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.

In our August SIMformation, we look at how Google's Chrome Internet browser is far outpacing Microsoft's Edge and Internet Explorer and Mosaic's Firefox in total users.  Is this good or bad?  Plus, we look at five areas the IT security experts say are the targets for the "bad guys" and why cybersecurity must be of utmost importance to any individual and company.  If "123456" is your password, you better thing about changing it, as that is #1 on the list of 50 most exposed passwords.  We have the full list of 50 just so you can check to see if you made the list or if your password is more secure than these.  As an alternative to passwords alone, we look at a USB security key as an additional two-factor authentication check and how that has proven to benefit companies.  And, as the march to the Cloud continues, we look at security issues for hosted software in the Cloud and what you can do to protect your data in these situations.

Finally, we take a moment to introduce our newest product offering.  SIM2K is now an Epson Brighter Futures partner, so we can offer educational discounts on Epson products like their innovative interactive projectors for use in classrooms.  Schools, school districts and other educational agencies can qualify for the Brighter Futures program, so please contact us for more information on Epson products and Brighter Futures.

Our July issue of SIMformation offers some tips for your computing safety if you are traveling this Summer – from being sure your anti-virus is updated before you leave to running a virus scan when you get home before re-connecting to a network, and other tips inbetween. We discuss the pros and cons of "the old (device) is still working.." and why sometimes updates and replacements make more sense for the long haul on expenses rather than keeping old, out-of-date equipment.  Windows 7 continues to hold market share over Windows 10, so the IT industry sees Microsoft attempting to push users away from Windows 7 even though the out-of-support date isn't until 2020.  We look at why storing sensitive passwords in a web browser is not a good practice, and finally, we discuss how you can sync all your files between Chromebooks and Android devices through Google Cloud.

In our June SIMformation we look at Microsoft 365, a new bundle from the company targeting businesses that rolls up Windows 10, Office 365 and administrative tools into a monthly-subscription based package.  "M365," as it is called, has four different versions, and we walk you through each and discuss how Microsoft is moving more and more to the subscription model over boxed software sales.  We also discuss Microsoft Cortana, the digital assistant built into Window 10, and some tricks on how to put Cortana to work for you.  Apple products are becoming a target for malware, so we have some cautions for you Mac/iPad users out there.  We look at an emerging technology, Serverless Apps, and what benefits and dangers this may pose for users.  Finally, we have a report from Verizon's annual Data Breach Investigations Report on the impact of cybercrime for the past year.

In our May issue of SIMformation, we discuss the practice of using your Facebook login on any website beyond Facebook itself and what issues may arise.  Given all the concerns over personal privacy and what information Facebook may divulge to third parties, is this a wise decision?  We have details.  We also look at a new technology, the software-defined wide area network, and how this is an option for remote offices or connecting to data centers, in lieu of VPNs or dedicated lines.  An e-recycler is facing prison time for cloning Microsoft Windows recovery CDs and reselling them, and Windows 7 actually increased market share over Windows 10 in April, and interesting happening given Microsoft's attempt to move us all to Windows 10.  Finally, we look at Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) – hackers snooping in your network and stealing information, and what the warning signs are if you are under attack.  Plus we have an added bonus feature this month, an "In the Field" case study of SIM2K's work with the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library on the upgrade of their security camera system.