Wednesday, October 31, 2018

How the management of mobile devices affects smaller companies


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It’s hard to imagine a company today that doesn’t use mobile devices. The demand for mobile phones, tablets, and laptops has increased, especially in business operations. This is why it’s important for business owners to be adept at managing the use of these devices in their companies.


Hundreds, if not thousands of companies nowadays, have a budget for acquiring mobile devices for their employees to use. But it doesn’t end there. Mobile device management, or MDM, has become a discipline and a part of operations in itself.


Allowing employees access to a company’s mobile devices entails a whole lot of responsibility. Not only do managers need to make sure the devices are being used to their maximum capacity, managers also need to ensure the safety of sensitive information.


Image source: solutionsreview.com
MDM utilizes technological tools that connect and protect the devices of a company and its operating systems and security apps. Normally, the business’ IT professionals are the ones responsible in setting up these systems and overseeing their use.


There are also plans and policies in case a device is either lost or stolen. MDM regulates the installation of programs as well as internet access for employees, to make sure the programs used and the websites visited are all beneficial to the company.


While mobile devices can bring a host of benefits for a business, owners also need to be vigilant and employees need to be aware of the responsibilities that come along with having such tools.


Hey there! Kati Volitich here. I’ve long acknowledged the fact that there will always be room for improvement in every area of our lives. Technology has become a crucial part of today ’s world, and we can’t afford to be separated from it. Learn more about me and the stuff I’m passionate about here.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Science-backed tips for a better night’s sleep

Image source: helpguide.org
It’s common knowledge that getting at least 8 hours of sleep is a must. However, it’s easier said than done. Stress, anxiety, work-related endeavors, and nighttime activities are common factors that keep you up at night. Here are some tips to help you get a satisfying round of sleep.


Dim your lights: Turning your lights down low is one of the most effective things you can do if you are trying to fall asleep, especially if you are irritated by bright lights. Minimize your screen time after 8 in the evening to signal the body that it’s time to rest, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time in front of the computer or TV.


Image source: mensjournal.com
Set an alarm for bed: While it is a common task to set the alarm to wake up, setting a specific time to go to bed can also help you to prepare yourself for rest. Resist the urge to snooze, and avoid constantly changing your rest time for later.


Don’t drink coffee in the afternoon: An afternoon coffee fix will certainly keep you up at night, as it stays in your body longer than you think. Keep the caffeine limited and consumed early in the day.


Set an ideal temperature in your room: A room that’s too cold or too hot can mess up your sleeping patterns. Set the temperature between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, as advised by doctors.


Katina Volitich received her degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. While she maintained her 4.0 average, she took part in school activities and societies such as the Society of Women Engineer and Biomedical Engineering Society. To read more articles like this, visit this page.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

The ABCs of securing an external USB hard drive

External hard drives offer the benefit of portability, especially when one works with huge or time-sensitive files for school or in business. They can be brought home or anywhere without having to bring the whole laptop or computer with it. The potential downside is its security can be comprised, making it important to go the extra mile to secure and protect it from intrusion.


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Password-protect it

Download and install an encryption program, such as True Crypt or Ax Crypt. Plug in the external hard drive to the computer and wait for the computer to detect it. Save data because the encryption process involves formatting the drive and wiping all data from it. Choose the password you want for access to the drive.


Afterwards, proceed with the formatting and encryption, and then select the drive letter you want to mount the external hard drive in. Type in the password one more time to access the drive and then move all files back. Know that when assigning a letter to a hard drive, it applies only to the computer that assigns the letter. When the hard drive is plugged into another computer, it will use whatever letter is appropriate for the slot, as determined by the hardware on each computer.


Image source: Pixabay.com 
Put physical precautions in place

Connect the encrypted external hard drive carefully, and do not leave the computer and the hard drive unattended. Lock the external hard drive in a secure location, such as a safe or a file cabinet. Store these gadgets, including the computer, in a private, lockable room accessible to authorized persons only.


Kati Volitich is a lover of all things tech. She is a computer engineering major at UC Berkeley, and a fan of tech giants such as Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, and Google. Learn more on this page.