Top 6 best video conferencing services of 2017

Finding the best video conferencing service for your business can net you huge savings, as according to research from LyteSpark, businesses across the UK could save (on average) £27,000 per year (around $33,000, AU$43,000) on business trips.

With many businesses involving offices and employees from all over the world, the ability to use video conferencing services to allow workers to meet and collaborate no matter where they are in the world, can have a huge impact on the productivity of your workforce.

Gone are the days when conference calls needed complex dial-up procedures and login numbers, as there is now a large range of video conferencing services that make holding meetings over the internet, and collaborating between offices, easy, flexible and convenient.

In this guide we’ve chosen six of the best videoconferencing services that offer a range of features, from fast start to enterprise applications that enable you to hold large meetings from dedicated conferencing rooms. No matter what your needs or your budget, you can start using videoconferencing today.

• You might also want to read our article on buying videoconferencing technology

Anyone who has used the consumer version of Skype will feel right at home with Skype for Business. As a replacement for Microsoft’s Lync, the videoconferencing application is pitched at Office 365 users. Being able to jump onto a video call with clients or colleagues from within Outlook makes the whole experience seamless.

As a meeting tool it offers the ability to use a digital whiteboard and also access standard Microsoft Office documents. And if you need enterprise-level SharePoint and Exchange support, this is readily available.

RingCentral may not be as recognisable a brand name as some of the other video conferencing services, but it comes with a range of features that put some of its more established competitors to shame. Office compatibility, video conferencing and - most importantly - a reliable backbone of servers, means this is a video conferencing service you can depend on for your business. It offers a range of subscription tiers, which makes it a flexible service for businesses of all sizes, and it runs as a hosted Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) provider, which means you need compatible phones - or use the provided mobile apps. There's also a robust Quality of Service (QoS) feature that helps you set up your network for the best possible results.

The core aim of LyteSpark is to remove the complexity of hosting a videoconference. Completely hosted, there is no need to download and install any specialist apps, or circulate dial-in numbers. Simply give your ‘room’ a name and you are instantly ready to invite colleagues or clients into your conference.

The ability to open and create new Microsoft Office documents on the fly makes this system effortless to use. And if your business has adopted Slack as its comms tool, the integration with LyteSpark will add video as a rich communications channel.

As one of the leaders in videoconferencing, WebEx is aimed at larger businesses even though it has a free plan that enables just two people to connect for free. The WebEx Meeting Centre is infinitely more useful, as you can set up personalised videoconferencing rooms.

The application offers VoIP audio and integration with MS Outlook on Windows or Mac platforms. If you are new to videoconferencing and VoIP for that matter, beginning with WebEx and then graduating to WebEx Meetings, and subsequently onto WebEx Meeting Centre is a logical progression.

As part of the GoTo suite of applications that includes GoToWebinar and GoToTraining, the meeting component offers easy switching between the types of meeting you want to hold. If you have experience of any of the other products in the suite, adding video is a breeze and requires a very shallow learning curve.

With desktop and mobile equally supported and integration with standard office applications, GoToMeeting is a middleweight videoconferencing service that small businesses in particular will find a great boon to their communications across teams and with clients and customers.

All of the latest videoconferencing applications strive to remove any technical hurdles that might trip up the user. Not having to install apps or plugins, or remember dial-in codes and phone numbers is what makes Join.me a powerful and attractive way to get into videoconferencing for the first time.

You can try the system out with ten other people for free before opting for a premium service. It’s also the ability to share documents (including Evernote) that makes this offering a very practical way into videoconferencing for smaller businesses in particular.

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2f2cxjm
via IFTTT

The best free website builder 2017

The best free data recovery software 2017

Discovering that you've lost data without backing it up can be heart-stopping, but it isn't necessarily the end of the world. With the best free backup software and a little patience, there's a good chance that you'll be able to restore your precious data – whether it's an individual file or an entire partition. Perhaps most importantly, you will probably be able to do it for free rather than having to pay a small fortune to call in the experts.

It's important to install a data recovery tool now, before you've lost any files; installing one after the event risks overwriting the data you've lost.

There's no guarantee that your lost data will be recoverable, but this free software will give you the best possible chance

One of the best things about Piriform Recuva is the wealth of ways to use it: manual scanning, wizard-driven scanning, and via the context menu. For anyone who feels as though they need a little help using the software, the wizard on hand to provide guidance, but there is also the option of taking manual control of the scanning and recovery process. The scan can be customized to look in particular locations, or for particular types of files, and Recuva uses a traffic light guide to how likely it is that you'll be able to recover an item intact.

You also have the option of right clicking a folder or the Recycle Bin if you know you have deleted a file from a particular location. It's all very easy, and the results speak for themselves.

Upgrading to Recuva Professional for US$19.95/£19.95/AU$24.95 adds the ability to work with virtual hard drives, access to premium support, and automatic software updates. These are nice additions, but the free version of Recuva will be plenty of most users.

• Piriform Recuva review
• Download Piriform Recuva

When it comes to ease of use, it's hard to beat Wise Data Recovery. Although this free data recover software doesn't have a wizard-led interface, there are no complicated configuration settings to worry about either.

Tracking down recoverable data is a simple matter of selecting the drive you want to check and clicking 'Scan'. Alternatively, you can use keywords to search for recoverable files so you don’t have to wade through quite so many results.

Whichever route you choose, recoverable data is presented in an Explorer-like tree structure that makes it easy to tell where it was originally stored. Like all the best free data recovery software, Wise Data Recovery uses a traffic light system to indicate the health of files (and therefore how likely it is that you'll be able to recover them intact, and there's a file preview feature so you can identify files that have been detected.

You can recover individual files, or entire folders at once, but selecting numerous files in several locations means performing several operations.

• Download Wise Data Recovery

PC Inspector File Recovery goes further than many data recovery tools in that it will detect partitions that have been lost, even if the boot sector or file system has been damaged or deleted. This could be a real life-saver in an emergency, potentially helping you get data back even if your hard drive is not visible within Windows.

Beginners might find the terminology and design of PC Inspector File Recovery intimidating, and even some more advanced users may find the workflow a little confusing to start with. Take some time to learn your way around it, and you'll find a powerful data recovery program – but one that seems to get better results with FAT and FAT32 drives.

• Download PC Inspector File Recovery

Finding recoverable data with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free is very simple: select a drive or folder and wait for a few minutes while it completes its scan.

You can browse through the recoverable data using a Windows Explorer style interface and filter them by type or opt to search for specific files. Data recovery is effective, but the Deep Scan option is very slow, so you'll need to be patient.

The installation of this software is a mixed experience. The installer, importantly, advises not to install to the same drive that you want to recover data from because this could overwrite data and render it unrecoverable. It also, sadly, tries to enrol you in a customer experience improvement program, without explaining what this entails.

It's worth noting that the free version only allows for the recovery of up to 2GB of data, so it's not going to be suitable for all circumstances, but it will be enough to get you out of most sticky situations. 

• Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free

Presented as a pair of tools rather than a single integrated solution, TestDisk and PhotoRec together can recover data from both lost partitions and files.

TestDisk takes care of the partition side of things. The fact that it's a command line tool with no graphical interface might off-putting at first. If can set this to one side though, there's help on hand to guide you through the process of working with your drives. TestDisk offers support for so many file systems, it should cater for most eventualities.

PhotoRec is the component for recovering files. It's available with a command lint interface, but unlike TestDisk there's also a GUI for less confident users. It may not be as intuitive as some of the other recovery software in this listing, but it's effective.

PhotoRec is cross-platform and can be run as a portable app from a USB stick, which means you don't have to install it on your PC and risk accidentally overwriting the data you want to recover.

• TestDisk and PhotoRec review
• Download TestDisk and PhotoRec

• To avoid data loss, check out our guide to the best free backup software

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2h8uT89
via IFTTT

Steam stats show gamers are abandoning Windows 10 – but is that really the case?

Valve’s latest Steam survey paints a hugely worrying picture for Windows 10 on the face of it, with a massive drop in use of the OS, but Microsoft shouldn’t be engaging fret-factor-10 just yet – because there seems to be another story lurking in the background here.

So, the headline figure for this month’s Steam stats is that Windows 10 has tumbled from 45.98% to 28.6%, a massive drop of 17.38% in the amount of gamers using Microsoft’s newest OS. Windows 7, meanwhile, has gained a huge 21.47% having climbed to 65.46%.

This is such a massive seesaw movement in OS adoption that you’d be forgiven for thinking that Valve has made a mistake putting these figures together, somehow.

However, a quick glance over the other various hardware and software categories Valve monitors shows another telling major shift – in the language being used.

Simplified Chinese is up a massive 26.83%, now consisting of more than half the user base at 56.37%, with English dropping down 13.4% to rest at 21.24%.

There is a good chance, in our opinion, that this is reflected in the precipitous drop of the popularity of Windows 10.

Popularity known

So, why are there so many new Chinese gamers on Steam now? If we were to speculate, this could be due to the success of PUBG (PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds), which is very popular in the country (with a rapidly increasing player base this year on Steam) despite potentially facing a total ban by Chinese authorities.

And we’d further guess that there are a lot more Chinese gamers who have stayed on Windows 7 rather than upgrading to Windows 10, compared to the West. (Particularly given all the controversy around Windows 10 telemetry and privacy issues).

In other words, this is a geographical reflection of operating system adoption, as opposed to a reaction against Windows 10 per se.

That said, we certainly can’t rule out the possibility that unhappy gamers downgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 7 isn’t part of the picture, making up at least some of this huge drop in the new operating system’s user base.

MS Power User spotted these Steam figures, and speculated that bugs causing frame rate hitches which have crept into Windows 10 this year could be part of the reason for what’s happened here.

But it seems highly unlikely this would spark such a sudden mass revolt among the Steam gaming community, to say the least – particularly seeing as these problems have been present since the spring (and the previous Creators Update).

• We've picked out the best laptops of 2017

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2gZM8ET
via IFTTT

Top 5 best identity management systems and authentication services in 2017

Businesses rely heavily on technology. Employees use computers, smartphones, tablets and other gadgets on a daily basis to streamline processes, stay productive and communicate with colleagues, while databases store important information about customers and products.

Because of this, effective security is paramount. It’s no longer good enough to put physical security first. Although CCTV cameras and sophisticated door locks will stop intruders from entering your office, a hack into your computer system could spell total disaster and bring your whole firm down.

Managing user identity is one of the most important steps in implementing a cybersecurity strategy. You need to be able to trust the people who have access to valuable business and customer data, all of which would be lucrative to hackers if they were able to gain access.

Identity management systems are a great way to stay ahead of the curve with respect to digital security. They’re not new but they certainly are highly effective. Using these systems, you can see who is accessing content in your system and get information on their motives. You can also set user rights and restrictions. 

But which are the best identity management software and authentication services out there? We’ve picked out five top-notch services that you can’t go wrong with.

• We’ve also rounded up the best project management services

If you run a large-scale enterprise with a ton of digital assets, then you ought to check out DigitalPersona from Crossmatch. Used widely across the globe and adopted by companies like RBS, this system lets you set smart authentication procedures for users. 

The software analyses risks posed to your company and aims to give you a tailored approach to cybersecurity. There are multiple authentication methods to choose from, such as biometrics, tokens, pins, SAML and phones. It’s easy to set these up, and you should have a more secure system in place within no time.

What’s also nifty is the fact that you can add more applications and changes over time, so you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect method straight away. As well as this, the software offers added protection for privileged and important users. This is sophisticated technology and is targeted at firms with significant security budgets.

• You can sign up for DigitalPersona here

AuthAnvil is available on the web, Mac, Windows, iOS and Android applications, but whatever platform you’re looking at, the basic aim is the same – to protect your precious data. The company recognises that password-related breaches are the biggest cause of data loss and has come up with a solution.

The system lets you protect company data by restricting content employees can access and ensuring that only trusted parties can use sensitive apps. For instance, you could use AuthAnvil to give managers direct control of internal company and customer data, as opposed to general employees.

As well as boasting integrated identity and access management solutions, the software also provides multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, password automation, identity-as-a-service and credentials management. These are all highly effective features.

• You can sign up for AuthAnvil here

OneLogin is a cloud-based authentication system that makes it easier for firms to secure their digital assets and users. It can handle multiple applications at once and has single sign-on capabilities. 

The system is perfect for all businesses, regardless of industry sector, and it can work with both internal and public applications. Features include access request management, account management, compliance regulation, password management, user monitoring and role management. 

Once you purchase the software, the support doesn’t stop. You can access documentation, webinars and online chats to better understand and get the most out of OneLogin. There’s also 24/7 tech support through the company website, so you can always ask a question if you get stuck.

• You can sign up for OneLogin here

Dodgy password management is often the culprit when it comes to data breaches, although Dashlane is looking to solve this. It’s a password vaulting service that will protect your company’s data and ensure your cybersecurity habits are always kept on the straight and narrow.

The system prides itself on simplicity. You aren’t expected to know every single thing about technology and security to be able to use it. It’s been built with AES 256-bit encryption, and semantic technology also plays a big role in the mechanics system. There’s a dedicated engine for this, which works towards fast login speeds and auto-fill forms across a variety of web applications.

It’s a unified platform, meaning it can work across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android – all the platforms you're likely use. And if you're a smaller business, there is a limited free version that may just be enough.

• Get hold of Dashlane here

PortalGuard combines important authentication procedures and password management capabilities within one convenient portal. 

The software is compatible with Mac, Windows, iOS, cloud tools and web browsers, and it places a premium on ease-of-use. While it’s not the most powerful system out there by any means, many users will appreciate having things kept simple, and benefiting from their own custom-branded login portal.

What’s also neat is that when it comes to trying out the service before you commit to purchasing, you can avail yourself of a free interactive trial, or alternatively request a live demo from the company.

• You can sign up for PortalGuard here

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2idtysA
via IFTTT

Microsoft bolsters Office 365 for businesses with a trio of new apps

Microsoft has announced that three new apps are now available for Office 365 Business Premium, as well as Microsoft 365 Business, the latter of which has moved out of testing and is now available to everyone.

The three new business apps in question are Microsoft Connections, Microsoft Listings and Microsoft Invoicing.

Connections facilitates the management of email marketing campaigns, and Listings pertains to managing online listings to better build brand visibility, with Invoicing allowing you to more easily take care of payment and invoicing matters.

Business boons

As mentioned, these fresh app offerings are available to Office 365 Business Premium users in the UK, US and Canada, along with those who have just adopted Microsoft 365 Business as it hits general availability.

Microsoft 365 Business comprises of the Office 365 suite combined with Windows 10 alongside various security and mobile device management features. It’s aimed at SMBs with up to 300 staff members.

Microsoft further mentioned that a new app to help front-line workers manage their daily tasks, by the name of StaffHub, is also included in both of the above products.

The software giant also has another spin on its Microsoft 365 product, namely Microsoft 365 Enterprise, which combines Windows 10 Enterprise with Office 365 Enterprise, and also throws in its Enterprise Mobility + Security suite.

• We've rounded up the best business laptops you can buy right now

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2zrQ7FD
via IFTTT

The best free software for NaNoWriMo 2017

It's the first day of November, which means writers worldwide are dusting off their keyboards for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This annual event challenges writers to produce a 50,000 word mini-novel in just 30 days.

NaNoWriMo is a test of grit, willpower and creativity, and if you're tackling it this month, you'll be relieved to know you're not alone with a blank text document; there's an array of free software that can help you manage your time, stay on track, and refine your writing as you go.

We've gathered a set of essential tools that will make NaNoWriMo more manageable, in the order in which you'll need them. On your marks...

1. FreeMind

Start on the right foot and keep organized with a speedy planning tool

There are dozens of ways to plan a novel and keep your thoughts in order while writing, but if you’re a visual thinker then take a look at FreeMind – a free mind-mapping tool that helps you develop, expand and sort concepts.

FreeMind's frill-free interface means won’t have to sink a lot of your precious NaNoWriMo time into mastering complex controls, and your diagrams can be as simple or complex as you like.

Alternatively, you might like to use a spreadsheet tool like LibreOffice Calc to get a ‘god’s eye’ overview of each event in your novel and help you see how they fit together. It’s the method JK Rowling used when planning the Harry Potter series (albeit on a screen rather than paper). 

• Download FreeMind

2. Evernote

Keep your resources in one place and access them any time, anywhere

Evernote provides a handy way to categorize ideas, character notes and other snippets during the planning stage, but it’s a great way to bookmark links, articles or other resources during the writing process.

Like Dropbox, Evernote is available for just about every operating system, making it a great choice for working on the move. All your notes are synced to the cloud automatically, so you can access them on any device with an internet connection.

• Download Evernote

3. FocusWriter and NovProg

Avoid distractions and keep track of your daily progress

Full-fat word processors like Microsoft Word, Pages and LibreOffiec Writer are great for most writing tasks, but for NaNoWriMo, all their formatting tools and other options are just an unnecessary barrier between your brain and the page. FocusWriter is a frill-free writing app that strips away all distractions so your novel gets your full attention. Moving your mouse to the edge of the screen reveals a carefully curated set of tools to help you stay productive, including a word count, timers and alarms, and a spell-checker.

NovProg, from the same developer, is designed specifically for tracking your progress during NaNoWriMo. It plots your progress against your goals, and presents the results in a handy graphical format.

Before you start with FocusWriter, make sure you’ve activated the auto-save option. FocusWriter itself is stable and reliable, but you never know when a hardware accident or other disaster might befall your work in progress. More on that in a moment.

• Download FocusWriter
• Download NovProg

4. Dropbox

Back up your work online to avoid catastrophic accidents

Losing work to a hardware or software fault during NaNoWriMo could be disastrous, so we strongly advise backing up your manuscript to the cloud.

Any cloud storage service will serve you well, but Dropbox’s generous free storage allowance and cross-platform support make it a particularly good choice. Because it’s compatible with so many devices, you can open your novel anywhere and use any spare moments to jot down a few extra words.

For peace of mind, we recommend keeping multiple backups of your work in different locations

• Download Dropbox

5. Grammarly

A helping hand with editing your NaNoWriMo manuscript

NaNoWriMo is all about powering through and getting a first draft down as quickly as possible, so some grammatical errors are par for the course. Grammarly is available as a free extension for Firefox, Edge, Safari and Chrome (plus other Chromium-based browsers like Vivaldi) that detects common errors and suggests corrections. You can use it when writing online, or copy and paste parts of your manuscript to analyze them. 

If you want to check your work on your desktop, Grammarly Premium analyzes text in native desktop apps. In addition to spelling and grammar, it also hunts down issues with sentence structure and style to help improve your work. A monthly subscription costs US$29.99 (about £20/AU$40), so give the free browser extension a try before investing.

Autocrit is a similar app designed specifically for novelists. Rather than checking your spelling and grammar, it helps you identify issues with pacing, repetition and use of unnecessary filler words. Unlike Grammarly there’s no free version of Autocrit, but pasting a scene or two into the online demo tool will give you an idea of the results you can expect.

• Download Grammarly

from blogger-2 http://ift.tt/2il79KA
via IFTTT