small business Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 12, 2025

Why SMEs can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to the Indian economy and are increasingly adopting digital tools for growth. However, they face significant cybersecurity risks due to misconceptions about their vulnerability. SMEs often have limited IT resources, outdated systems, and poor security practices, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 indicates that 60% of organizations consider geopolitical tensions in their security strategies, highlighting the risks for digitizing economies like India. Cyber incidents can have severe consequences for SMEs, including operational disruptions and damage to customer trust. Cybersecurity should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense, with practical measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, strong password policies, and employee training recommended. Additionally, having recovery plans and incident response procedures in place is essential for minimizing downtime and protecting business reputation. As India aims for Viksit Bharat 2047, robust cybersecurity measures are critical for sustainable growth.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

The Guild: Europa 1410 announced for PC

The Guild: Europa 1410 allows players to lead a dynasty, starting with a small business and expanding their family's influence while navigating a complex political landscape. Players can choose from various professions, such as blacksmith or alchemist, affecting their business success. The game includes options for engaging in crime, like theft and robbery, or upholding the law. Politics play a crucial role, with opportunities for blackmail to gain power, though such actions carry risks. The game features advanced graphics for an immersive experience, showcasing a realistic historical city that evolves based on player actions. Additionally, it offers multiplayer sessions for up to 12 players, allowing for competition and collaboration in various activities.

Winsage

August 2, 2025

Boost Team Productivity and Security With Windows 11 Pro, Now $15 for Life

The author upgraded to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, currently priced at .97 (regularly 9) for a lifetime license. Windows 11 Pro offers significant performance improvements, refined multitasking capabilities, and robust security features, including faster boot times, seamless app transitions, and improved cloud service integration. It includes productivity tools like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops, built-in BitLocker encryption, and remote desktop access. The Pro version provides essential features such as Group Policy, Hyper-V virtualization, and enterprise-grade identity management, making it suitable for small business owners and freelancers. The upgrade includes the AI assistant, Copilot, powered by ChatGPT-4o. The one-time purchase eliminates subscription fees, offering predictable costs and reduced licensing complexities.

Winsage

June 29, 2025

Modernize your PC with Windows 11 Pro—now only $9.97

Microsoft is offering Windows 11 Pro for .97, down from the regular price of 9, until July 15.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows security changes to prevent another CrowdStrike meltdown

Last summer's CrowdStrike incident caused significant disruptions in healthcare, banking, and air travel, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. In response, Microsoft held a security summit with experts from CrowdStrike and other firms to address vulnerabilities. Microsoft announced Safe Deployment practices and architectural changes to enhance Windows security, including relocating third-party security drivers from the Windows kernel to user space. This change aims to reduce risks associated with kernel-level flaws. Upcoming features in Windows 11 24H2 include a streamlined crash report process, replacing the Blue Screen of Death with an "unexpected restart" screen, and a quick machine recovery (QMR) capability to automate fixes during outages. Additionally, Windows Autopatch will allow network administrators to deploy updates with fewer required restarts for Windows 11 Enterprise PCs, limiting them to once every three months.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

Fort Walton Beach Barbershop Goes Viral for ‘Minecraft Haircut,’ Builds Community One Cut at a Time

Gorham, the owner of The Gryms Men barbershop, is facing slow business and hopes that hosting events will help. Asher, who has a background of overcoming challenges, including jail time, has dedicated himself to barbering and community advocacy after relocating to the Panhandle. The barbershop honors Gorham's late friend, Jeremiah Grym, and features unique decor. On June 29, the shop will donate all haircut proceeds to Healing Paws for Warriors, and they plan to host free grooming classes and another fundraiser for the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society on July 6. The barbers emphasize building trust with clients and providing a personalized experience. The Gryms Men is located at 107 South Ave in Fort Walton Beach and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

This Windows 11 Pro Upgrade Is a No-Brainer at $15

Business leaders can secure a lifetime license for Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for .97, reduced from 9, until July 20. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Azure AD support, and Windows Sandbox. It offers a modernized interface, snap layouts, and Windows Copilot for enhanced productivity. Key management features include Group Policy support and remote desktop functionality, making it suitable for businesses with hybrid teams or sensitive data. The license requires a one-time payment, eliminating renewal or subscription fees.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

I’m quitting PC Gamer to run a vending machine empire in the back streets of Japan after my idle game obsession shadow-dropped at the Wholesome Direct

The author became interested in managing a vending machine business in Japan after playing a demo of the game Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk. The full version was announced immediately after a showcase, prompting the author to continue exploring the virtual vending business. The game offers a tranquil experience of overseeing a vending machine in a Japanese alleyway, which has inspired the author to consider real-life vending machine ventures and explore online vending machine auctions.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs Bitdefender: Compare Antivirus Software

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence in content and product recommendations, ensuring financial gain from partner links does not influence information integrity. Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender are prominent small business security providers. Microsoft Defender is ideal for larger SMBs, starting at .00 per user per month, while Bitdefender is suited for startups with over 10 employees, starting at .33 per user per month. Microsoft Defender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.7/5 - Pricing: 4.4/5 - Features: 3.4/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.8/5 - Customer Support: 3.7/5 - Features include next-gen antivirus, vulnerability management, and EDR. Bitdefender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.4/5 - Pricing: 3.8/5 - Features: 3/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.4/5 - Customer Support: 4/5 - Features include identity protection, a VPN, and a password manager. Pricing Comparison: - Microsoft Defender: Free Trial: 90 days; Least Expensive Plan: .00/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: .50/user/month; Most Expensive Plan: .00/user/month. - Bitdefender: 30-day money-back guarantee; Least Expensive Plan: .33/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: Not specified; Most Expensive Plan: Not specified. Feature Comparison: - Microsoft Defender offers robust endpoint protection but lacks clarity on web browsing protection and ad-blocking. - Bitdefender offers identity exposure protection, a VPN, and a password manager but also lacks web browsing and ad-blocking features. Ease of Use and Administration: - Microsoft Defender supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Server; Bitdefender supports macOS and Windows but lacks Linux support. Customer Support Comparison: - Microsoft provides phone and live chat support; Bitdefender offers email and chat support, with limited phone support for small business users. Alternative Solutions include Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro, each offering different features and pricing structures. Evaluation Methodology focused on pricing, features, ease of use, and customer support, with Microsoft winning in pricing, features, and ease of use, while Bitdefender excelled in customer support.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Exclusive Memorial Day tech deals on Microsoft software for less than $10

Small business owners can take advantage of exclusive offers on Microsoft software, using the coupon code WINDOWS to purchase select products for just .97 until Tuesday, May 27. - Microsoft Windows 11 Home, normally priced at 139, is available for .97. - Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, originally 199, can be secured for .97. - Microsoft Project Professional 2021, typically 999.99, is offered for .97. - Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional, usually 999.99, is available for .97. Upon placing an order, customers will receive an instant redemption code and instructions via email to redeem their software purchase.