Windows 10: Small Business In Need of Dire Help Amid Update Confusion

Diana.D · Mar 15, 2021

Hi,

Our Shop has 2 dell laptops both the same models, one is from May 2020 we bought and another in Nov 2020. The May laptop apparently did the 20H2 update but today it has four options on the power button, update and restart, restart, shutdown, and update and shutdown. In the left side of our screen it says that it needs to "restart" to do some more updates. I am really confused, are these updates to fix some bugs even though we did the 20H2 update? What should we do at this point? Should we just restart the computer and if it doesn't disappear do the update/shutdown option?

And our other laptop Nov 2020 is still on the 1909 version, but we are in no hurry to update it to the 20H2. I read somewhere that you need to do 2004 version then the 20H2, so should we just wait and let the computer just roll out the updates until it appears in the power button?

Some expert help is needed- we have lost several good computers to these Microsoft updates and these "updates" make us really nervous.

:)

Allegheny · Mar 15, 2021

Backup solutions for Small Business?

What types of solutions out there would be a good first step when it comes to protecting the information of a small business?

Brink · Mar 15, 2021

National Small Business Week: 8 Windows 10 PCs for small businesses

National Small Business Week is in full-swing; here are some great newer Windows 10 devices that can help Small Businesses be more secure and get more done.

This week we recognize National Small Business Week; something that is near and dear to my heart. As someone who worked in a small business myself, I firmly believe that small businesses are the backbone of our global economy and key innovation drivers in the tech industry and beyond. In today’s mobile-first, cloud-first world Microsoft is committed to providing devices and services that help these businesses expand their reach to better serve customers from all over the world.

The needs of small business customers are always top-of-mind for Microsoft as we work with our device partners to bring innovative new Windows 10 PCs to market. We talk extensively with small business owners about what they are looking for when purchasing new PCs, and although there are a diverse set of requirements, there are commonalities across the broad spectrum of small businesses such as long battery life, price-point, mobility, and processing power.

Every small business is unique, and there are a wide variety of Windows devices and experiences to meet the specific needs of each of them.

Modern Windows 10 devices built on the latest Intel processors are faster and more powerful than ever before, are more secure thanks to technology like Windows Hello and help people be more productive thanks to new Windows experiences such as Inking. There’s never been a better time to buy a new PC for your business.
Here are eight modern devices that small business owners, who are in the market for new PCs, should take a look at.

Acer Swift 7

One thing we hear a lot from small businesses is that they need mobile solutions that offer the flexibility to get their work done wherever they go. Devices that are thin, light and powerful are a must. Acer’s Swift 7 is one of the first devices that comes to mind when I think of mobility. This beautiful laptop runs on Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, weighs only 2.42 pounds and is .39 inch thin. It includes face recognition for Windows Hello authentication for fast and secure log-on.

Other key features include:

Powered by Windows 10

7th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors

256GB or 512GB SSD and up to 8GB of memory

HD webcam with HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging support provides clear, bright and detailed images.

3” HD IPS with Corning Gorilla Glass

Up to 9 hours of battery life

Pricing and Availability: The Acer Swift 7 starts at $1099 USD and 1,299 in EMEA.

ASUSPro B9440

This thin and light business laptop boasts a 10-hour battery, and a Mil-STD 810G military-grade, magnesium alloy body that’s solid and durable, despite weighing just 2.3 pounds. Its cutout design lifts the keyboard to a 7-degree angle when open, for a more natural feel when typing. A 14-inch full HD 1080p anti-glare screen fits into a smaller 13-inch chassis, and provides great visibility in any lighting scenario. It features a Windows Hello fingerprint reader for added security and convenience.

Other key features:

Powered by Windows 10 Pro

7th Generation Intel Core i5-7200U CPU

8 GB RAM and 512GB SSD

58” thin and 2.3 pounds

Up to 10 hours of battery life

Fast Charging allows up to a 50% charge within 30 minutes

Harmon Kardon audio

Pricing and Availability: The ASUSPro B9440 is available globally and starts at $999 USD.

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

The XPS 13 is a fantastic laptop and Dell expanded on that success with the XPS 13 2-in-1 convertible version this winter. 2-in-1s offer the flexibility to use the device as a laptop, a tablet and to put it in tent-mode for presentations, all of which are very appealing for small business people who wear many different hats. The XPS 13 2-in-1 features Dell’s innovative InfinityEdge display that goes all the way to the edge for stunning visuals. Windows Hello is also enabled with fingerprint or coming soon; face recognition.

Other key features:

7th Generation Intel Core i5 /i7 processors with Dynamic Power Mode

4GB and 128GB SSD

3” FHD or QHD+ InfinityEdge display with anti-reflective screen

32-0.54” thin and 2.7 pounds

Up to 15 hours of battery life

Fan-less design

Available in silver or black (vPro only)

Pricing and Availability: Dell’s XPS 13 2-in-1 is available globally and starts at $999 USD.

HP EliteBook x360 (1030 G2)

This is another great 2-in-1 convertible that appeals to small businesses. One innovative option available is HP Sure View technology – a built-in privacy screen where, at the touch of a button, information on the screen fades when viewing from an angle. This is perfect for business travel when you can’t risk prying eyes in the next seat seeing confidential information. The Skype for Business audio quality is great on this device that features Audio by Bang & Olufsen.

Other key features:

Powered by Windows 10

7th Generation Intel Core i5 /i7 processors

8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD

3” FHD display

59” thin and 2.99 pounds

Windows Hello fingerprint reader

Spill-resistant backlit keyboard

Up to 16.5 hours of battery life

Optional dock and Wacom AES Pen with APP Launch Button

Pricing and Availability: The HP EliteBook x360 (1030 G2) starts at $1,249 USD.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

With Windows 10 and Windows Ink, Microsoft and our partners have made it easier and more intuitive to be creative and productive. Lenovo and Microsoft worked together to make sure Ink really shines on the ThinkPad X1 Yoga that features an in-chassis dock that both holds and charges the pen. The ThinkPad line is beloved by many SMB customers, and with its additional flexibility, power and brilliant 14” display this 2-in-1 is sure to be a new favorite.

Other key features:

Powered by Windows 10 Pro

7th Generation Intel Core i5 /i7 processors

Up to 16 GB memory and 1 TB SSD

67” thin and 3.13 lbs

Windows Hello face scanner

4G, LTE connectivity

Up to 15 hours of battery life

Pricing and Availability: Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Yoga starts at $1,349 USD.

LG gram 14”

The LG gram is thin and light at just over 2 pounds, is gorgeous and offers amazing battery life. We worked closely with LG to get the most out of the battery. On the 14” gram, the battery lasts up to 14.5* hours making it an ideal device for mobile professionals.

Other key features:

7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor

Up to 8GB DDR4 Dual Channel Memory

Up to 512 GB SSD

6” thin and 2.14 pounds

5 Hours Battery*

Also available in 13.3” 15.6” sizes

*MobileMark® 2014 standard

Pricing and Availability: LG gram 14” starts at $1,199.

Samsung Galaxy Book 12

Samsung recently announced that they will be shipping their new Galaxy Book 12” on May 23. It’s built to make an impression with a sleek metal and glass design at just .29” thin and light at just 1.66 lbs. The included backlit keyboard-cover is detachable, so you can use as a laptop, or remove the keyboard entirely and use it as a tablet. It also includes Samsung’s Galaxy S Pen, which provides a great Windows Ink experience. With over 4,000 points of pressure, the S Pen is very precise and never needs charging. Go wherever business takes you with a fast-charging, 11-hour battery and its Super-AMOLED display, which gives you a stunning picture for work and play.

Other key features:

Windows 10 Pro

7th Generation Intel Core i5 Processor

8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD

Expandable MicroSD storage (up to 256GB, not included)

12” Super-AMOLED display

Supports Samsung Flow

Includes Backlit Keyboard case and S Pen

Pricing and Availability: The Samsung Galaxy Book 12” with Windows 10 Pro starts at $1,429 USD.

Toshiba Portégé X20W-D

This 2-in-1 convertible is beautiful, lightweight and is an absolute workhorse. It comes with Toshiba’s exclusive TruPen incorporating Wacom Feel technology with more than 2,000 points of pressure sensitivity. And the anti-glare screen coating enables a truly natural Windows Ink hand writing experience. It also has multi-directional microphones that are great for Cortana or Skype for Business conference calls.

Other key features:

7th Generation Intel Core i5/i7 processors

8 GB RAM and 256 or 512 GB SSD

5” FHD 1,920 x 1,080

61” thin and 2.40 Lbs.

13 hours of battery life

Pricing and Availability: The Portégé X20W starts at $1,199 USD.

These devices are only a small sample of the great Commercial and Consumer devices that are fantastic for small business environments. Visit your local Microsoft Store or MicrosoftStore.com to see what else is available.

SMB Device Finder

We also offer a free online tool called the SMB Device Finder that can help you find the best PC for your computing needs. Just click through a series of questions clarifying your unique business needs and device preferences and it will pull up a list of available devices that fit those needs. It will even link you to online resources where you can purchase the devices.

Microsoft will be hosting webcasts, blogging and participating with the Small Business Administration and a number of our partners on different initiatives Throughout National Small Business Week. I joined a podcast earlier this week with USA Today small business columnist Steve Strauss that you can listen to here. Check it out, and read some of the other great content at TheSelfEmployed.com.

We’ll also be offering deals and hosting events for small businesses at our Microsoft Stores across the country. To keep up-to-date on our activities this week, follow the hashtag #WinInBiz
Click to expand...

Source: National Small Business Week: 8 Windows 10 PCs great for small businesses - Windows For Your Business

scottbecker17 · Mar 15, 2021

Small Business Network

I have a small business that currently has 1 pc "hosting" 8 workstations as a file sharer. We are set up as wired through a switch. We use windows 7 and all belong to a homegroup. I have been told I am playing with fire. Any suggestions what I would do different?

Windows 10: Small Business In Need of Dire Help Amid Update Confusion

Small Business In Need of Dire Help Amid Update Confusion

Small Business In Need of Dire Help Amid Update Confusion

Small Business In Need of Dire Help Amid Update Confusion

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