any important email attachments.

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Microsoft Price Increases are Coming https://247itservices.co.za/2021/11/26/microsoft-price-increases-are-coming/ Fri, 26 Nov 2021 20:39:29 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2025 Microsoft has announced that its Office 365 products and its Microsoft 365 Services are set for a price increase in early 2022. This price increase will affect both commercial and business users of the software, while no pricing changes are expected for its education or consumer packages.

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The new pricing comes into effect in March 2023

Microsoft has announced that its Office 365 products and its Microsoft 365 Services are set for a price increase in early 2022. This price increase will affect both commercial and business users of the software, while no pricing changes are expected for its education or consumer packages.

At this point, exactly how the price increase will look for UK customers is not 100% certain, but what we do know is that this is how the prices will look for US users, and this more or less gives us an idea about what to expect:

  • Microsoft 365 Business Basic (from $5 to $6 per user)
  • Microsoft 365 Business Premium (from $20 to $22)
  • Office 365 E1 (from $8 to $10)
  • Office 365 E3 (from $20 to $23)
  • Office 365 E5 (from $35 to $38)
  • Microsoft 365 E3 (from $32 to $36)

Although there is never a good time for prices to go up, the company, which launched Office 365 back in 2011 and has been consistent in its maintenance and development ever since, decided that 2022 would be the year that the first substantial price increase would be introduced.

Whispers in the industry say that the price increase is due to global inflation, but all Microsoft has to say about the increase is that it is to reflect the value, through developments and product innovation, that clients have been provided with over the last decade.

Breakdown of Contract Options

From March, Microsoft will be encouraging clients to sign up for a 1- or 3-year contract, but there will continue to be a month to month option, which remains as popular as ever.  

Microsoft breaks down the contract options as follows:

Contract Option Number 1 – Ideal for Small and Medium Businesses

The first option is to go the per month route. With a monthly contract, you will have more flexibility in terms of being able to scale up or scale down your package and your services, based on your needs. Because of the flexibility and since clients pay on a month to month basis, this option does give them more control over their business budgets. This flexibility and control come at a cost as month to month pricing will be around 20% higher than the annual offer.

Contact Option Number 2 – Ideal for Medium Businesses

The next option is to make a yearly commitment. This kind of contract, though not the most flexible, does allow you to avoid the further price increases. Clients opting for the annual contract will be able to either pay for the year upfront or they can pay on a monthly basis. Regardless of their payment option, the price will remain the same.

Contract Option Number 3 – Ideal for Large Businesses and Corporations

Finally there is the three year commitment. This option is expected to be the most affordable option, ideal for those bigger companies who need the Office software and Microsoft services and are looking for a fuss free way to get the admin, i.e. the payments, out of the way, while also saving money, especially since the bigger companies tend to have more licenses.  

There are a variety of ways that customers will be able to mix and match their packages, in order to get the maximum amount of value for their money.

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In the coming months, before the increase comes in, we will be getting into contact with all of our clients to discuss how these increases will affect them, and what the best steps to take will be. We will still be allowing our clients to pay for their Microsoft 365 subscription on a monthly basis, to continue to help our clients to be more flexible with their finances.

Should you have any concerns or questions about what this price increase will mean to you, you can give us a call or read the official Microsoft Press Statement.

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