We kick off 2019 with a look at some of the top trends in the forecast for technology.  Naturally, security tops the list, along with AI, the Cloud and blockchain. There is speculation that Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant, may be going away as Siri and Alexa have shouted her down.  Firefox is adding a data breach notification to its browser when there is the possibility that the user's e-mail and credentials have been obtained by a hacker.  We discuss artificial intelligence as it applies outside the tech world, specifically for "self-driving" cars and what programming choices may mean in the real world.  Finally, we have some tips on add-ins for Microsoft Office that may be a help to you Word, Excel and Outlook users.

In our December issue of SIMformation, we discuss how biometrics may replace passwords for IT security.  Facial scans and fingerprints may replace complex passwords and two-factor authentication.  Windows 10 supports Windows Hello, Microsoft's biometric program, and we have details.  We also look at Outlook 2016 with some tips and hints to get the most from this software.  As it is the Christmas season and there are packages under the tree, it may be you will get some wearable technology this year – but is this a security risk to you and your personal information?  Also, the season leads to scams and the Secret Sister/Santa pyramid scheme is no exception.  We tell you what to look out for.  Finally, we start our look at the coming year with a few new features coming from Apple, as we know some of you are dedicated iPhone or Mac users out there.

In our November SIMformation we look at the explosion of robo-calling to cellphones, and what the industry is doing to combat this problem.  And, unless you like to hear from "Rachel at Card Services" we have some tips you can use to help ward off unwanted calls.  A new security warning from the National Security Agency covers "smart desks" connected to the Internet that might be spying on you, and we have the dossier on this.  The October Windows 10 update caused some pain for users as it deleted their Documents folder, so that update was recalled by Microsoft.  Our SIM2K Critical Updates plan helps protect you from buggy updates.  New statistics are out on the cost to protect data in the US Cybercrime Survey –  and yes, the costs have risen again this year.  Finally, with new Artificial Intelligence products and Two-Factor Authentication tools, do you still need a traditional signature-based Anti-Virus program?  Experts say yes, and we explain why.

In our October SIMformation, we share a discussion on smartphone addiction and how that is re-shaping how we communicate, be entertained and work,  It is certainly "food for thought."  We also cover how many people believe that storing information in the Cloud makes it secure, yet often it is copied on the PC leaving it vulnerable to data loss, especially for those in a regulated industry.  There is a new scam out there that says you have looked at porn and includes a password you used at some time (if it appeared in any of the Yahoo or other website hacks) then attempts to shame you into paying up.  We discuss encryption options to overcome this.  Also, we have some tips and tricks to improve your Windows 10 experience, discuss some alternative Internet browsers if your privacy is of utmost concern, and look at using a passphrase, rather than a password, for your logins and if that is any better remembered and secure.  Finally, we look at the rising cost of a data breach.

Our September issue begins with a "refresher course" in Malware.  We throw this term around frequently, and it covers many threats that can impact your PC and data.  So, we present a recap of what is lumped under the term "malware" and steps you can take to harden your defenses against possible infections.  We also debut a new desk phone from Zultys, our Unified Communications partner, featuring a 7" screen for those using Skype or other video conferencing tools.  Plus we discuss new tools from Zultys to improve business collaboration.  Microsoft is working on DaaS - Desktop as a Service.  This is really nothing new if you were into computers in the 60s - a centralized source for your programs and such - only now it is positioned as a Cloud-based service. We explain what Microsoft is up to in our coverage.  Google also makes news with the G Suite, trying to take Microsoft Office head-on for dominance in the workplace.  And, speaking of workspace, Facebook Workspace brings social media into the office to promote team knowledge exchange and group collaboration, and we have details.