Introduction

Techxperts claim that new technology is born of the desire of consumers to have new features. This only underlines the old adage, “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” and it’s just as true for Windows 10. All the problems with Windows 10 not withstanding, one good thing about it is that it has further narrowed the gap between mobile devices and PCs by making apps portable across devices. However there is really nothing dynamically different from the earlier version – Windows 8. Windows 10 for the most part brings you the same features that Windows 8 brought but with a difference. You will find yourself doing the same things but in a better way with improved apps. What’s confusing is that Windows 10 uses the same apps on all devices. Installing apps can therefore be slightly tricky given that mobile devices function differently from stable devices not to mention the grey area of laptops and palm tops or iPads. Here is an overview of the best way to install apps on your new OS.

Background

One thing that both Windows 8 and Windows 10 have in common is a single place where users can go to find the apps they need. The windows store in the latest version is better than its predecessor in that there is better device portability. This means that the same app can run on most of your devices. Another good thing is that it has done away with the need to download a lot of stuff like iTunes to be able to download and use the apps. You still need your Microsoft account though! So how would you install apps on your Windows 10 device? Let’s find out.

Installing Apps

Default-Windows-Store-app-behavior-in-Windows-10

If you are using a PC click on the windows button (Start Menu). If you are using a touch screen device tap on the Windows button in the task bar. Once you see the Windows Store Live, click or tap on it. You can now see all the apps available for purchase or download. You’ll also see a search bar which you can use to find the app you are looking for. Check the pricing and reviews to make sure you really want to install the app. You can also see the various platforms on which the app will work as well as the languages available for the particular app. Once you are sure you want to install the app just tap or click install. When the apps are installed, they automatically appear on your start screen or menu depending on which device you are using. Right click or tap and hold to pin them. That’s about it. This method of installation works for games too. Remember though, there are a few important points to keep in mind when selecting games or apps to download.

Some important information to note

While you can have many games and apps for free there are some that are chargeable. These may be one time buys or may demand in-app payment. Most apps will sync data automatically, but you will probably have an option to turn it off. On a note of caution, you should check out the app’s rating to see if the app is suitable to download. Most apps come with inbuilt feedback requests which force users to rate the app on a scale of five. When installing they will most likely show you the average rating. Generally you may presume an app is safe if it has more than 50% (3.5) average rating. This means that more than half the people who used it found it good, safe, and suitable. Don’t forget Pokémon Go though! So stay cautious. Apps and games will also show you other details such as device compatibility, and appropriate age group, to help you decide. These are usually on the mark and if they do err, they do so on the side of caution since the developers are concerned about their reputation. Be warned that there is no clear indicator for Xbox One support in most apps. So if that’s your primary objective, check again. One great thing about Windows 10 is that it allows you to install any game or app on 10 devices once you have downloaded it. So one download can serve the whole family. Great news isn’t it? Of course you will need Microsoft account on all of them.

"Summary" handwritten with chalk on a blackboard

On its website, Microsoft gives you the standard procedure for downloading and installing any program on Windows using the exe file. There is a lot more to it though. Through this blog we bring you the correct way to install not just apps and games but any software. We at Geex are always here to help you download and do a lot more!

Bring Your Own Device to Work or NOT

TO BYOD OR NOT

According to Bob Egan of Forbes, the concept of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) for business died a natural death nearly two years ago. The concept was however extremely popular when smart phones, iPhones, and Blackberry first came on the scene, primarily because of the convenience it offered for both employers as well as employees. As time passed, the thrill wore off and problems emerged. The question then remained was – Is BYOD good for business? Well the simple answer is “Yes it is.” Egan qualifies his opinion about the death of BYOD by saying “BYOD as we know it is dead”. There is little doubt though, that the phenomenon has changed the way businesses function. Let’s see what has changed and whether BYOD is still a good business practice.

The Good

Let’s begin with some stats. One survey by Entrasys shows that BYOD is practiced by 74% companies. IDC 2011 however differs by saying this figure is underestimated by about 50% which means more than 74% companies are using it. Roger Bjork, of Dell Enterprise Mobility Solutions says that employees who are allowed to bring their own device to work put in more hours as compared to those who are not. These figures show that BYOD is definitely good for business. Simply put BYOD facilitates easy access to CRM, knowledge base, database and other resources allowing employees to work from anywhere. Surely it is advantageous for this reason alone.

Another major plus is that your database / knowledge base stays up to date right up to the minute which in turn means you have access to real time data that you can effectively use for lead generation, conversion, and increasing ROI. You can also effectively reduce costs – particularly hardware costs – by allowing employees to use their own hardware devices. BYOD means your employees – and you too – can work even when the office is closed.

Expansion is another area where BYOD will work in your favour. Expanding across time zones is much easier if you just allow those working with you to use their own device instead of insisting that they have one dedicated to your business. With so much in its favour, why did the practice lose steam?

The Bad

One thing about BYOD is that there is a lot of grey area. Who for example would provide technical support for the devices owned by the employees but used for office work? The employees would naturally look towards their employer which means additional costs for round the clock support. After all if you want them to work round the clock you should too. Another big thing going against BYOD is the fact that data on mobile devices is exposed. Most people leave their private phones lying around carelessly and many of them are not secured by passwords or pins, for the simple reason that they are personal. Loss of personal devices is another big threat when business data is available on personal devices.

Another argument against BYOD is that employees who quit carry sensitive data and information with them. They may still have access to your database unless you ensure their account is deactivated. Even then they may have data and information downloaded on to their device. This is a leak that can easily go unnoticed unless you are alert to the possibility.

Data on personal devices could therefore mean a ticking time bomb for your business. Data exposed in this manner means exposure to breach leading to loss of ROI and additional expenses for recovery. It is for these reasons that

business owners hesitate to adopt the practice of BYOD and why the practice petered out. We at Geex however feel that the advantages far outweigh the risks. After all there are ways to mitigate risks.

The Way to Go

So! Like everything else, there is a good and a bad side of BYOD. But the question still remains, how to mitigate the risks? Managed care is the simple answer to that one. At GEEX we can provide you complete BYOD management. Our services will help you mitigate the risk of data loss by defining and implementing protocol. We will provide you a single window service for all types of devices used by your employees. We can ensure secure data transfer through encryption. Enforcing protocol is achieved through monitoring access to corporate resources. Data loss is prevented by techniques such as need based access, automated memory wipe, remote locking, and device tracking. We also help you conduct periodic audits to identify potential leaks and plug them well in time. As your managed care consultant, Geex can help you establish and implement the protocol for all devices that your employees bring with them. Following these guideline, we can guarantee almost 100% security. Well we’re not God so 99%.