(BPT) – Holiday shopping, paying bills and making deposits, sending digital greetings and invitations, looking up recipes, gathering holiday decorating ideas — let’s face it, you’re going to be super busy this holiday season and much of that extra activity is going to take place online.

People rely on technology to make life easier. During the holidays, your Windows 10 laptop or desktop can help you get more done quickly, easily and efficiently. Here are six features to turn to when you need some help managing the holidays:

* Windows Hello — During the holidays, more people will be in and out of your house, and your laptop may be exposed to strangers if you take it with you while traveling or on an outing. Passwords are helpful, but Windows Hello takes security to the next level — and you won’t have to remember what password you’re using this month!

The feature allows you to unlock your PC with your fingerprint (similar to the fingerprint function on a smart phone) or even through facial recognition. You’ll need a device such as HP Spectre x360 with an IR camera or other device with a fingerprint reader and/or a camera to use this feature.

* Microsoft Edge — More than half of holiday shoppers are going to make purchases online this season, according to the National Retail Federation. While you’re shopping online, stay more secure by browsing with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s new browser with enhanced security features.

* Cortana — Want to check holiday shopping hours for stores in your area or need a killer recipe for pumpkin pie? Available on Windows 10 devices like the Dell XPS 13, Cortana is a personal digital assistant that allows you to talk to your PC naturally. If your PC doesn’t have a microphone, you can still use Cortana by typing your question in the browser search box. And because Cortana learns your search and query habits, the more you use it, the more personalized your experience will become.

* Windows Ink and Pen — Whether you want to take quick notes during your holiday baking class or design your own holiday card, the built-in pen/inking feature in Windows 10 works with a great selection of apps for artists and designers. New devices like the ASUS Transformer Mini T102 ensure precision input and block accidental touches when inking.

* Advanced design and displays — New Windows devices like the Lenovo Yoga 910 are thinner, lighter and more stylish. It’s easy to slip a device into your bag when you’re on the go, or spend hours online without having to worry about battery life. New, higher-resolution screens and small-bezel OLED displays offer vibrant color, and 2-in-1 PCs add the flexibility to work on a laptop, draw on a tablet with Windows Ink or flip to the perfect angle to watch holiday movies – all with the same device.

* Office 365 and OneDrive — Of course, amid all the holiday fun and shopping, you’ll still need to get work done, and Office 365 and OneDrive make it easy to be productive, whether you’re a student or a small business owner. OneDrive allows you to store files and work in the cloud or offline. An Office 365 personal subscription is included with select Windows 10 devices such as the HP Stream 13.

The right technology can help you get holiday digital chores done safely, securely and efficiently — leaving you more time for holiday celebrations and fun.

Start organizing your holiday to-do list by visiting your nearest Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.

(BPT) – Holiday shopping, paying bills and making deposits, sending digital greetings and invitations, looking up recipes, gathering holiday decorating ideas — let’s face it, you’re going to be super busy this holiday season and much of that extra activity is going to take place online.

People rely on technology to make life easier. During the holidays, your Windows 10 laptop or desktop can help you get more done quickly, easily and efficiently. Here are six features to turn to when you need some help managing the holidays:

* Windows Hello — During the holidays, more people will be in and out of your house, and your laptop may be exposed to strangers if you take it with you while traveling or on an outing. Passwords are helpful, but Windows Hello takes security to the next level — and you won’t have to remember what password you’re using this month!

The feature allows you to unlock your PC with your fingerprint (similar to the fingerprint function on a smart phone) or even through facial recognition. You’ll need a device such as HP Spectre x360 with an IR camera or other device with a fingerprint reader and/or a camera to use this feature.

* Microsoft Edge — More than half of holiday shoppers are going to make purchases online this season, according to the National Retail Federation. While you’re shopping online, stay more secure by browsing with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft’s new browser with enhanced security features.

* Cortana — Want to check holiday shopping hours for stores in your area or need a killer recipe for pumpkin pie? Available on Windows 10 devices like the Dell XPS 13, Cortana is a personal digital assistant that allows you to talk to your PC naturally. If your PC doesn’t have a microphone, you can still use Cortana by typing your question in the browser search box. And because Cortana learns your search and query habits, the more you use it, the more personalized your experience will become.

* Windows Ink and Pen — Whether you want to take quick notes during your holiday baking class or design your own holiday card, the built-in pen/inking feature in Windows 10 works with a great selection of apps for artists and designers. New devices like the ASUS Transformer Mini T102 ensure precision input and block accidental touches when inking.

* Advanced design and displays — New Windows devices like the Lenovo Yoga 910 are thinner, lighter and more stylish. It’s easy to slip a device into your bag when you’re on the go, or spend hours online without having to worry about battery life. New, higher-resolution screens and small-bezel OLED displays offer vibrant color, and 2-in-1 PCs add the flexibility to work on a laptop, draw on a tablet with Windows Ink or flip to the perfect angle to watch holiday movies – all with the same device.

* Office 365 and OneDrive — Of course, amid all the holiday fun and shopping, you’ll still need to get work done, and Office 365 and OneDrive make it easy to be productive, whether you’re a student or a small business owner. OneDrive allows you to store files and work in the cloud or offline. An Office 365 personal subscription is included with select Windows 10 devices such as the HP Stream 13.

The right technology can help you get holiday digital chores done safely, securely and efficiently — leaving you more time for holiday celebrations and fun.

Start organizing your holiday to-do list by visiting your nearest Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.

(BPT) – Your smartphone, your tablet, your computer – they are some of your most important and most used possessions. They are the daily tools you use for research, to connect with others and make purchases. You take them everywhere and fill them with your important, personal information.

And all of that makes them the perfect targets for a cyberattack.

The number of cybercrime incidents in the United States grows each year, and as Americans move into an increasingly digital society — thanks to smart phones, smart cars and smart in-home technologies — cybercrime is expected to grow in frequency again in 2017. Protecting yourself, your family and the vital information on your devices means increasing your focus on your own cybersecurity. That starts with these five tips.

* Recognize you’re not immune. Cyberattacks increase in frequency and severity every year, so don’t make the mistake of believing it can’t happen to you. “It’s important to protect yourself by taking personal responsibility for your data; we can’t expect banks or other institutions to do it for us,” said Jim Karagiannes, Ph.D., professor in DeVry University’s College of Engineering & Information Services. “We lock our doors and take other security measures to protect our home and car. We need to also take precautions with our personal security and information.”

* Don’t store your username, password or credit card information with a website. The convenience makes it tempting, but websites are a popular target for cybercriminals because a successful hack gives them access to hundreds or thousands of files, including yours. Even storing this information on your own computer can expose it in a cyberattack, and if your credit card information is captured, criminals can use it to gather your social security number. That exposes you to identify theft. Keep this information off your devices and, instead, create complex passwords and write down all of your usernames and passwords on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place, such as a deposit box.

* Use only a credit card, not a debit card, when making online purchases. Using your credit card instead of your debit card allows you to keep better track of the purchases you have made. It also limits the effects of any possible theft to just the one card instead of several. If you have no choice but to use a debit card for an online purchase, do not use your pin number online.

* If it feels like a trick, it probably is. Cybercriminals often engage in “social engineering” or other non-electronic methods to try and trick you into surrendering your data. If you get a phone call about a banking or credit card issue or if your computer tells you to call a number because it just caught a virus, be cautious. Do not divulge any personal history or credit card details. Hang up or ignore the computer-generated notices and call the customer service number of the institution’s website with any questions.

* Replace your existing credit cards with chip cards as soon as possible. Chip cards are becoming the new normal these days, and if your current credit card does not have a silver square chip on its front, consider replacing it quickly. Popularized in Europe, chip cards possess the necessary encrypted information to eliminate delays in the transaction process. Doing so closes the window criminals need to steal your personal information, thus protecting you from identity theft.

You have no intention of abandoning your devices, of course, so protect them. Following the tips above will help better secure your technology and personal information from the threats of cybercrime so you can enjoy your devices with greater peace of mind.

(BPT) – Your smartphone, your tablet, your computer – they are some of your most important and most used possessions. They are the daily tools you use for research, to connect with others and make purchases. You take them everywhere and fill them with your important, personal information.

And all of that makes them the perfect targets for a cyberattack.

The number of cybercrime incidents in the United States grows each year, and as Americans move into an increasingly digital society — thanks to smart phones, smart cars and smart in-home technologies — cybercrime is expected to grow in frequency again in 2017. Protecting yourself, your family and the vital information on your devices means increasing your focus on your own cybersecurity. That starts with these five tips.

* Recognize you’re not immune. Cyberattacks increase in frequency and severity every year, so don’t make the mistake of believing it can’t happen to you. “It’s important to protect yourself by taking personal responsibility for your data; we can’t expect banks or other institutions to do it for us,” said Jim Karagiannes, Ph.D., professor in DeVry University’s College of Engineering & Information Services. “We lock our doors and take other security measures to protect our home and car. We need to also take precautions with our personal security and information.”

* Don’t store your username, password or credit card information with a website. The convenience makes it tempting, but websites are a popular target for cybercriminals because a successful hack gives them access to hundreds or thousands of files, including yours. Even storing this information on your own computer can expose it in a cyberattack, and if your credit card information is captured, criminals can use it to gather your social security number. That exposes you to identify theft. Keep this information off your devices and, instead, create complex passwords and write down all of your usernames and passwords on a piece of paper that you keep in a safe place, such as a deposit box.

* Use only a credit card, not a debit card, when making online purchases. Using your credit card instead of your debit card allows you to keep better track of the purchases you have made. It also limits the effects of any possible theft to just the one card instead of several. If you have no choice but to use a debit card for an online purchase, do not use your pin number online.

* If it feels like a trick, it probably is. Cybercriminals often engage in “social engineering” or other non-electronic methods to try and trick you into surrendering your data. If you get a phone call about a banking or credit card issue or if your computer tells you to call a number because it just caught a virus, be cautious. Do not divulge any personal history or credit card details. Hang up or ignore the computer-generated notices and call the customer service number of the institution’s website with any questions.

* Replace your existing credit cards with chip cards as soon as possible. Chip cards are becoming the new normal these days, and if your current credit card does not have a silver square chip on its front, consider replacing it quickly. Popularized in Europe, chip cards possess the necessary encrypted information to eliminate delays in the transaction process. Doing so closes the window criminals need to steal your personal information, thus protecting you from identity theft.

You have no intention of abandoning your devices, of course, so protect them. Following the tips above will help better secure your technology and personal information from the threats of cybercrime so you can enjoy your devices with greater peace of mind.

Choosing the perfect colors to convey your brand identity is a more important task than it may seem. Certain colors evoke certain emotions while expressing others. A color’s value is a representation not only of how much light and dark … Read More

The post Choose the Best Colors For Your Brand appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – When it comes to hiring and retaining employees, companies are always looking at new alternatives to build their staffs. However, new research shows that when it comes to attracting top talent, many professionals prefer a return to the basics, meaning stable employment with competitive base pay with traditional medical and retirement benefits are key.

The findings come from a recent survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board, which was established by DeVry University in 2010. The survey asked employees to offer their insight into what is most important for them when looking for the right workplace. Below are some of the most interesting findings.

Predictability over perks

Employees responded resoundingly that they wanted their work life to be more in line with those of the generations before. Eighty-one percent of survey respondents said they would like to work a single, full-time job as opposed to contract work or several smaller positions. This desire rang especially true with millennials as 91 percent of those surveyed agreed.

Respondents also preferred going to the office every day (22 percent) compared to working from remotely full-time (18 percent). Millennials, in particular, were more likely to seek a job where they had to be in the office each day (27 percent).

Stable jobs were valued by 84 percent of survey respondents, while only 16 percent said they preferred a job that may come with riskier employment opportunities.

Employers looking to stay the course

For employers looking to attract and retain top talent, they should focus on solidifying their existing benefits package. A competitive salary remained the most important benefit employees consider in an employer, but traditional offerings such as medical/dental coverage, paid time off and retirement plans were heavily favored over newer perks, including onsite food, wellness offerings and day care.

Employers also don’t need to look at making dramatic changes to their existing organizational structure to attract employees. Thirty-six percent said they prefer working for a single manager, while 18 percent said they appreciated the opportunity to report to multiple managers. However, no matter how employers establish their hierarchy, they should always be looking for ways to give employees a chance to impact company decisions. Fifty-six percent said they prefer a job with “authority to make decisions that impact the entire organization,” a sign employees care deeply about where they work and want to have a vital role in its growth.

Employees seizing what they want

For employees looking for new positions, the job market is healthier and those with the right skills and attributes will have their pick of positions. As we move further away from the recession years and the economy improves, those who can afford to take their time in their job search are most likely to find a position offering the things most important to them.

“The survey results show us that businesses today need to be good employers, offering stable employment with competitive base pay and traditional medical and retirement benefits,” says Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member. “The average American worker isn’t necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles.”

To learn more about the study, visit www.careeradvisoryboard.org.

(BPT) – When it comes to hiring and retaining employees, companies are always looking at new alternatives to build their staffs. However, new research shows that when it comes to attracting top talent, many professionals prefer a return to the basics, meaning stable employment with competitive base pay with traditional medical and retirement benefits are key.

The findings come from a recent survey conducted by the Career Advisory Board, which was established by DeVry University in 2010. The survey asked employees to offer their insight into what is most important for them when looking for the right workplace. Below are some of the most interesting findings.

Predictability over perks

Employees responded resoundingly that they wanted their work life to be more in line with those of the generations before. Eighty-one percent of survey respondents said they would like to work a single, full-time job as opposed to contract work or several smaller positions. This desire rang especially true with millennials as 91 percent of those surveyed agreed.

Respondents also preferred going to the office every day (22 percent) compared to working from remotely full-time (18 percent). Millennials, in particular, were more likely to seek a job where they had to be in the office each day (27 percent).

Stable jobs were valued by 84 percent of survey respondents, while only 16 percent said they preferred a job that may come with riskier employment opportunities.

Employers looking to stay the course

For employers looking to attract and retain top talent, they should focus on solidifying their existing benefits package. A competitive salary remained the most important benefit employees consider in an employer, but traditional offerings such as medical/dental coverage, paid time off and retirement plans were heavily favored over newer perks, including onsite food, wellness offerings and day care.

Employers also don’t need to look at making dramatic changes to their existing organizational structure to attract employees. Thirty-six percent said they prefer working for a single manager, while 18 percent said they appreciated the opportunity to report to multiple managers. However, no matter how employers establish their hierarchy, they should always be looking for ways to give employees a chance to impact company decisions. Fifty-six percent said they prefer a job with “authority to make decisions that impact the entire organization,” a sign employees care deeply about where they work and want to have a vital role in its growth.

Employees seizing what they want

For employees looking for new positions, the job market is healthier and those with the right skills and attributes will have their pick of positions. As we move further away from the recession years and the economy improves, those who can afford to take their time in their job search are most likely to find a position offering the things most important to them.

“The survey results show us that businesses today need to be good employers, offering stable employment with competitive base pay and traditional medical and retirement benefits,” says Alexandra Levit, business and workplace consultant and Career Advisory Board member. “The average American worker isn’t necessarily looking for all the bells and whistles.”

To learn more about the study, visit www.careeradvisoryboard.org.

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the Founder and Publisher of Retail Minded, the Co-Founder of the Independent Retailer Conference and a regular contributor to various publications. Additionally, Reyhle is the Author of the book “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and … Read More

The post Easy Ways To Translate Current Pop Culture Into Your Business Marketing appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – With the rise of mobile devices, you might wonder what the future holds for desktop computers. While the total number of mobile users surpassed desktop users around 2014, the number of people still using desktops might surprise you. The desktop is alive and well, and a new crop of task-specific desktops are rewriting the look and utility of the original personal computing device.

Personal computing workhorses

People still find desktops useful for a number of reasons. They provide a level of computing power, flexibility and durability that many portable devices are only beginning to achieve.

From a usability perspective, a desktop allows people greater display versatility and visibility. It may be difficult to see the spreadsheet numbers you’re crunching on the smaller screens of tablets or laptops. A smartphone screen just isn’t large or robust enough to give you a visually rich gaming experience. Online shopping on a desktop makes it easy to enlarge catalog images, work out of multiple tabs and comparison shop. In addition, you can speak to Cortana, the personal digital assistant, on your Windows 10 desktop and rely on her for notifications.

In fact, one study found that nearly 75 percent of U.S. adults own a desktop or laptop computer. Multiple studies point to the idea that people choose desktops for more complex digital activities, and tend to spend longer on web pages when they use their desktops versus mobile devices.

New look, new tasks

While desktops continue to play an important role in people’s digital lives, desktop designers aren’t resting on their laurels. Instead, they’re producing new Windows 10 desktops designed to facilitate specific tasks — and look cool while doing it. Three key areas of focus are gaming, productivity and consumer use.

Gaming desktops emphasize high-resolution, realistic and immersive graphics, as well as virtual reality capabilities. For example, the Dell Alienware Area-51 is virtual reality (VR)-ready, making it ideal for gamers. Its support for super-high resolution 4k displays and multi-tasking power also make it a preferred platform for developers and programmers. Running Windows 10 and up to 10-core Intel Core i7 Extreme processor options, the PC’s unique tricorn outer casing is also designed for versatility and utility. The desktop can easily be turned onto any one of its three corners for ease of access to ports when attaching and removing cables.

PC manufacturers are challenging conventional desktop designs and coming up with breakthrough devices. New designs take into account that personal tastes and preferences can influence PC selection as much as the type of tasks people will perform on their desktops. For example, the new futuristic Samsung ArtPC Pulse marries leading-edge styling with powerful computing capability.

Running Windows 10 and equipped with a 6th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, the PC delivers exceptional graphics, smooth visuals, easily expandable storage, and 360-degree Omnidirectional Sound.

Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect device for your home office or family use, new desktops like the HP Elite Slice offer big power in compact casings. Small and sleek, this Windows 10 PC is powered through a USB connection to a monitor, minimizing the need for cables on top of your desk. Specialized casings and attachments allow the PC to act as a speaker phone, multi-media player or wireless device charger.

While laptops and other PC form factors can be a good choice, the desktop certainly has a special seat at the table. New designs, expanded capabilities and outstanding versatility make today’s desktop computer as powerful, useful and preferred as ever.

To learn more about today’s desktop computers and for a list of deals and where to buy, visit your local Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.

(BPT) – With the rise of mobile devices, you might wonder what the future holds for desktop computers. While the total number of mobile users surpassed desktop users around 2014, the number of people still using desktops might surprise you. The desktop is alive and well, and a new crop of task-specific desktops are rewriting the look and utility of the original personal computing device.

Personal computing workhorses

People still find desktops useful for a number of reasons. They provide a level of computing power, flexibility and durability that many portable devices are only beginning to achieve.

From a usability perspective, a desktop allows people greater display versatility and visibility. It may be difficult to see the spreadsheet numbers you’re crunching on the smaller screens of tablets or laptops. A smartphone screen just isn’t large or robust enough to give you a visually rich gaming experience. Online shopping on a desktop makes it easy to enlarge catalog images, work out of multiple tabs and comparison shop. In addition, you can speak to Cortana, the personal digital assistant, on your Windows 10 desktop and rely on her for notifications.

In fact, one study found that nearly 75 percent of U.S. adults own a desktop or laptop computer. Multiple studies point to the idea that people choose desktops for more complex digital activities, and tend to spend longer on web pages when they use their desktops versus mobile devices.

New look, new tasks

While desktops continue to play an important role in people’s digital lives, desktop designers aren’t resting on their laurels. Instead, they’re producing new Windows 10 desktops designed to facilitate specific tasks — and look cool while doing it. Three key areas of focus are gaming, productivity and consumer use.

Gaming desktops emphasize high-resolution, realistic and immersive graphics, as well as virtual reality capabilities. For example, the Dell Alienware Area-51 is virtual reality (VR)-ready, making it ideal for gamers. Its support for super-high resolution 4k displays and multi-tasking power also make it a preferred platform for developers and programmers. Running Windows 10 and up to 10-core Intel Core i7 Extreme processor options, the PC’s unique tricorn outer casing is also designed for versatility and utility. The desktop can easily be turned onto any one of its three corners for ease of access to ports when attaching and removing cables.

PC manufacturers are challenging conventional desktop designs and coming up with breakthrough devices. New designs take into account that personal tastes and preferences can influence PC selection as much as the type of tasks people will perform on their desktops. For example, the new futuristic Samsung ArtPC Pulse marries leading-edge styling with powerful computing capability.

Running Windows 10 and equipped with a 6th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, the PC delivers exceptional graphics, smooth visuals, easily expandable storage, and 360-degree Omnidirectional Sound.

Finally, if you’re looking for the perfect device for your home office or family use, new desktops like the HP Elite Slice offer big power in compact casings. Small and sleek, this Windows 10 PC is powered through a USB connection to a monitor, minimizing the need for cables on top of your desk. Specialized casings and attachments allow the PC to act as a speaker phone, multi-media player or wireless device charger.

While laptops and other PC form factors can be a good choice, the desktop certainly has a special seat at the table. New designs, expanded capabilities and outstanding versatility make today’s desktop computer as powerful, useful and preferred as ever.

To learn more about today’s desktop computers and for a list of deals and where to buy, visit your local Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com.