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Recently a number of people asked me for simpler ways to connect a variety of different devices to TV’s.

Whether it is for presentations in the board room or just playing Netflix and photos at home, shedding the need for cables while making it easy for anyone to connect is a cool idea…and Miracast is a protocol or standard for doing just this.

While it’s very easy to do, many people aren’t aware they already have everything they need to do it now.

Most smart TV’s have Miracast built into them already and most relatively new Windows notebooks also support Miracast, as do Android phones and tablets.  You don’t even need a wireless network as Miracast creates its own direct device to device connection.

Don’t have a Smart TV or using iPhone?

There’s a number of inexpensive dongles you can plug into the TV that support Miracast.  These typically look like an oversized USB stick and plug into HDMI ports on your TV.

Some of the better known ones include the Microsoft Wireless Display Adaptor, Netgear Push2TV as well as options from Asus, Belkin & Samsung.  A number of Media Players people already have connected to their TV also support mirroring.

Some dongles also support Apple Airplay giving iPhone & iPad users similar functionality too.

How to do it

Different TV brands call it by different names such as LG ‘Screen share’ and Samsung ‘AllShare’.  Irrespective of what it’s called, you typically use the input button on your remote control to access a Screen Mirroring or Casting function.

On a Windows PC you typically need to do some, or all of the following:

• Go to the Settings menu
• Enable WiFi Direct (may already be enabled)
• Set password from your TV (not always required)
• Add Device
• Connect Wireless Display
• Select Smart TV  (you may need to accept this on the TV)

Android devices have intuitive setup procedures, but they vary between brands and models.  If your device doesn’t have a simple “quick connect” function, just go to “Settings” and you’ll find a ‘Device connection’ and/or ‘Screen mirroring’ function.

What about Google Chromecast?

While easy to get up and running, Chromecast is limited to displaying specific applications, not mirroring your entire screen.  It also struggles playing some types of content too.

My advice, give it a try.  You’ll be surprised by how simple it can be and the number of things you can use it for!

Try using a different Browser

Many of us now have to deal with passwords for a large number of different systems, be it work, CRM, email, Banking, eBay, Paypal, Facebook etc.  The trouble is how do we deal with them all?  It’s tempting to reuse the same password for many or all of them but this can be a serious mistake.  If any one of your accounts is compromised, then you stand to have all of the compromised.

So, how to deal with all these different passwords?  Well here are your options, and some are not as silly as they sound.

1. Memorize them.  Yes, you can if you design a system using phrases or codes that works for you. Try some of these ideas:
   • MyEasyEmailPassword!
   • 2017MarEmail4MyName
   • 2017MarWestpacMyName
   • Gmail + 12345 = G1m2a3i4l5
   • MyBank + 654321 = M6y5B4a3n2k1
   • I Must Remember My Email Password = IMRMEP
   • Use alternate Keys on the Key Pad:  letmein = ;ry,rom  (Keys to the right)

2. Write them down
   • Many security experts actually recommend physical recording of passwords…but not a Post It note on your screen.
   • Keep it locked away – not near your computer.  A safe is ideal.
   • Alternatively, use an encrypted file on a USB stick
   • Avoid un-encrypted files, particularly if you store it in the Cloud.

3. Use a Password Manager.  This is an app that stores your passwords, only requiring you to remember a Master Password…so make it a very good one!
   • Some store the password on your computer
   • Others are cloud based.
   • Many fill out password info into the relevant apps fields for you.
   • Be aware some hack attempts have been successful against some password manager apps…particularly if the master password was weak.
   • Managers to consider include LastPass, RoboForm, Dashlane, True Key & StickyPassword

BTW. Password are like underwear.  You should change them regularly…or at least don’t admit that you don’t!

• Put the router in the center of your house…and not on the floor.
• Keep the router cool.They over heat in small spaces or on top of other equipment.
• Check you haven’t left a device streaming in the background
• Try changing to another channel as your neighbors WiFi may be interfering.
• Set the router to reboot occasionally.
• New routers work better…and often look nicer mounted on the ceiling.

Many of us now have to deal with passwords for a large number of different systems be it work systems, email, CRM, Banking, eBay, Paypal etc.  Isn’t modern technology great?   In part two of this article we’ll cover better ways of dealing with the number of passwords.  In the interim, let’s look at some best practices for improving the passwords we are currently using.

Here’s a list of the most common passwords.  Hopefully you don’t have any of these?

Use different passwords

The worst thing you can do, aside from telling other people your password, is to use just one password for everything.  If you or one of your sites are compromised, then you may have just lost control of your life!

BTW. It amazes me that some sites and services still store passwords in a format allowing support staff to read them back to you!  Imagine if you also used that as your banking password!

Use Strong passwords

• Be creative.  Make them easy for you to remember but hard to guess.
• Many systems require 8 characters but use as many as you can handle
• Include Upper and lower case, numbers and symbols.  The easiest method is to substitute numbers and symbols for letters such as $ for S and @ for A
• Use phrases or sentences such as:   SuperE@syEm@ilP@ssw0rd2Remember
• Misspelled words make strong passwords
• Try Phonetic structures where you sound out the password “in your head”:  CRE8BtrPwrd4Email

What to avoid

Avoid using Names, Places and dictionaries.

If your password uses personal information, much of this is available on Social Media.  Worse still, some systems require you to answer questions in case you forget your password.  This question will tell the hacker what information to go look for online.

Related tips:

• Use two factor authentication (2 step verification) for important systems.  This usually requires a username, password and a code sent to your mobile phone.
• Emails asking you to re-enter your password are most likely a Phishing scam.  Avoid clicking on links in emails.
• Password or finger print protect phones and tablets because most apps will let anyone who finds or steals them straight into your data.
• Log off devices once you’re finished

It feels like we blinked and suddenly the end of the year is upon us!

On behalf of everyone here at Insight Integration I’d like to say thank you for your support throughout 2016, and we look forward to working with you again in the New Year.

We are having our office Christmas party next Friday 23rd Dec and will be closing the support desk from 1:00pm. Support requests can still be logged as normal via email, web portal or phone (voicemail only) and we will address them when we return for work on Wednesday 28th.

Apart from this we will be open as per normal 8am to 6pm over the Christmas period with the exception of public holidays.
As always our emergency phone support service will also be available over this period.

Windows Key + D – Missing the desktop? This will hide all windows and show you the desktop. Press it again and it will bring back the same windows that were active earlier.

Working from home is all about choice & flexibility, but it’s not for everyone. Personally I struggle with it as I prefer to keep my work and private lives compartmentalized.  For others though, telecommuting is a necessity or at the very least a viable lifestyle choice.  It’s also worth nothing that while many businesses see Telecommuting as “the future of work”, others including many tech companies such as Apple and Google almost discourage it in an effort to improve work culture, collaboration and creativity.

In this blog, I hope to cover some key technical hints and tips to improve productivity.  I’ll leave the environmental, motivational and general work ethic issues facing telecommuters for a future blog.

Internet

The speed and reliability of your Internet is extremely important.  Without it, you can’t take advantage of the many new technologies emerging for both business and home environments.  Ideally you want NBN or high speed cable if it is available.  Otherwise you may be stuck with ADSL2 but this can still work well enough for many people.

Be aware that many older high density dwellings aren’t well serviced with high speed services so you may be stuck with wireless and/or satellite services.  If so, make sure you monitor your data usage to avoid excessive data usage costs.

Phones:

While a simple diversion from your office phone to your mobile can work, if your office has a VoiP phone system, leverage it!  Here’s a previous article HERE

With VoIP, your phone uses the Internet to make calls, so in theory, you can just connect an office handset to your home Internet.  Alternatively, connect a headset and softphone software to your PC to turn it into a fully functional Office phone.

Peripherals:

Think about what peripherals you need to work efficiently.  For most people the best option is an inexpensive WiFi enabled multi-function printer giving them Colour Printing, copying, scanning and fax.

Space:

Without a suitable space to work, you often end up distracted and inefficient.  Try to find or create a private room or space where you “Go to work” at home.  If you’re a notebook user, consider an extra screen and docking station to further improve efficiency.  While WiFi can allows you to work on the couch in front of the TV, ask yourself, will it really work for you?

Accessing data

I’ve been designing and delivering remote access solutions to businesses for around 20 years.  Much has changed in that time but surprisingly, much hasn’t.  When working from home you want it to be easy right!  You don’t want to worry about backups or copying your work to and from the office.  When you walk out into the home office or clients sight, you just want everything there on your  notebook, tablet or phone.  Maybe even share some data with external people easily and whenever you want?  You just want it to work as if you were in the office right?

Many larger businesses have already addressed these items with clearly defined and well designed remote access systems that meet their specific functionality, data security and compliance requirements.   But what about small to medium business?   Unfortunately, there’s a minefield of the “WRONG” apps and services that appear to provide what you want but often fail to protect your data or comply with your security or even statutory requirements.   I’ve written about SoonR previously which solves many but not all of these issues.  Beyond this, some work may be required on your office IT infrastructure to better deliver systems to external staff.  So scope your requirements carefully and present it to your IT team.  You may be pleasantly surprise what is possible!

We’ve all been there – your phone battery is almost dead & you’re in a rush to leave home.
Switch your phone to airplane mode.
This turns off battery-draining wireless and cellular access, allowing your phone to recharge up to twice as fast.