Which Web Browser is safest?

 

Recent Internet Explorer Vulnerability Alert attracts attention

 

It has been widely reported that Internet Explorer is vulnerable to a new attack which could affect millions of computer users.  We asked “Which browser is the safest?” and found this article – “Big browser builders scramble to fix cross-platform zero-day flaw” and it is not the first time we have seen a report which appears to suggest that Internet Explorer blocks more attacks than Chrome, Firefox and Safari.  This is not the whole story – what is very clear is that whichever browser is used it must be kept up to date through the application of regular updates and patching – this will protect you from most common attacks.  Most malware writers will target systems which are not upgraded with the latest protection.

 

We like to use what our customers use, so professionally we prefer Internet Explorer since we believe it is still the most common web browser and that it offers the best protection.

 

Internet Explorer includes the following security features:

 

• Domain highlighting, which lets you more easily see the real web address on websites you visit. This helps you avoid deceptive or phishing websites that use misleading web addresses to trick you. The true domain you’re visiting is highlighted in the address bar.


• SmartScreen Filter, which can help protect you from online phishing attacks, fraud, and spoofed or malicious websites. For more information, see SmartScreen Filter: frequently asked questions.


• Manage Add-ons, which lets you disable or allow web browser add-ons and delete unwanted ActiveX controls. For more information, see How do browser add-ons affect my computer?
  


• Cross site scripting (XSS) filter, which can help prevent attacks from phishing and fraudulent websites that might attempt to steal your personal and financial information. For more information, see How does Internet Explorer help protect me from cross-site scripting attacks?
  


• A 128-bit secure (SSL) connection for using secure websites. This helps Internet Explorer create an encrypted connection with websites run by banks, online stores, medical sites, or other organizations that handle sensitive customer information. For more information, see How to know if an online transaction is secure.

 

Windows also provides a built-in trouble-shooter that can automatically fix some common security problems in Internet Explorer.

 

Update your Windows computer now – Click here to improve your security

 

 

 

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Which Web Browser is safest?

Free Office - The best free alternative to Office is Office on the web

The best free alternative to Office is Office on the web

Lately, it seems there’s a new, free productivity application launching every week. They’re flooding the market with point solutions that have rudimentary levels of functionality and a variety of user experiences. With this comes speculation of if these free offerings can replace Office.

We know the crowded app market is creating confusion for customers, but the reality is, the best free alternative to Office is Office – Office Web Apps. The Office Web Apps are a free version of the Office applications you already know and love with the same familiar user experience you want. And, they trump the free alternatives hands down.  Here’s why:

1. 
   They’re complete.  With Office Web Apps, you can create, edit and share Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote files. Instead of addressing just one need, Office Web Apps provide a complete suite – all with a consistent user experience and functionality that works across the applications.


2. 
   They work anywhere.  Whether you’re a PC, Mac, iOS or Android fan and whether you use a touch device or mouse and keyboard, Office Web Apps work across all devices and browsers. Office Web Apps live in the cloud, so you can get to your files and documents anywhere. Your content is always in sync and available across any device.


3. 
   They’re consistent.  Office Web Apps look and feel like Office, so you already know how to use them. This means nothing new to learn. And, because Office always ensures your content formatting and functionality remain intact, you can share with confidence knowing that your documents will look as intended (and don’t get garbled like they do with some alternatives).


4. 
   They’re shareable.  Sharing through SkyDrive is easy, and it integrates closely with Office. So you can work with other people without version control issues or having to use an additional file storage and sharing service.


5. 
   They’re rock solid … and always getting better.  Tens of millions of people already use Office Web Apps, so they’re proven. Microsoft are always taking feedback and continually improving the Office Web Apps for the future; in fact, if you’ve tried Office Web Apps in the past you might want to take a second look, as there have been many improvements to the product suite to make it more intuitive, touch-friendly and more seamless with your Office experience.

I should note that, because Office Web Apps are browser-based, they don’t do everything Office 2013 or Office 365 does. Some of the more powerful features require the desktop version, but the Office Web Apps are a great solution for a lot of people, and a better option than the alternative point solutions.

If you’re looking for a free alternative to Office – or are just looking for a convenient way to access your files on the go – give the Office Web Apps a try by logging in to skydrive.com and clicking Create in the top menu.  We think you’ll like what you see.

–Julia White

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Free Office - The best free alternative to Office is Office on the web

Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband - New Coverage Maps

Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire Superfast Broadband – New Coverage Maps

We are pleased to share with you the latest coverage maps for the rollout of fibre broadband through the Connected Counties programme in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.  These new maps reflect recent remodelling work by BT and shows the best estimate of where the Connected Counties programme plan to rollout fibre broadband, alongside services which are already commercially available.  These plans are, however, subject to the completion of detailed ground assessments which will survey local conditions and will be carried out in phases throughout the programme.

The maps show a preliminary estimate of the likely broadband coverage resulting from the Connected Counties programme’s investment.  The maps are indicative and should not be relied on or otherwise treated as a guarantee of current or future provision.

See more at: Connected Counties

The Connected Counties programme with BT has triggered a £18m investment to bring superfast broadband to more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses across Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

In June the Government announced a further £250m locally match funded investment in broadband for the UK, with the aim of achieving national coverage of 95 per cent or higher. The way this funding is being allocated isn’t yet known, but it should help the Connected Counties programme stretch out coverage plans. This means it is still important for communities to register on the Connected Counties programme website to tell them they are interested in getting superfast broadband.  These levels of interest can be factored into their decisions on which areas are rolled out to and strengthen their business case when biding for further funding.

Register Your Interest in getting superfast broadband – http://www.connectedcounties.org/register/

 

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Five Things to Say When You Are Caught Using Social Media at Work

Five Things to Say When You Are Caught Using Social Media at Work

Social media is catching on, but not everyone’s boss is a fan of  Facebook yet. Some companies outright ban the use of social media at  work, while others quietly look the other way or subtly encourage it. If  your workplace isn’t social-friendly (or if your boss scowls when he  sees Instagram over your shoulder), here are five things to say when you’re caught talking online.

Social media actually increases productivity!

It’s important to know what people are saying about us online!

I am working collaboratively!

I am evangelizing for our brand/company/organization!

Social media sells stuff!

Source – Microsoft For Work

 

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Office 365 is now available as a donation to qualified nonprofits

Get anywhere access to familiar Office applications, plus professional email, calendar, HD video conferencing, and more.

Take advantage of the cloud to help your non-profit deliver on its mission.

Microsoft is now offering its cloud-based Office 365 for Non-profits software programme to qualifying non-profits around the world via its software donation programme. The donation is available immediately to eligible organisations in 41 countries around the world, including the UK, and will be extended to a total of 90 countries by July 2014.

Office 365 for Non-profits lets non-profit and NGO staff use its cloud-based service to access files from almost anywhere, whether with a PC, smartphone or tablet. Staff can collaborate using shared applications such as email and shared calendars. Microsoft pledges a 99.9 per cent uptime. Jean-Philippe Courtois, president, Microsoft International, said: “Today we are donating to non-profits and NGOs access to Microsoft’s best-in-class cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, enabling them to spend fewer resources and time on IT and focus on their missions addressing global issues, such as disease eradication, education and literacy, and environmental sustainability.”

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• 
  





Office 365 is now available as a donation to qualified nonprofits