When to Use Pages
Pages are designed for static, evergreen content—the information that doesn’t change frequently and forms the core of your website. Typical examples include:

• Home
• About Us
• Services
• Contact

Pages sit outside of the blog structure, don’t rely on dates, and are usually linked through your main navigation menu. Think of them as the foundation of your website.

When to Use Posts
Posts are used for dynamic, regularly updated content. These are ideal for:

• News updates
• Blog articles
• Announcements
• Advice and insights

Posts are displayed in chronological order and can be organised using categories and tags. This makes them perfect for building a news section or blog, helping visitors (and search engines) find relevant, up-to-date information.

Why It Matters
Using pages and posts correctly improves your website’s structure, supports better SEO, and makes it easier for visitors to find what they need. Trying to use pages for blog-style content can quickly lead to a disorganised site that’s harder to maintain.

In Summary

• Use pages for core, static information
• Use posts for news, updates, and ongoing content

At RLS Computer Services, we always recommend structuring your website this way to keep things simple, scalable, and effective.

What is the Risk?

The vulnerability (tracked as CVE-2025-55177) exploits how WhatsApp handles media files in group chats. Attackers can create a group, add users, and send a specially crafted media file. If your settings are set to “auto-download,” the malicious file lands on your phone instantly, potentially allowing remote code execution or the installation of spyware.

While Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) has issued server-side updates, security experts—including those at Google and Malwarebytes—note that these fixes may only partially mitigate the risk. Manual intervention is currently the most effective way to ensure your data remains secure.

Action Required: Disable Auto-Downloads

To protect your device, we recommend immediately disabling automatic media downloads. This ensures that no file is saved to your device unless you specifically choose to download it.

How to update your settings (Android & iOS):

1. Open WhatsApp Settings: Tap the three dots (Android) or the “Settings” gear (iOS).
2. Navigate to Storage and Data: Locate the “Media auto-download” section.
3. Deselect All Media: You will see three categories: When using mobile data, When connected on Wi-Fi, and When roaming.
4. Turn Off Everything: Open each category and uncheck Photos, Audio, Videos, and Documents. Each should now display “No media” or “Off“.

Enhanced Privacy Steps

For those seeking a higher level of security, we suggest two additional configurations:

• Restrict Group Invites: Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups and change the setting to “My Contacts”. This prevents unknown actors from adding you to malicious groups.
• Enable Advanced Privacy: Under Settings > Privacy > Advanced, you can enable “Protect IP Address in Calls” and check for the new “Strict Account Settings” (if available on your version), which further restricts how the app processes data from unknown senders.

As your IT partners, we strongly advise all clients to verify these settings today. Staying proactive with these minor adjustments is a vital step in defending against increasingly sophisticated mobile threats.

What information may have been exposed?
The data potentially accessed includes real names, email addresses, Flickr usernames, account types, IP addresses, general location data, and site activity logs. Importantly, Flickr has confirmed that passwords and payment card details were not affected.

How many users are impacted?
While some reports suggest that up to 35 million monthly users could be at risk, Flickr has not yet confirmed the exact number of affected accounts.

What caused the incident?
The breach originated from a vulnerability within a system operated by an unnamed third-party email service provider, rather than Flickr’s core platform.

What should users do now?

• Stay alert: Be cautious of phishing emails or messages claiming to relate to your Flickr account. Attackers may use personal details to make scams appear convincing.
• Check your account: Review your Flickr account settings for any unexpected changes or suspicious activity.
• Review password use: If you use the same password on other websites, change it immediately on those services to reduce the risk of credential-stuffing attacks.
• Know what’s legitimate: Flickr will never ask for your password via email.

If you use Flickr and are concerned about account security, now is a good time to review your settings and remain vigilant against phishing attempts. For businesses and organisations, this incident is also a timely reminder of the importance of strong third-party security management and user awareness.

Summary of Pricing Adjustments

While some plans, such as Business Premium and Office 365 E1, will remain at their current rates, several core subscriptions will see a price increase. Below are the expected adjustments with indicative GBP equivalents based on current exchange rates:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: Increasing from $6.00 to $7.00 (approx. £5.50) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: Increasing from $12.50 to $14.00 (approx. £11.10) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 E3: Increasing from $36.00 to $39.00 (approx. £31.00) per user/month.
• Microsoft 365 E5: Increasing from $57.00 to $60.00 (approx. £47.70) per user/month.
• Frontline Plans (F1 & F3): Increasing to approx. £2.40 and £8.00 respectively.

Note: Final UK pricing in GBP will be confirmed by Microsoft closer to the effective date and may vary based on the prevailing exchange rate at that time.

Why the Increase?

The update follows the integration of several high-value services into the standard licences:

• Built-in Security: Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (Plan 1) is being added to E3 plans, and URL protection is being extended to Business Basic and Standard users.
• AI Integration: Copilot Chat and new ‘Agent’ capabilities are being embedded directly into the core Office apps.
• Management Tools: Advanced endpoint analytics and remote help tools are being included to help IT teams maintain more secure and efficient environments.

Next Steps for Your Business

We recommend reviewing your current licensing estate well in advance of the July 2026 deadline. This early notice provides an opportunity to:

1. Audit Usage: Ensure you are only paying for the seats you actively need.
2. Lock in Rates: Depending on your renewal cycle, there may be options to secure current pricing for a further 12 months before the increase takes effect.
3. Consolidate Tools: Evaluate if the new built-in security features allow you to retire costly third-party subscriptions.

If you have questions regarding how these changes impact your specific billing or would like to discuss your licensing strategy, please get in touch with our team.

A lot of the preparation for Christmas now happens online – from buying gifts and decorations to ordering festive food, sending digital cards, and catching up with friends and family. While this makes life easier, it can also make us more vulnerable, especially when we’re busy, distracted, or rushing to get things done.

Cyber criminals know this. The festive period often sees a rise in scams, phishing emails, and fake websites. Increasingly, these threats are being enhanced using AI, making them look more convincing and harder to spot than ever before.

Christmas is also an ideal time to pause and check your digital security. Reviewing the settings on your devices, apps, and social media accounts now can help protect you well into the new year. Simple steps such as updating software, checking privacy settings, and using strong, unique passwords can make a real difference.

Get Safe Online has produced a helpful Christmas checklist that clearly explains what to look out for and how to stay protected during the festive season. You can access their advice here:
👉 https://www.getsafeonline.org/christmaschecklist/.

A few minutes spent checking your online safety now can help ensure the only surprises this Christmas are the good ones.

Data centres are using more RAM than ever before

Behind everyday services like email, file storage, video calls, and online backups are huge data centres. These facilities run thousands of servers, and each server needs a large amount of RAM to work efficiently.

As more businesses move to cloud-based systems, demand for server memory has grown rapidly. Cloud providers tend to buy RAM in bulk and on long-term contracts, often taking priority over consumer and small business supply.

Because manufacturers have limited production capacity, this means less RAM is available for desktops, laptops, and small servers, which pushes prices up and increases delivery times.

Artificial intelligence is taking priority

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems require vast amounts of very fast memory to operate. Training and running AI models uses far more RAM than traditional software, and manufacturers are now focusing heavily on producing memory specifically designed for this purpose.

Major technology companies and data centre operators are willing to pay a premium to secure this memory. As a result, RAM manufacturers are prioritising high-end, specialist memory for AI systems instead of everyday RAM used in PCs.

Companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron Technology are directing more of their production towards these higher-value markets, which further reduces availability elsewhere.

What this means in simple terms

In short:

• Big data centres and AI platforms are buying most of the world’s RAM
• Manufacturers are focusing on higher-profit, specialist memory
• Less RAM reaches the general market
• Prices remain higher for consumers and small businesses

RAM is no longer just a standard computer part. It has become a

What Happened

In December 2025 the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) announced a £1.2 million fine against LastPass UK Ltd after a 2022 data breach that affected the personal information of up to 1.6 million UK users.

The breach occurred through two linked security incidents in August 2022. Attackers first compromised an employee’s corporate laptop and gained access to LastPass’ internal development environment. Encrypted company credentials were taken in that incident. Shortly afterwards, the attacker then breached a senior employee’s personal device using malware and captured their master password. This second breach gave the attacker access to LastPass’ backup database containing customer data such as names, email addresses, phone numbers and stored website URLs.

The ICO found that LastPass did not have sufficiently robust technical and organisational security measures in place to prevent this unauthorised access, leading to the data compromise.

What Was Exposed and What Wasn’t

Importantly, the ICO’s investigation found no evidence that hackers were able to decrypt customer passwords or other highly sensitive credential data stored in users’ vaults. This is because LastPass uses a “zero knowledge” encryption system, meaning master passwords and vault contents are encrypted and stored on customers’ devices, not on LastPass’ servers.

Nonetheless, the breach still exposed personal information, and the ICO has confirmed that the fine reflects a failure to implement appropriate security controls under UK GDPR.

Key Lessons for Businesses

The ICO’s action serves as a reminder that even technology vendors with a security focus must maintain strong internal security practices. Key points for organisations to consider include:

• Ensuring strict access controls for internal systems and sensitive environments.
• Avoiding the use of personal devices for work systems whenever possible and enforcing separation between personal and corporate access.
• Regularly reviewing and testing security policies and technical safeguards to protect against malware and credential compromise.

The ICO continues to encourage businesses to use guidance from the ICO and the National Cyber Security Centre to assess and strengthen their security posture.

Strengthen Your Own IT Security

A fine of this size highlights that even established providers can fall short when internal controls are not fully effective. We recommend that local businesses review their own technology and security arrangements to make sure they are not exposed to similar risks.

If you would like assistance assessing your IT security, identifying vulnerabilities, or improving your data protection measures, please contact us for expert advice and support.

Source:
https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/12/password-manager-provider-fined/

Microsoft 365 Home vs Business: What’s the Real Difference?

Many people assume that Microsoft 365 Home (Personal & Family) and Microsoft 365 Business are essentially the same product, just with different pricing. Unfortunately, that assumption often leads to GDPR problems, data loss, and in some cases, licensing issues.

In this guide, we break down the real-world differences in plain English, using examples from businesses we support here at RLS Computer Services. By the end, you’ll know exactly which version is right for you or your organisation.

A Real Story: When a Cheaper Licence Becomes Expensive

A few months ago, a small local business contacted us in a panic.

They’d set up all their staff using Microsoft 365 Family, thinking it was “basically the same as Business, just cheaper”.
Then one day, they discovered they’d lost a batch of customer files stored in an employee’s OneDrive. Unfortunately, this employee had left the company — and because the licence belonged to them personally, the business had no legal or technical right to access those files.

Worse still, they were potentially in breach of data protection rules.

This story is far more common than you might think.

Microsoft 365 Home vs Business: The Core Differences

1. Microsoft 365 Personal & Family (Home) — Personal Use Only

The Home editions are designed for:

• Families
• Households
• Personal devices
• Students
• Individuals

The major limitations:

• The licence belongs to the individual, not the company
• No central admin or security controls
• No SharePoint or Exchange (the business-grade cloud services)
• No control over data ownership
• No compliant backup options
• Not suitable for GDPR-regulated data

Home editions are not designed for business, clubs, local authorities, or organisations of any kind.

2. Microsoft 365 Business — Built for Organisations

Microsoft 365 Business is designed for:

• SMEs
• Charities
• Parish & town councils
• Schools
• Clubs & committees
• Any organisation handling data from members, customers or the public

What you get:

• Licences owned by the organisation
• Full Microsoft 365 Admin Centre
• Controlled access to OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams & Exchange
• Device and account management
• GDPR-ready security and compliance tools
• Multi-factor authentication
• Optional backup and retention controls

These features are essential for anyone handling sensitive or regulated information.

“But I Don’t Own My Company’s Data with a Home Subscription?”

Correct — and it’s one of the biggest hidden dangers.

If company data is stored in an employee’s personal OneDrive:

• You do not legally own that data
• You may not be able to retrieve it if that person leaves
• You may breach GDPR by storing data in a non-compliant personal cloud

When a staff member leaves, so does your control over the files stored under their account.

Business Advantage: You Retain Full Control

With Microsoft 365 Business:

• Your organisation owns the tenant
• Permissions can be reassigned instantly
• IT admins can suspend accounts without losing data
• You can remote-wipe lost devices
• Data stays inside controlled, UK-based Microsoft cloud environments

With Home editions, none of this is possible.

Pricing: Is Microsoft 365 Business Really More Expensive?

Many people assume so — but when you compare the features, the difference is surprisingly small.

Microsoft 365 Personal & Family (UK Pricing)

(Correct at the time of writing)

• Personal: £84.99/year (£8.49/month)
• Family: £104.99/year (£10.49/month) for up to 6 people

Includes:

• Office apps
• 1TB OneDrive per user
• Install on up to 5 devices per user
• No business or security tools

Microsoft 365 Business Plans (UK Pricing)

(Approximate monthly prices, month-to-month)

• Business Basic: ~£5.52 per user/month
• Business Standard: ~£11.52 per user/month
• Business Premium: ~£20.28 per user/month

Includes:

• Business-grade desktop apps (Standard & Premium)
• SharePoint, Exchange, Teams
• Full security and admin controls
• Compliance tools
• Optional enterprise-level backup
• Install apps on multiple devices per user

A small monthly increase brings massively improved security, control and compliance.

Buying Microsoft 365: Home vs Business

Home Edition — Simple Online Purchase

Buy directly from Microsoft:

• No partner involvement
• No setup
• Support via Microsoft
• Suitable for families and individuals

Business Edition — Best Purchased Through a Microsoft Partner

A trusted partner, like RLS Computer Services, provides:

• Licence supply & management
• Full Microsoft 365 tenant administration
• Security configuration
• Backup and retention policies
• SharePoint/Teams/OneDrive setup
• GDPR-compliant configuration
• Ongoing support

Think of a Microsoft Partner as your business cloud IT department.

Backup & GDPR: A Critical Difference

Microsoft 365 Home offers only:

• A 30-day recycling bin
• No advanced recovery
• No audit trail
• No retention policies
• No compliance centre

If something is deleted — especially by mistake — it may be gone for good.

Business Plans Offer:

• SharePoint version history
• Tenant-wide retention policies
• Full audit logging
• MFA security
• Optional full Microsoft 365 backup

For councils, charities, local authorities, sole traders and SMEs, this is essential.

So Which Version Should You Choose?

Microsoft 365 Personal & Family — Choose this if:

• You’re a single user or family
• You only need the basic Office apps
• You’re not storing customer/member data
• You’re not a business, club, school, or local authority

Microsoft 365 Business — Choose this if:

• You run any organisation
• You handle personal or sensitive information
• You need security, retention & compliance
• You want Teams, SharePoint, Exchange
• You want data to stay under company ownership
• You want proper IT administration

Final Thoughts

Choosing between Microsoft 365 Home and Business isn’t about features — it’s about data ownership, security, compliance, and control.

If you’re unsure which version you need, or if your organisation is currently using the wrong one, we can help.

At RLS Computer Services, we can:

• Assess your current setup
• Recommend the correct Microsoft 365 plan
• Migrate your data safely
• Configure security and compliance
• Provide full ongoing support

Get in touch today for expert guidance

For UK businesses that rely on newsletters, customer updates, appointment reminders, or any form of outbound email marketing, these changes require immediate attention to avoid rejections and spam filtering.

Why This Change Matters

Microsoft’s updated policies aim to reduce spam, spoofing, and fraudulent email. While this strengthens the email ecosystem, it also means:

• Messages without proper authentication may be blocked or sent to Junk.
• Poor list-hygiene practices could damage your sending reputation.
• Organisations using outdated or poorly configured systems may find their emails failing silently, resulting in missed communication with clients and customers.

Key Requirements for Bulk Email to Outlook.com

1. Mandatory Email Authentication: SPF, DKIM & DMARC

Your outbound email must pass:

• SPF – verifies your authorised sending servers
• DKIM – cryptographically signs messages to protect integrity
• DMARC – enforces identity alignment and monitors authentication failures

Microsoft is now rejecting or degrading delivery for bulk senders who fail these checks.

Callout:
If you use platforms like Mailchimp, SendGrid, HubSpot, CRM systems, ticketing platforms or VoIP software, your DNS records must be updated to include their SPF and DKIM settings.

2. Stronger Bulk Email Compliance

Microsoft now requires:

• A working unsubscribe link, ideally one-click
• All unsubscribe requests honoured within 48 hours
• A valid, monitored From/Reply-To address
• No spoofing or misleading domain usage
• Clear identification of your organisation within every email

3. List Hygiene, Bounce Management & Complaint Reduction

Maintaining clean, compliant mailing lists is now essential.

• Remove addresses that bounce repeatedly
• Remove subscribers who remain inactive over time
• Stop sending to anyone who flags your messages as spam
• Avoid purchased or low-quality third-party lists

Callout:
Poor list hygiene is now one of the fastest ways to damage your domain’s reputation at Outlook.com.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to:

• Hard bounces or outright rejections by Outlook.com
• Placement in the Junk Email folder
• Long-term reputation issues affecting all outbound mail
• Delivery failures for important transactional messages (invoices, notifications, password resets)
• Wasted time and reduced engagement

For organisations with clients or customers using Outlook/Hotmail addresses, the impact can be especially significant.

Real-World Checklists for UK Businesses

These practical checklists help ensure compliance and maintain strong email deliverability.

Technical Checklist: Email Authentication & Infrastructure

• SPF record exists and includes all sending platforms
• DKIM signing enabled for every system that sends email
• DMARC record configured (at minimum: p=none)
• Marketing and transactional emails use separate domains/subdomains
• “From” address is valid and belongs to your controlled domain
• DNS updated to match all external tools (Mailchimp, CRM, VoIP, portals, etc.)
• Regular monitoring of DMARC reports
• Email provider not sending from shared/untrusted IPs

Bulk Email Checklist: Marketing & Newsletter Campaigns

• Clear, functional unsubscribe link in every email
• Unsubscribe requests processed within 48 hours
• Reply-To address monitored daily
• All recipients opted-in and properly segmented
• Campaign frequency controlled to avoid complaints
• Consistent branding and sender identity
• Content designed to minimise spam triggers

List Hygiene Checklist: Protect Your Sender Reputation

• Immediate removal of hard bounces
• Removal of long-term inactive users
• Removal of repeated soft-bounces
• No sending to anyone who marks you as spam
• No use of purchased or unverified email lists
• Double-opt-in used for new sign-ups

Best Practice Recommendations

1. Separate Marketing and Transactional Email

Use dedicated subdomains for campaigns (e.g., updates.yourdomain.co.uk).
This protects your main domain’s reputation.

2. Apply a Robust Email Policy

Define who sends what, using which domain, via which platform.

3. Monitor Deliverability

Review DMARC reports and keep track of domain and IP reputation trends.

4. Review Third-Party Integrations

Ensure all platforms sending on your behalf are authenticated correctly.

Final Thoughts

Outlook.com’s new requirements represent a major shift in how bulk email is assessed.
Properly implemented authentication, unsubscribe management, and list hygiene are no longer optional — they are essential for ensuring outbound communications reach your customers’ inboxes.

Businesses that invest time now in strengthening their email infrastructure will benefit from:

• Higher delivery rates
• Fewer spam complaints
• Improved trust and domain reputation
• More successful customer communication overall

Need help implementing this?

If you want to ensure full compliance with these new Outlook.com requirements — including SPF, DKIM, DMARC configuration, DNS changes, list hygiene strategy, or platform integration — contact RLS Computer Services for assistance.

Over time, your Outlook mailbox can fill up with unwanted emails, especially in the Deleted Items and Junk Email folders. When these folders aren’t cleared regularly, they can use up valuable storage space and even stop new mail from coming in.

Here’s how to quickly tidy up your mailbox:

1. Empty Deleted Items:
   • In Outlook, right-click the Deleted Items folder.
   • Select ‘Empty Folder’ to permanently remove those emails.
2. Clear the Junk Email Folder:
   • Open the Junk Email folder and check for any messages that shouldn’t be there.
   • Once you’ve checked, right-click the folder and choose ‘Empty Folder’.
3. Check Sent Items and Large Attachments:
   • Sent emails and attachments can take up a lot of space. Sort by size and delete anything no longer needed.
4. Optional – Archive Older Emails:
   • If you’d like to keep older messages, consider using Outlook’s built-in Archive feature to move them out of your main mailbox. This is normally an extra feature that needs an additional Microsoft 365 licence .

Regularly clearing out these folders not only keeps your mailbox organised but also helps Outlook run faster and ensures you never miss an important email.

What This Means for You

Your PC will still turn on, but it won’t be safe. Without regular updates and security patches, Windows 10 becomes increasingly vulnerable to hackers, malware, and data breaches. Even with antivirus software, there’s a growing risk that something malicious could slip through.

In addition to security concerns, software compatibility will quickly decline. Over time, apps, games, and even Microsoft 365 will stop working properly — in fact, Microsoft 365 will no longer be supported on Windows 10 after October 2025.

Why Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading isn’t just about staying supported — it’s about staying protected and productive. Windows 11 offers stronger built-in security, faster performance, longer battery life on laptops, and an updated design built for modern computing.

You can either upgrade your current PC (if compatible) or invest in a new Windows 11 device for the best experience. With ongoing updates and modern hardware, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and keep your data secure.

Take Action Now

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Upgrade to Windows 11 today and enjoy a smoother, more secure computing experience.

👉 Download our free Windows 10 End of Support FAQ to learn more about your options and how RLS Computer Services can help you transition safely. Alternatively, get in touch with us if you require any assistance with checking compatibility or with upgrading. 01553 776937 or email support@rlscomputers.co.uk.

At RLS Computer Services, we understand that data protection is not just a legal obligation – it’s also a matter of trust between your organisation and the people you serve. Whether you are a local authority, a parish council, or a small business, compliance with the UK GDPR is essential. Two of the most important areas we support our clients with are Article 25 – Data Protection by Design and by Default and Article 32 – Security of Processing.

Article 25: Data Protection by Design and by Default

This article requires organisations to embed data protection into the way they design and use systems. At RLS, we ensure that every deployment – whether it’s a new computer for a single user, a Microsoft 365 setup for remote working, or a full network infrastructure upgrade – has security built in from the outset.

For example:

• When we configure Microsoft 365, we enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a default setting, so users have a higher level of protection against unauthorised access.
• When setting up new computers, we configure them with BitLocker encryption to ensure data is secure even if a device is lost or stolen.
• For councils and public bodies handling sensitive citizen data, we implement role-based access controls, ensuring that staff only have access to the data necessary for their role.

This approach ensures compliance with Article 25 by designing systems with privacy and security at their core, rather than as an afterthought.

Article 32: Security of Processing

Article 32 focuses on the technical and organisational measures organisations must take to secure personal data. At RLS, we take a “security from the ground up” approach for all our clients, ensuring that risks are minimised and systems are resilient.

Examples include:

• Regular patching and updates to keep software protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Endpoint protection and firewall management to safeguard against malware and external threats.
• Secure backup solutions, ensuring that even in the event of a ransomware attack, critical data can be recovered quickly and safely.
• Staff training and awareness sessions, as human error is often the weakest link in data security. By raising awareness, we help organisations maintain compliance in day-to-day operations.

For UK organisations, particularly local authorities and small businesses, these measures provide assurance that personal data is handled securely, meeting both GDPR requirements and the expectations of the public.

How RLS Supports You

Compliance doesn’t have to be complex. With RLS Computer Services, you have a partner who makes sure GDPR principles are built into your IT systems by default and reinforced through strong security practices. From one-off device setups to fully managed IT support contracts, we ensure that your organisation remains compliant, secure, and trusted.

If you would like to discuss how we can help strengthen your GDPR compliance, get in touch with us today.

As part of our managed services we apply updates, upgrades, patches and maintenance to our clients devices on a specified date and time of the week. This is so we can keep to tight schedule on workloads and all devices are managed to the same level.

The task of updating a client’s device (computer, laptop, tablet or mobile) isn’t easy and we follow a strict timetable to make sure that nothing slips through the net, however we need our clients to adhere to the schedule for it to take place.

What Work Do We Carry Out?

Although the work can vary from client to client the majority have these mandatory processes implemented.

Software Updates (Mac & Windows)

• Microsoft Office
• VLC Media Player
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• 7-Zip
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Thunderbird
• Microsoft Teams
• Brother iPrint & Scan
• and many others..

Operating System Patching & Updates

• Windows Updates (Critical & Important)
• Windows Service Packs (if applicable)
• Microsoft Office Service Packs (if applicable)
• Includes Mac OS recommended software, security, and stability updates

Maintenance

• Full System Virus Scan
• System Clean Up
• Empty Temporary Files

When Do You Carry It Out?

We carry out the work overnight as to not disturb your working day, however sometimes Windows devices may need to reboot the next day.

What Do I Need To Do?

• Leave your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile switched on
• Make sure your device is connected to the internet either via WIFI or LAN connection
• If using a mobile device make sure it is plugged into the mains supply
• Make sure all files are saved & applications are closed.
• There is NO need to be logged in.

If you work from home then these updates can be done there as long as you have a fast Internet connection, just follow the procedure above.

How Will I Know It’s Completed?

If you don’t hear from us assume everything is alright, however in some cases we might need to access your device to complete a task (i.e. installing drivers for printers, graphics cards, IOS updates, etc.). In these cases we will make a separate arrangement to complete the work.

What Happens If I Miss The Deadline?

If you forget to leave your device on, don’t worry it will get completed either the next day or the next weekly cycle depending on the urgency of the update, patch or upgrade. However, we have no control over the time and cannot guarantee it won’t disrupt your working day.

In London, the problem is especially severe, where around 70% of thefts involve mobile phones. Criminal gangs target unsuspecting pedestrians, stealing devices that are quickly sold on, often overseas, creating a black market worth tens of millions of pounds. Despite this, less than 1% of these cases result in a charge.

How Do Snatch Thieves Operate?

Snatch theft is usually fast and opportunistic. Thieves typically work in pairs or alone using e-bikes, mopeds, or scooters—some capable of reaching 70 mph. They target people walking on pavements or sitting in public spaces with their phones out, especially when distracted.

Other tactics include:

• Distraction thefts: where one person engages you in conversation while another grabs your phone.
• Pickpocketing: lifting phones from back pockets or handbags in crowded places.
• Drive-bys: scooters or bikes zoom past and grab the phone right from your hand.

The whole act can take just seconds.

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

While no method is foolproof, here are some practical habits to help reduce your risk:

• Stay aware when using your phone in public, especially near roads or cycle paths.
• Keep your phone out of sight in busy areas or when walking near traffic.
• Use earphones or smartwatches for calls and navigation to avoid holding your phone.
• Avoid placing your phone on café tables or resting it in open bags or pockets.

Top 6 Practical Tips if Your Phone Is Stolen

1. Note your IMEI number
   Dial *#06# on your phone to display its unique IMEI numbers. Write it down or screen grab and store it safely. You’ll need it if you report the theft or ask your network to block the device.
2. Enable tracking and locking features
   Set up tools like Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device. These let you locate, lock, or even erase your phone remotely if it’s stolen.
3. Use trusted support if unsure
   If you’re not confident using tracking tools yourself, professional IT support providers can help you track, lock or wipe your device remotely.
4. Change your passwords
   Use another device to log into your Apple ID, Google account, or banking apps and change your passwords immediately. This helps prevent fraud.
5. Contact your network provider
   Ask them to block your SIM and blacklist your IMEI numbers. This stops the thief from using the device on any UK network.
6. Report the theft to the police
   If the theft just happened or is ongoing, call 999. Otherwise, call 101 or report it online at www.police.uk. Give them your IMEI number and any tracking details to aid recovery.

In Summary

Phone theft is on the rise, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and respond quickly if your device is stolen. Stay alert in public, avoid displaying your phone unnecessarily, and prepare now by activating tracking tools and storing your IMEI number. And remember—support is available if you need help managing your device remotely. A little preparation today could save a lot of stress tomorrow.

Setting Up Microsoft 365 Business

Setting up Microsoft 365 Business involves several steps to ensure a smooth and secure user experience. This section will guide you through the essential processes, from the initial sign-in with a temporary password to establishing robust security measures with two-factor authentication and a reliable backup method. These steps ensure that your account security is prioritised right from the start.

Signing In with Temporary Password

The first step in setting up your Microsoft 365 Business account is signing in with a temporary password. This initial step is crucial as it serves as a secure gateway to your new account, ensuring the right person is accessing it.

1. Locate your temporary password: This is usually sent to you via email or given by your IT administrator.

2. Go to the Microsoft 365 sign-in page https://login.microsoftonline.com/.

3. Enter your username and temporary password.

4. If asked, follow prompts to create a new, secure password.

It’s essential to choose a strong password that is a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Microsoft provides guidelines on creating secure passwords.

A real-world example is when businesses implement a temporary password policy to ensure that all new accounts are secure from the outset. This practice helps in safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorised access.

Two-Factor Authentication Setup

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your Microsoft 365 Business account. This setup involves using the Microsoft Authenticator app to verify your identity through an additional step beyond your password.

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

2. Sign in to your Microsoft 365 account and go to the security settings.

3. Select the option to set up two-factor authentication.

4. Follow the instructions to link your account with the app.

By implementing 2FA, your account becomes significantly more secure. According to Microsoft’s security guidelines, this method reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

In practice, businesses that adopt 2FA report fewer security breaches. The added layer of security makes it harder for unauthorised users to gain access, even if they know the password.

Adding a Backup Method

Adding a backup method ensures that you can access your account even if you lose your primary authentication device. This step involves setting up an alternate email or phone number for account recovery.

1. Access your Microsoft 365 security settings.

2. Choose an alternate email or phone number.

3. Verify the alternate method by entering a code sent to your chosen option.

The addition of a backup method ensures continuous access to your account. According to Microsoft’s support resources, having a backup method is a best practice for maintaining account security.

In summary, using a backup method offers peace of mind. It acts as a fail-safe in scenarios where the primary mode of authentication is unavailable, thereby maintaining productivity without compromising security.

At RLS Computer Services, we believe this is a fantastic step forward. We’ve long supported parish and town councils with technology solutions, and this development reinforces our mission to help you go digital in a practical, secure, and cost-effective way.

What’s Changing?

The government’s new direction allows local authorities to decide how best to allow councillors to attend meetings remotely—via video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Proxy voting will also be permitted in specific circumstances (like illness or parental leave), helping ensure democratic decisions aren’t delayed.

Why It Matters

When councillors can contribute from anywhere, representation improves. It means better decision-making, fewer meeting cancellations, and a broader pool of people who may feel able to stand for office.

How RLS Can Help Your Council

We offer a full range of IT support tailored to the needs of local government:

• Hybrid Meeting Setup: Cameras, speakers, microphones, and stable Wi-Fi – everything needed to run smooth hybrid meetings.
• Platform Support: Help with Zoom, Teams or other platforms including setup, training and ongoing support.
• Devices for Councillors: Laptops and tablets pre-configured for secure access and remote participation.
• Document Sharing & Security: SharePoint and Microsoft 365 integration so agendas, minutes, and policies are easy to access and safe.
• Clear IT Policies: We’ll help clerks establish practical and easy-to-follow policies for remote working.
• On-Demand Support & Training: Reliable, friendly support when you need it most

Ready to Modernise Your Meetings?

We’re already helping councils across Norfolk take the next step in digital governance—and we’d love to help yours too.

📞 01553 776937
📧 info@rlscomputers.co.uk
🌐 www.rlscomputers.co.uk

Read Full Government Article: Remote attendance and proxy voting in local authorities: consultation results and government response

In the swiftly advancing technological landscape of 2025, AI assistants emerge as pivotal tools poised to transform everyday life. These advanced conversational agents are designed to handle daily tasks, thereby boosting productivity and promoting efficient living. With capabilities that include providing personalised recommendations and enhancing time management, they are more than just virtual helpers—they become reliable partners in your pursuit of an organised and balanced life. Imagine an AI that not only plans your day but also kindles creativity and innovation, making it an indispensable resource for both home users and businesses seeking to refine their workflows. In this article, we will explore the benefits of integrating such tools into your daily routine, demonstrating how this can lead to a rewarding experience.

Discovering the AI Potential

Understanding Advanced AI Assistants

These AI systems are built to comprehend and generate human-like text based on the prompts they receive. Leveraging the foundation of generative AI, they function as conversational agents capable of facilitating a wide range of everyday tasks. Their capabilities extend beyond simple conversation; they can offer personalised recommendations, manage schedules, and even engage in creative activities like drafting emails or generating content ideas.

AI employs sophisticated algorithms to process natural language, enabling it to grasp context and nuance in user queries. This makes it ideal for tasks that require a degree of understanding and adaptability. By 2025, such assistants are anticipated to be more integrated into our lives, offering seamless support that enhances productivity and streamlines time management. Understanding how to utilise these tools effectively can redefine how we approach daily responsibilities, making life more organised and efficient.

Everyday Tasks Made Effortless

These AI systems excel at making everyday tasks effortless, allowing users to concentrate on what truly matters. Whether it’s drafting emails, scripting an article, solving maths problems, or playing games, they can manage these routine responsibilities with ease. By automating such tasks, they free up time and mental energy, thereby boosting productivity. Their ability to understand and process natural language means they can interpret instructions and execute them accurately, sparing users the hassle of dealing with multiple apps or platforms.

In addition to basic organisational tasks, these tools can also assist with more complex activities like drafting reports or generating creative content. For businesses, this means streamlining workflow and reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on strategic and innovative projects. As we progress further into 2025, incorporating such AI into daily routines promises not only to simplify life but also to enhance overall well-being by reducing stress and improving work-life balance.

Personalised Recommendations for You

One of the standout features of these advanced AI systems is their ability to provide personalised recommendations tailored to individual preferences and needs. By analysing user interactions, preferences, and behaviours, the AI can suggest activities, products, or content that align with your interests. This makes them valuable tools for both personal and professional contexts.

In a business setting, they can recommend resources or strategies based on previous projects or tasks, thereby enhancing decision-making processes. At home, they might suggest recipes based on dietary preferences or recommend books and films that suit your taste. This level of personalisation ensures that users receive relevant information without the need to sift through vast amounts of data.

As the field continues to evolve, the depth and accuracy of these recommendations will only improve, making AI an even more indispensable part of our daily lives in 2025. This feature not only boosts productivity but also enriches the user experience by providing meaningful and efficient solutions.

Enhancing Productivity in 2025

Efficient Living with AI Technology

AI technology is set to transform how we approach efficient living by 2025. These tools are designed to streamline tasks and optimise daily routines, ultimately enhancing productivity. By integrating AI into everyday activities, users can enjoy a more organised and balanced lifestyle.

For example, AI can automate time-consuming tasks such as data entry, rewording text, or even managing shopping lists, freeing up valuable time for more critical activities. Their natural language processing abilities allow them to understand and predict user needs, which helps in creating a more personalised and seamless experience.

Moreover, AI technology reduces the cognitive load on users by providing instant access to information and solutions, minimising the need for manual search and analysis. This not only saves time but also reduces stress, contributing to overall well-being. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for it to further enhance efficient living and productivity is vast, promising a future where technology seamlessly supports our daily lives.

Streamlining Time Management

Time management is a crucial aspect of productivity, and advanced AI tools are designed to streamline this process effectively. Managing time efficiently is more important than ever, given the fast-paced nature of both personal and professional environments. These systems assist users by prioritising tasks, drafting reports, and allocating time slots for various activities.

By using AI capabilities, they can analyse a daily schedule or project and suggest optimal times for meetings, breaks, and focused work sessions. This ensures that you make the most of your day without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Additionally, they can assist with other calendar and productivity tools like analysing data or dates, providing a cohesive approach to time management.

Through automation and intelligent insights, these systems not only help in managing time but also in improving overall productivity levels. As a result, users can focus more on strategic tasks and creative pursuits, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle, making them invaluable partners in the pursuit of efficient living.

Boosting Creativity and Innovation

These AI systems are not only tools for managing tasks but also catalysts for creativity and innovation. By leveraging their advanced capabilities, users can explore new ideas and solutions with greater ease. They can assist in brainstorming sessions, offering fresh perspectives and suggestions that might not be immediately apparent to human minds.

For content creators, they can generate drafts, headlines, or creative prompts, sparking inspiration and aiding in overcoming writer’s block. In the business realm, they can suggest innovative strategies and market opportunities, allowing teams to explore uncharted territories with confidence.

The ability to process and synthesise vast amounts of information quickly enables these systems to provide insights that encourage out-of-the-box thinking. This makes them an indispensable resource for anyone looking to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. By facilitating a more dynamic and imaginative approach to problem-solving, they enhance productivity and contribute to personal and professional growth.

Improving Well-being with AI

Finding Balance with Conversational Agents

Conversational AI provides a unique opportunity to find balance in our increasingly hectic lives. By assisting with routine tasks and offering personalised support, these systems help users manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These tools can suggest wellness activities, or even engage in light-hearted conversation to lift your spirits.

With their capacity to handle mundane and repetitive tasks, they free up time for activities that nurture personal well-being, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. Additionally, their ability to provide emotional support and companionship can be particularly beneficial for those who work remotely or live alone.

As we look towards the future, integrating these systems into daily life can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being. By helping users prioritise their personal needs alongside professional responsibilities, they serve as reliable partners in achieving a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

AI Benefits for Mental Health

AI technology is increasingly recognised for its potential benefits to mental health. By providing round-the-clock support, these systems can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking mental health assistance without the immediate availability of professional therapists. They can engage users in dialogue that promotes self-reflection and stress relief.

Moreover, AI can help users track mood patterns and identify triggers that might impact mental well-being. This data-driven approach allows individuals to gain insights into their emotional health, fostering greater self-awareness and proactive management of mental health issues. While AI cannot replace professional therapy, it acts as a supplementary tool that can provide comfort and guidance during challenging times.

The accessibility and anonymity offered by AI make it an appealing option for those who may feel hesitant to seek traditional mental health services. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in supporting mental health is likely to expand, offering innovative solutions to enhance overall well-being.