Malware 2020

Malware is the new data security threat and its prevalence will surge in 2020.  Malware is software that’s created by a third party to gain access to your computer without your permission or redirect you to another source, their intentions are never good.  Malware’s intention is to cause you disruption, physical damage to your systems or financial gain (theirs, not yours).

Whether it’s keyloggers, ransomware, worms, trojan horses, logic bombs or the good old virus chances are you know someone who’s been infected or impacted.  What you need to do is manage your vulnerability and limit the chances of attack.  Use complex passwords, consider the source of software you download and ensure you practice safe browsing.  You should also consider utilising some third-party malware security.

Macumen can help you protect your laptop, desktop, server or entire IT infrastructure from malware.  We can deploy endpoint protection to selected computers or all computers in your ecosystem (across multiple sites if required), providing you with wide ranging protection from malware.

If you’d like to discuss malware and protection from its potentially damaging effects contact Macumen via the contact link above.  We’ll get back to you and help keep you safe from malware!

 

Ho, Ho, Ho

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 

Macumen would like to wish all of our clients, suppliers and colleagues the very best for the festive season and thank you all for your continued support.  We will be taking a break over the Christmas/New Year period to recharge the batteries, returning in 2020 rested, recharged and rearing to go.

Last day: December 20th

Back: January 6th

 

Ho, Ho, Ho

 

Mac OS X Catalina – Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Catalina – DON’T DO IT – Just Yet

 

With the hype around the launch of Apple’s latest operating system ‘Catalina’ you might be tempted to do so, but should you?  The short answer is no!

And ‘why not’ is the logical question after that, the reasons are varied.  The following things need to be considered and answered before you consider upgrading to Catalina.

  • Will my Mac support Catalina?  Some older Macs may not perform as well as they do now after the upgrade, check your Mac’s compatibility.
  • Will all of my third-party software run properly on Catalina?  You need to ensure your software developers have updated their software to be compatible with Catalina and also that your Mac is capable of running these updated versions.
  • Will all my Apps run on Catalina.  As with your software, you need to ensure all your apps are compatible.  32-bit apps will not run on Catalina.
  • Will your plug-ins, printer drivers, installers etc function as you’d expect (or at all).  Give it time and others will find any bugs and they will be resolved.

If you haven’t answered ‘YES’ to all of these questions DO NOT upgrade to Catalina.  We know it’s tempting to have the latest and greatest but to preserve your working environment we need to wait, investigate whether the upgrade will have any adverse effects or is even necessary.

If you’d like to upgrade to Catalina please consider the above.  If you’d like us to help assess your suitability to upgrade then by all means give us a call on (02) 9550 1110.

 

Let’s Clear Something Up

Macumen Has Always Been and Will Always Be Macumen

 

Macumen has been located at 106 Parramatta Rd in Stanmore for nearly 10 years and the Mac support side of our business has only ever been known as Macumen.  You may have noticed that two businesses, iHelp IT and PC Patrol are now operating from the same address.

These two businesses have no ties to Macumen or Appsmith (Macumen’s Custom business software development company) and in no way are involved (directly or indirectly) with Macumen.  When you deal with Macumen you will be dealing with the team that has spent 20 years helping businesses with their Mac environments, building relationships and trust with these clients.

If you have any concerns please feel free to call us on (02) 9550 1110.

Oh, if you need some custom business software developed check our mates out at Appsmith – http://appsmith.com.au

Thanks from the team at Macumen

 

mac OS High Sierra – Should You?

Should You Upgrade To Apple’s Latest OS Now?

 

To quote Apple, there are new technologies at the heart of the system to make your Mac more reliable, capable and responsive — and lay the foundation for future innovations. macOS High Sierra also refines the features and apps you use every day.  It’s macOS at its highest level yet.

But should you update straight away?

While it’s tempting to update to the latest and greatest you should take stock of all the apps that you use and ensure your software provider has updated their software to run on High Sierra.  Then you have to update any software that needs updating, that could be as easy as downloading an update but could involve purchasing updated software.

In short, be certain that you will have no compatibility issues before you update and make sure you have a backup too.  It is difficult and time-consuming to wind a system back to a previous OS especially if you don’t have a backup.

So now that that’s out of the way, on with the good stuff.

macOS High Sierra will be available on September 26, 2017 and who better to tell you all about it than Apple themselves?

Click here to see what Apple has to say about macOS High Sierra

If in doubt as to whether you should update or not?  Give the team at Macumen a call.

 

The World’s Gone Mad For iOS 11

A giant step for iPhone.  A monumental leap for iPad.

 

The bandwidth has been coping a hammering today by everyone updating to iOS 11, but what’s all the fuss about?

iOS 11 sets a new standard for what is already the world’s most advanced mobile operating system.  It makes iPhone better than before.  It makes iPad more capable than ever.  And now it opens up both to amazing possibilities for augmented reality in games and apps.  With iOS 11, iPhone and iPad are the most powerful, personal and intelligent devices they’ve ever been.

Click Here to see what Apple has to say about the update.  Following are a few of my favourites.

  • Do Not Disturb While Driving – iPhone can now sense when you might be driving and help keep you from being distracted by calls, text messages and notifications. People trying to message you can automatically be notified that you’re driving.

  • QuickType keyboard – Type with one hand tied behind your back.  Holding a coffee in one hand and your iPhone in the other? Simply touch and hold the emoji or globe key, select one-handed typing, and the keys will instantly move closer to your thumb.

  • The new Dock, bottom line, a more powerful way to work – The new Dock is a foundational change for iPad. It’s now available from any screen. So with just a swipe, you can open and switch apps instantly. And you can customise it with more of your favourites. Apps you’ve opened recently and apps that are currently open on your iPhone or Mac appear in the right side of the Dock.

If you haven’t updated already, it’s always a good idea to back up your phone or iPad first, just in case.

 

We Want You!

Macumen is again hunting for a prize IT consultant.

Have we got you in our sights?

We are seeking an experienced, Apple-focused IT engineer with excellence in customer service to provide support both onsite and remotely.

The role requires that a diverse range of Apple servers, clients and peripherals are supported, installed and maintained.  The goal of successful candidates is to provide friendly customer service and outstanding technical support.

Candidates will require strong first hand experience in the following areas:

  • Mac OSX Client & Server
  • Windows Client integration
  • Network Infrastructure, Firewalls, IPSec VPNs
  • Mail and Web Server integration
  • Backup solutions & management
  • Client Account management
  • Experience with Kerio Connect and Control an advantage

Salary for the position is negotiable depending on experience and the technical and communication skills of the candidate.

Come and join a team that likes things other than tech support!

Applicants must be an Australian Resident and have a current driving license.

Position is based in Stanmore, NSW.

If you’re interested, or would like to learn more simply give us a call or drop us an e-mail with your resume.

 

Macumen finally gets a vote

Happy Birthday!

On the 10th of May 1999 Macumen came screaming in to the world and today we celebrate the past 18 years, but we will also be looking towards the future (just like any 18 year old).  Follow is a list of things that Macumen can do now that we’re officially ‘legal’.

  • Enrol to vote
  • Go to the pub (should have been at the top of the list)
  • Buy a lotto ticket
  • Join the army (do they use Macs)
  • Adopt a child
  • Sue someone (or get sued)
  • Jury duty
  • Get a tattoo (of the macumen logo of course)

18 years doesn’t just roll around all on it’s own.  We have a lot of loyal clients, supportive suppliers, friends, colleagues and family that have all helped along the way so it is with all of you in mind that we’re going to celebrate like any 18 year old and head straight for the pub!

Here’s cheers to the last 18 years and the exciting future ahead.

Get Merry, Get Happy

Ho, Ho, Ho and a bottle of rum….

Whoops, wrong song but you get the idea.  We all deserve a bit of a break this Christmas so Macumen will be taking a short sojourn for some well deserved R&R.

Closed: Friday 23rd December

Open: Monday 9th, January

We’d like to wish all of our clients, suppliers and colleagues a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and thank you all for your support, business and help over the last twelve months.

Cheers to a relaxing festive season and to an exciting new year.

Your team at Macumen