Computerware Blog

Data privacy is one of those issues that people find more serious the more they know about it. Most people don’t think much about it because they figure they are just one person and don’t move the needle for people looking to collect data. They couldn’t be more wrong. This week we’ll discuss individual data privacy, considerations individuals should have, and what to do to keep your data safe.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you’ve seen articles about blockchain before. This week we thought we’d go a different direction and take a look at the question of whether or not cryptocurrency, a construct made possible by blockchain technology, should be made taxable by state, federal, and international lawmakers. Let’s take a look at blockchain, its role in cryptocurrency, and whether or not taxation is on the agenda down the road.

If you're not paying for a product, the saying goes, you are the product.

While the Internet offers immense benefits, it also poses risks—especially concerning data privacy. Websites and social media platforms collect user data, tracking online activity to sell to advertisers or, more recently, to train AI systems.

In June, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment—publisher of the eponymous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series—officially filed for Chapter 7 and then Chapter 11 bankruptcy, spurring the liquidation of many of its assets. Many may not realize that these assets include Redbox, the movie rental service, with its 24,000 distinctive scarlet kiosks.

What we’re concerned about, however, is what will become of these kiosks and, critically, the data they contain.

Many people still underestimate the importance of cybersecurity and data privacy, putting themselves and others at risk. Most individuals are accustomed to sharing personal information online, whether through social media, e-commerce platforms, or various digital services. However, this lack of caution can lead to serious security breaches, identity theft, and even financial fraud. When people fail to take basic security measures, such as using strong passwords or enabling two-factor authentication, they create vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. These weaknesses don’t just impact them personally but also expose organizations and communities to cyberattacks.

No matter what kind of business you work, having a repository of files that is organized and easy to navigate is a huge benefit. Like anything else that has a lot of traction, it is often difficult to keep organized in a manner that is best for your business. Let’s take a look at some ways that you can do just that. 

File efficiency is not something that is talked about very often as a key component to running a successful business, but it certainly is. Keeping an organized digital environment saves a lot of time and keeps projects and services working efficiently. Let’s take a look at why file efficiency is important and how to achieve it.

File sharing is a significant part of communication today. Whether trying to send a meme to your friends or sharing a video that won’t send, it can be frustrating when sharing your file doesn’t work. In the business world, though, ineffective file sharing can be more than just an inconvenience—it can lead to costly miscommunication. Let’s explore two methods seen in small business file sharing and how they benefit your organization.

If the Internet has made one thing in popular culture abundantly clear, nostalgia is a potent force. It makes us look back on our formative years to experiences that shaped who we are today. One such example is music, but what would you say if we told you that this music could disappear forever?

Collaboration is essential for modern business functionality, which often means that your team members will need to share files of all sizes. The trouble is that larger files have historically been a pain to share.

Fortunately, thanks to technology, there are now simple ways to share larger files with your team members. Let’s review them together.

Handling time calculations in a spreadsheet can often feel frustrating—especially when you’re just trying to add them up. Luckily, both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets have built-in functions specifically designed for this purpose, making the process more manageable.

Here’s a quick guide to help you get started, no matter which spreadsheet program you use.

We all share a lot of data. There’s everything shared for professional purposes, of course, but there’s also all the casual things that we send back and forth—chats, requests to have people to pick up things on the way home, and (naturally) memes and pet pictures.

Most of this is sent off without a thought. However, let’s take a moment to think about it for a moment… is there an impact to all this data being sent around?

Staying optimistic is difficult, not just in business, but in life.

Email is a centralizing communication tool for most businesses, but what would you do if we asked if your email system was encrypted? Could you give us an honest answer? Encryption is a powerful security measure for networks and infrastructure, so it makes sense to use it for your email solution, too. Here’s what you need to know about encryption and email.

Analytics can significantly enhance workplace productivity by providing data-driven insights that inform decision-making and streamline processes. One primary benefit is the ability to track and analyze employee performance. By leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics, managers can identify high-performing employees, understand the factors contributing to their success, and replicate these practices across the team. Conversely, analytics can also help pinpoint areas where employees might be struggling, enabling targeted interventions such as additional training or support. This tailored approach ensures that each employee can perform to the best of their abilities, thereby boosting overall productivity.

Data backup is the glue that holds businesses together during difficult times. Despite this, many employees are still unclear on how the whole system works and what data gets backed up. Today, we want to explore this topic and clarify what typically occurs during the data backup process.

Emerging technologies can help businesses attain their goals, but to do so, they need to understand how and when to leverage them. One of the fastest-growing technologies being used today is artificial intelligence. AI isn’t always what you may think it is, however. Many of today’s most useful tools for business are actually powered by something called machine learning. In this month’s newsletter, we will unpack machine learning and how it works inside a business.

If your organization has an internal IT department, chances are they're managing a complex infrastructure while being understaffed and overworked. This isn't a criticism; it's simply the reality for many SMBs (we understand this well). We can ease the burden on your IT team and streamline your technology management.

For modern businesses, data is king. It's the driving force behind decision-making, strategic planning, and competitive advantage. Enter business analytics.

This powerful tool transforms raw data into meaningful insights, but how can you use small business analytics for yourself?

Managing your organization's technology can pose unexpected challenges. Firstly, many businesses overlook their technology as long as it functions adequately. Secondly, technology turnover within an organization can be rapid. In this month's newsletter, we'll go into essential steps for gaining control over your technology inventory.