Pro+Tips
Technology Simplified
For small businesses and nonprofits, the ability to easily disseminate information can make a substantial difference. That’s why at Small Town Tech, our focus extends beyond simple design; we are also committed developers. Our new share button is a perfect example of this dual skill set. Below, we'll unpack the craftsmanship that allows this feature to be so adaptable and user-friendly.
The Magic Behind Reusability and Customization Modular Code StructureOur developers adopt a modular approach to coding. This means each widget or code snippet we develop, like our share button, is designed to be a self-contained unit. You can easily plug it into different parts of your website or even multiple websites, without the need to write additional code. Parameters and Options We incorporate parameters that you can adjust according to your needs. For instance, the URL that the share button will disseminate isn’t hardcoded into the widget. Instead, it’s a variable that you can easily change to fit different pages or content pieces on your site. This is essential for customization. Cross-Compatibility We also focus on making sure the code is cross-compatible with different web browsers and responsive to various screen sizes. This ensures that the user experience remains consistent, no matter how or where your site is accessed. Balancing Design and Development Seamless Integration The visual elements like the button icon and the popup box are styled in a way that they can fit with various aesthetics. Because we understand both design and development, we can ensure that these elements don't just look good but also function efficiently. Dynamic Loading We utilize best practices to ensure that the additional features like our share button do not affect the load time of your website. This is crucial because slower load times can negatively impact user experience and SEO rankings. Why This Matters for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Conclusion At Small Town Tech, we don't just design; we develop. Our aim is to produce features like the share button that are not only visually appealing but also fundamentally sound from a coding perspective. By combining thoughtful design with robust development, we create widgets that can easily be repurposed and customized, offering both a superior user experience and versatility for our clients. Test out our new button!
View The Share Button Code Snippet
If you are a small business owner or an organization leader, you know how important it is to have a website that showcases your brand, products, services, or mission. A website can help you reach and engage your target audience, increase your sales and donations, and grow your online presence.
But how do you find a website development service that fits your budget and meets your needs? There are many factors to consider when choosing a website development service, such as the quality, functionality, design, and maintenance of your website. However, one of the most crucial factors is the pricing. Pricing is often the deciding factor for many customers when choosing a website development service. However, pricing can also be confusing and misleading. Some website development services may charge you hidden fees or surprise charges, or offer you low-quality or outdated solutions. Others may charge you too much for features or services that you don’t need or want. That’s why you need to find a website development service that offers transparent and fair pricing, and provides you with customized and flexible solutions that suit your budget and goals. One such service is Small Town Tech, a local company that offers website development solutions for small businesses and organizations. Small Town Tech’s Pricing for Website Development Small Town Tech is a website development company that specializes in creating websites that help you achieve your business goals and amplify your online presence. They have a portfolio of websites that showcase their design and functionality skills, and they offer a variety of solutions to meet your specific needs. Some of the solutions that Small Town Tech offers include: Forms: Create and manage forms on your website to communicate or collect information from your visitors.
Small Town Tech’s pricing depends on the complexity and scope of the project. Each solution has a different price tag, depending on the features and functionality that you require. For example: A basic website with forms and mostly informational content costs about $1000 in labor and $200 in fees annually. Advanced e-commerce websites can run $5000 depending on the inventory management software and quantity of items and shipping integrations. Most small organization websites will run in the $2000 price range with $200 annual fees. The labor cost covers the design and development of your website, as well as the maintenance and support that you will receive from Small Town Tech. The fees cover the hosting, domain name registration, SSL certificate, and other expenses that are necessary for your website to run smoothly. At Small Town Tech Inc, we are passionate about creating websites that not only look great, but also deliver results for our clients. That's why we use Microsoft Clarity, a free analytics tool that helps us understand how visitors interact with our websites and what we can do to improve their experience and achieve our goals. Microsoft Clarity is a powerful tool that lets us see how visitors navigate our websites, where they click, scroll, and hover, and what they see on their screens. It also shows us how visitors behave on different devices, browsers, and screen sizes, and how they respond to different layouts, content, and features. With Microsoft Clarity, we can identify and fix issues that might affect the performance of our websites, such as slow loading times, broken links, or confusing navigation. We can also test different versions of our websites and see which one performs better in terms of engagement, conversion, or retention. But Microsoft Clarity is not just about fixing problems. It's also about finding opportunities to enhance the user experience and optimize the website for our goals. For example, we can use Microsoft Clarity to: - Understand what visitors are looking for and what questions they have on our websites - Discover what content or features are most popular and valuable to our visitors - Learn what motivates visitors to take action or complete a desired task on our websites - Find out what barriers or distractions might prevent visitors from achieving their goals or satisfying their needs on our websites - Experiment with different design elements, copy, or calls to action to increase the effectiveness of our websites By using Microsoft Clarity, we can gain insights into the behavior and preferences of our visitors and use them to create websites that are more user-friendly, engaging, and goal-oriented. This way, we can provide a better service to our clients and help them grow their businesses online. If you want to learn more about how we use Microsoft Clarity to improve the user experience and website goals for our clients, feel free to contact us anytime. We would love to hear from you and show you how we can help you create a website that works for you. Learn More
Email serves as a crucial channel of communication for businesses and organizations of all sizes. However, not all email solutions are created equal, and making the right choice can have a significant impact on the efficiency, security, and overall effectiveness of your operations. In this guide, we'll delve into why Microsoft Exchange is considered an industry standard for business email and why using personal email accounts for business purposes can be problematic. The Benefits of MS Exchange Unmatched Security Measures In a business environment where cyber threats are ever-evolving, having a secure email platform is a necessity. Microsoft Exchange offers advanced security features such as threat protection and data loss prevention, ensuring that your sensitive information remains confidential. Scalability for Business Growth The needs of a business can change rapidly. MS Exchange is designed with scalability in mind, allowing for easy adjustments as your company grows. This makes it an ideal choice for both small businesses and larger enterprises. Collaboration Beyond Email While email is often the focus, MS Exchange offers much more. The platform integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's suite of Office products, providing a centralized hub for collaboration that includes shared calendars, task management, and file sharing, among other features. Simplified Management Administrative tasks can often consume valuable time and resources. MS Exchange comes with a user-friendly admin center and mobile device management capabilities, streamlining the tasks related to email system management. Why Using Personal Email for Business Is a Risk Lack of Professionalism Utilizing a personal email address for business transactions can significantly undermine the professional image of your organization. It may also lead to confusion and make it harder to separate work-related communications from personal ones. Limited Functionality Personal email services often lack essential features tailored for business needs, such as advanced security measures, integrated scheduling, and task management functionalities. Security Risks Personal email accounts are generally less secure than specialized business email solutions. This poses a security risk, especially when dealing with sensitive company information. Regulatory Compliance Industries where MS Exchange Is often mandatory have specific legal requirements for how they handle electronic communications and data storage. These regulations are designed to safeguard sensitive information, and using an email platform like MS Exchange can help businesses in these industries stay compliant. Here are 10 types of businesses for which MS Exchange is particularly relevant in this context:
Conclusion A robust, secure, and versatile email solution is not a luxury but a necessity for modern businesses. MS Exchange offers a range of features designed to meet the demanding needs of today's organizations. Whether you're concerned about security, scalability, or regulatory compliance, MS Exchange provides a comprehensive solution. If you're considering upgrading your email system, Small Town Tech is an authorized seller of Microsoft business licenses and can guide you through the entire process, ensuring your transition is as seamless as possible. Cybersecurity is a vital topic for everyone who uses the internet, but especially for seniors who may be more vulnerable to online scams and frauds. According to a Federal Trade Commission report, seniors are less likely to report fraud than younger adults, but they lose more money when they do. In this article, we will discuss some of the latest cybersecurity threats that target seniors and how to protect yourself from them. Phishing Phishing is a type of cyberattack that involves sending fake emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or online services. The goal of phishing is to trick you into clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or providing personal or financial information. Phishing emails often use urgent or alarming language, such as claiming that your account has been compromised, your payment is overdue, or you have won a prize. To avoid phishing, you should always be suspicious of any unsolicited email or message that asks you to click on a link, download a file, or enter your credentials. Do not reply to or forward such messages, and delete them immediately. You can also check the sender’s address, the spelling and grammar of the message, and the URL of the link by hovering over it with your mouse cursor. If anything looks suspicious or unfamiliar, do not click on it. You can also contact the supposed sender directly using a different method, such as calling their official phone number or visiting their official website. Fake Antivirus Software Fake antivirus software is a type of malware that pretends to be a legitimate security program that can protect your computer from viruses and other threats. However, instead of doing so, it infects your computer with more malware, displays fake alerts and warnings, and demands payment to remove the nonexistent threats. Fake antivirus software can also steal your personal and financial data, lock your files, or damage your system. To avoid fake antivirus software, you should only download and install security programs from trusted sources, such as the official websites of reputable vendors. You should also keep your antivirus software updated and run regular scans on your computer. If you encounter any pop-ups or messages that claim that your computer is infected and urge you to download or buy a security program, do not click on them. Close them using the task manager or restart your computer. You can also use another device to search for the name of the program online and see if it is legitimate or not. Romance Scams Romance scams are a type of online fraud that involves creating fake profiles on dating sites or social media platforms and pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship with someone. The scammers usually target lonely or vulnerable seniors who are looking for companionship or love. They use flattering words, fake photos, and sob stories to gain their trust and affection. Then, they ask for money for various reasons, such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, or legal fees. They may also ask for personal or financial information, such as bank account details, credit card numbers, or passwords. To avoid romance scams, you should be careful about who you communicate with online and how much information you share with them. You should never send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person or verified their identity. You should also avoid clicking on any links or attachments they send you, as they may contain malware or phishing attempts. You can also use reverse image search tools to check if their photos are stolen from someone else’s profile. If you suspect that you are being scammed by someone online, you should stop contact with them immediately and report them to the dating site or social media platform where you met them. Conclusion Cybersecurity for seniors is not only important but also achievable. By being aware of the latest threats and following some simple tips, you can protect yourself from online scams and frauds and enjoy the benefits of the internet safely and securely. Sources: 1 CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Program Older American Resources | CISA 2 Top Cybersecurity threats For seniors - AT&T Cybersecurity Blog 3 The Ultimate Internet Safety Guide for Seniors in 2023 - SafetyDetectives 4 Cybersecurity for Seniors – 7 Steps to Update Your Parents’ Svecurity - DigiCert Blog In today's digital age, the security of a business's digital assets is as critical as safeguarding its physical premises. While using a home router might seem cost-effective, it leaves your operations exposed to unnecessary risks. This comprehensive article explains why investing in a business-grade managed hardware firewall is indispensable for the modern enterprise. We'll focus on the advanced security features, intrusion prevention systems, and the critical role of event and user action logging. The Basics: What Is a Firewall? A firewall serves as a digital barrier between your internal network and the external world. It scrutinizes incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined rules. Think of it as a vigilant security guard, carefully inspecting each piece of data before allowing it to enter or exit your network. What Sets Business-Grade Managed Hardware Firewalls Apart Advanced Features and Robust Capabilities Business-grade firewalls offer a suite of advanced features that go beyond basic networking, including deep packet inspection, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS). These are designed to handle complex routing protocols, VLAN configurations, and Quality of Service (QoS) settings, enabling you to tailor the network to your specific needs. High Throughput and Scalability Business-grade firewalls can handle a significantly larger volume of data traffic than home routers, preventing network bottlenecks and ensuring smooth operations. They are scalable, adapting to the growing needs of your business in terms of features, users, and data handling capacity. Professional Support and Expertise Business-grade firewalls come with dedicated customer service, 24/7 monitoring options, and the expertise to tackle complex, business-specific networking and security issues. This ensures you're never left stranded when facing network challenges or security threats. Compliance Readiness For businesses obligated to adhere to regulatory standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or GDPR, business-grade firewalls offer the advanced security measures and reporting features necessary for compliance. Enhanced Network Security Features Data Packet Filtering Sophisticated firewalls allow you to set intricate rules based on IP address, port number, or application type, offering granular control over data traffic. User Authentication Advanced user authentication protocols add another layer of security, something rarely found in home routers. Geo-IP Blocking This feature allows you to block or allow traffic based on geographic locations, adding another dimension to your security posture. Encrypted VPN Support Business-grade firewalls offer robust VPN options to ensure that remote access is secure, a critical feature in today's remote work environment. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) Real-Time Traffic Analysis IPS features continuously monitor data flowing through your network in real-time to identify malicious activities. Automated Threat Response Upon detecting a security threat, IPS can take automated actions, such as blocking an IP address, based on predefined rules. Signature-Based and Anomaly-Based Detection Both signature-based and anomaly-based detection methods are often included, allowing for the identification of known and unknown threats. Zero-Day Attack Prevention By analyzing traffic behavior instead of known signatures, these systems can defend against new, unidentified threats. The Critical Role of Event and User Action Logging What Is Event Logging? Event logging records key events on your network, such as failed login attempts or changes to firewall settings. Importance of Event Logging Comprehensive logs are essential for auditing, troubleshooting, and security analysis. They offer a wealth of information to diagnose problems, comply with regulations, and identify vulnerabilities. What Is User Actions Logging? This feature logs specific user activities within the network, tagging each action with a user ID for accountability and traceability. Importance of User Action Logging This feature is crucial for internal accountability, insider threat detection, and network optimization. Detailed logs can deter malicious or careless behavior and alert administrators to suspicious activities in real-time. Conclusion The digital security landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses must adapt to effectively protect their assets. Business-grade managed hardware firewalls offer a level of security, scalability, and oversight that far surpasses what home routers can provide. By featuring robust security options, sophisticated intrusion prevention systems, and comprehensive logging capabilities, these firewalls are an indispensable investment for any business that takes its long-term security and success seriously. Learn more about Network Monitoring offered by Small Town Tech.
Howdy Pro+Tech Subscribers,
Most security incidents involving computers are related to using an account with Administrator privileges as your primary account. We feel that fixing this risk is so important that we are offering to sort it out for Pro+Tech subscribers for free.
Our system will alert us if you have your accounts misconfigured. We do not need you to take any action on your computer to complete this process. We only need your approval. One of our technicians will contact you by phone. I always advise that if you do not trust the person you are talking to on the phone that you should hang up immediately and independently verify the caller's contact information. You Can Move To The Front Of The Line.
How The Process Works
There are a few options for our Pro+Tech subscribers.
Option 1 involves a technician creating a Windows Administrator account and password for you. For this option you can tell us the account name and password that you would like or we can create a secure password for you. Option 2 involves a technician launching a pop up on your computer that allows you to enter in a new Administrator account username and password. We have no access to the password create through this method; however we can easily reset your password for you if you lose it, Option 3 is you decline this service. We will note it in your account and send you an email with the risks of having your accounts configured improperly and how to fix it yourself if you would like. We do not recommend this option, but you have the right to configure your device as you please. Our goal is to encourage you to make an informed decision. More Information About Why Windows Account Privelages Matter
Account privileges determine the level of access and control a user has over the system. Windows offers different types of user accounts with varying privileges, such as Administrator, Standard, and Guest accounts. Administrators have the highest level of privileges, allowing them to install or uninstall software, change system settings, and manage other user accounts. Standard users, on the other hand, can run applications and perform everyday tasks but have limited access to system settings and resources. Guest accounts have the most restricted access, designed for temporary or occasional users who should not have any control over the system.
Understanding and managing Windows account privileges is essential to protect your system from unauthorized access and potential threats. It is recommended to create and use a Standard user account for daily tasks, as it prevents accidental changes to crucial system settings and minimizes the risk of malware infection. Administrator accounts should be reserved for system maintenance or software installations, and passwords should be strong and regularly updated. By properly managing account privileges, you can ensure that your system remains secure, stable, and efficient while preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to sensitive data or compromising the integrity of your computer. What To Do If You Are Not a Pro+Tech Subscriber
In Closing
Thank you for considering these options. Even though this will use up a lot of our technicians time, I have developed an efficient and partially automated system for them to help you. I developed the process and the interactions to be efficient and simple because I would like 100% of our Pro+Tech subscribers to make these changes. This is also why we are offering to make the account changes free of charge to existing and future subscribers.
Sincerely, Ted Saxton Co-Owner Additional Message From Jim
Hi, I am Jim.
I agree with everything Ted wrote. I will be making sure this process goes smoothly and helping our technicians assist you. Sincerely, Jim Yount Co-Owner (the other one) Passwords are the keys to your online accounts, and they should be protected as much as possible. However, many people use weak passwords, reuse them across different sites, or forget them easily. This can expose your personal and financial information to hackers, identity thieves, or other malicious actors.
One of the best ways to improve your password security is to use a password manager. A password manager is a software application that generates, stores, and fills in your passwords for you. It also encrypts your passwords and syncs them across your devices. Some of the popular password managers are Keeper Password Manager, Bitwarden, and 1Password. Using a password manager has many benefits:
To prevent this, you should create a separate standard account for everyday use and only use the administrator account when necessary. A standard account has limited permissions and cannot make changes that affect the whole system. This way, you can reduce the risk of compromising your device and its data. Password security is essential for protecting your online identity and privacy. By using a password manager, following best practices, and avoiding using an administrator account, you can keep your accounts safe and secure. Many Windows users are unaware of the risks associated with using an administrator account as their primary account. While it may seem convenient to have full control over your computer, this practice can expose your system to security threats and other issues. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why using an admin account is not recommended and provide simple steps to switch to a standard account for better security. The Risks of Using an Admin Account
Switching to a Standard Account Follow these simple steps to create a standard account and start using it as your primary account for better security:
Using a Windows admin account as your primary account can expose your system to numerous security risks. By switching to a standard account, you can significantly reduce the chances of malware and cyberattacks causing extensive damage to your computer. Make the switch today and enjoy a safer computing experience. How to Set Up a Mouse for Wireless, Wired, and Bluetooth on Windows – A Simple Guide for Everyone4/15/2023 Whether you're a professional or a beginner, setting up a mouse on your Windows computer can be a breeze. In this easy-to-understand and friendly guide, we'll walk you through the process of setting up a wireless, wired, and Bluetooth mouse, ensuring you'll be up and running in no time. Let's dive in! Section 1: Setting Up a Wired Mouse 1.1 Unpack your mouse: Remove your new wired mouse from its packaging and unravel the cable. 1.2 Locate the USB port: On your Windows computer, find an available USB port. These are typically located on the sides or back of laptops and on the front or back of desktop computers. 1.3 Connect the mouse: Plug the USB connector of your mouse into the USB port on your computer. 1.4 Wait for the installation: Windows will automatically detect the new device and install the necessary drivers. Once the installation is complete, you should see a notification on your screen. 1.5 Test your mouse: Move your mouse around and click the buttons to ensure it is working properly. Section 2: Setting Up a Wireless Mouse 2.1 Unpack your mouse: Remove your new wireless mouse from its packaging. 2.2 Insert the batteries: Open the battery compartment, usually located on the bottom of the mouse, and insert the required batteries. Make sure to align the batteries according to the polarity indicators inside the compartment. 2.3 Locate the USB receiver: Your wireless mouse should come with a small USB receiver. This is used to establish the wireless connection between your mouse and computer. 2.4 Connect the USB receiver: Plug the USB receiver into an available USB port on your computer. 2.5 Turn on the mouse: Locate the power switch on your mouse, typically on the bottom, and turn it on. 2.6 Wait for the installation: Windows will automatically detect the new device and install the necessary drivers. Once the installation is complete, you should see a notification on your screen. 2.7 Test your mouse: Move your mouse around and click the buttons to ensure it is working properly. Section 3: Setting Up a Bluetooth Mouse 3.1 Unpack your mouse: Remove your new Bluetooth mouse from its packaging. 3.2 Insert the batteries: Open the battery compartment, usually located on the bottom of the mouse, and insert the required batteries. Make sure to align the batteries according to the polarity indicators inside the compartment. 3.3 Turn on the mouse: Locate the power switch on your mouse, typically on the bottom, and turn it on. 3.4 Enable Bluetooth on your computer: Open the Windows "Settings" app by clicking on the gear icon in the Start menu. Navigate to "Devices" and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. If your computer doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, you may need to purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. 3.5 Pair the mouse: In the "Bluetooth & other devices" section of the "Devices" settings, click on "Add Bluetooth or other device." A new window will open. Select "Bluetooth," and Windows will begin searching for nearby devices. 3.6 Connect to your mouse: Locate your mouse in the list of available devices and click on it to start the pairing process. Once paired, your mouse should appear in the list of connected devices. 3.7 Test your mouse: Move your mouse around and click the buttons to ensure it is working properly. Conclusion: Congratulations! You've successfully set up your wired, wireless, or Bluetooth mouse on your Windows computer. With this simple and friendly guide, you should now be ready to navigate your computer with ease. Happy clicking! |
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