Microsoft Dictation Coming to Office 2016

Getting started with dictation is easy. Within whichever Office app you’re using, a new Dictate button will appear on the Home tab. If you have a microphone connected to your PC, you can simply click the Dictate button to begin, and the icon will turn red to indicate you can start speaking. As you speak, the text will appear in your document, email, slide, or page.

According to Microsoft, the feature works best if you speak conversationally; the app will pick up on pauses and insert punctuation automatically. If you need to add specific punctuation, you can do so by saying its name. So, for example, you can add a question mark simply by saying “question mark.”

This Update is currently available for testers and will be rolling out to everyone shortly. Be aware that, at least for now, the feature only works for the English language in the U.S. You also must be connected to the internet to use dictation.

Google reveals Edge flaw after Microsoft fails to meet deadline

Researchers at Google’s Project Zero unit dedicated to finding security vulnerabilities in software reported a flaw in Microsoft’s Edge browser in November 2017, but it still has not been patched.

Google’s Project Zero has gone public with another Microsoft security vulnerability after the software giant failed to issue a fix within allotted time

Project Zero has a controversial policy of giving software producers 90 days to fix any vulnerability its researchers find before going public, to ensure a swift response.

In November, Project Zero researchers discovered a flaw in Edge that, if exploited, could enable attackers to bypass Microsoft’s Arbitrary Code Guard (ACG) to inject and execute malicious code.

Microsoft is now reportedly expected to release patch to fix the issue on 13 March when its next monthly security update release is due.

Make sure your machine is up to date. If you’re worried about your computers security and want to make sure your machine is up to date, then give us a call on 01672 552340 or email us at support@jpitsolutions.co.uk.

It has been revealed that if you are running Apple MacOS High Sierra, a flaw in the security system has made it possible to gain access to a Mac without a password, also have access to powerful administrator rights.

What was the security flaw?

It had been discovered that someone could access your Mac by typing ‘root’ and no password in the Users & Groups section of system preferences. This would give root access to the computer meaning a person could operate the device as if they were an administrator and could compromise the device.

How have Apple fixed this?

Apple have released an update which is designed to specifically fix this huge security flaw, making sure if somebody types ‘root’ they will not have the option to have no password they will have to enter the correct password before they can gain access.

Users running High Sierra (10.13.1) the latest version of MacOS, will automatically download the update. This will fix all the currently security issues. Users running OS before High Sierra with see a notification prompting you to install the upgrade.

Apple have said “Security is a top priority for every Apple product, and regrettably we stumbled with this release of MacOS”

If you are unsure on which operating system you are running or need help with updating call us on 01672 552340 or email support@jpitsolutions.co.uk

Windows 10 free upgrade officially ended July last year, but there has still been one way you get the free upgrade. Assistive Technology.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology is variety of programs that make computers easier to use for people with disabilities. Programs that enlarge or alter the information on the screen, keyboard shortcuts, screen reading experience with narrator, programs that enable people to type by using a mouse or their voice.

Do I qualify for Assistive Technology upgrade?

You may not think you qualify but according to Microsoft’s list of accessibility features, this also includes anyone who uses keyboard shortcuts, the magnifier or Cortana.

Why should you upgrade to Windows 10?

Windows 10 offers experiences that are familiar, safe, more secure and more personal and productive.

If you are still using Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 we recommend upgrading. If you don’t upgrade before December 31^st, you could be spending up to £189.99 for Windows 10 Pro

If you are unsure on which operating system you are running or need help with upgrading call us on 01672 552340 or email support@jpitsolutions.co.uk

Still using Office 2011 for your Mac? We Recommend updating.

Office for Mac 2011 support has ended. Although office 2011 has always been a popular choice, security flaws detected in this version means it is easy for hackers to break into your Mac systems leaving your Mac vulnerable to attacks.

Don’t know which office version you are running?

If your icons look the same as the above, this is the 2011 version.

How do i upgrade?

Updating is easy, you have two options, upgrading to Office 2016, alternatively you can switch to Office 365.

Office 2016 – offers full support for MacOS High Sierra and will continue to have support until 2025.

Office 365 – A service based subscription, run the latest versions of office with all updates and security patches.

If you are unsure on what you need to be doing, call us on 01672552340 or email support@jpitsolutions.co.uk we can help you upgrade or switch to the latest software

A security company has issued a warning after its software was compromised by malicious hackers.

What is CC Cleaner

CCleaner is a software optimization tool designed to tidy up Windows PCs by removing unwanted software and browser data. It’s available in both free and paid versions. All versions claim to speed up and protect your computers privacy.

What has happened

 Piriform (The software maker) says it first detected a problem on September 12, when it noticed an unknown IP address receiving data from software found in recent versions of the software. After investigating further, it determined these versions were modified illicitly before their release to users.

How many people are at risk?

Avast, the multinational cybersecurity firm that recently bought Piriform, says it believes the compromised software was installed on 2.27 million machines.

“We believe that these users are safe now as our investigation indicates we were able to disarm the threat before it was able to do any harm,” the company said in a press statement. “There is no indication or evidence that any additional ‘malware’ has been delivered through the backdoor.”

Am I at risk from malware?

Anyone specifically using the 32-bit Windows version of CCleaner is at risk. But since the free version of the tool doesn’t appear to include automatic updates, it stands to reason that anyone running the free version is significantly more at risk, since these users would need to manually download the update. Regardless, if you’re running any version of CCleaner, you’ll want to ensure you’ve updated to the latest version immediately.

if you are usure of your machines safety, then contact us on 0167552350 or email us on enquiries@jpitsolutions.co.uk

Secure your website before October 2017 with SSL/HTTPs or suffer a drop in traffic/rankings.

The Google SSL Update coming in October 2017 means your websites needs to be secured with a 2048-bit SSL Certificate, this is to ensure your website’s traffic isn’t affected by the Browser Security message from Google Chrome.

What is SSL/HTTPS?

Connecting to a HTTP (http://website.com) website means that your data and payment information isn’t secured when entering it on the website, this poses a threat from hackers who could potentially steal your data and commit fraud.
A HTTPS website (https://website.com) will allow you to securely connect to a website and any information you enter will be encrypted, making it incredibly hard for anyone to hack into.
You can identify a secure website by looking at the address bar as seen below:

There are different levels of Security and  types of SSL Certificates, depending on your sites usage.

To find out more, contact us now on 01672552340 or email us at enquiries@jpitsolutions.co.uk

You and your colleagues can open and work on the same Excel workbook. This is called co-authoring. When you co-author, you can see each other’s changes quickly — in a matter of seconds. And with certain versions of Excel, you’ll see other people’s selections in different colors. If you’re using a version of Excel that supports co-authoring, you select Share in the upper-right corner, type email addresses, and then choose a cloud location

With the file still open in Excel, make sure that AutoSave is on in the upper-left corner. When others eventually open the file , you’ll be co-authoring together. You know you’re co-authoring if you see pictures of people in the upper-right of the Excel window. (You may also see their initials, or a “G” which stands for guest.)

Ready for the Windows 10 Creators Update? Make sure your privacy settings are ready too. Before installing the Windows 10 Creators Update (also known as Windows 10, version 1703) on your device, you’ll be prompted to review and choose your privacy settings. Completing the review makes sure your device is ready for the update once it’s available.

At some point you will see the below popup on your screen.

1. Select Review Settings to edit your privacy settings.

2. We recommend that you deselect all of these options to keep your machine private.

For any questions around this windows update, get in touch.