Technology Tree delivering our latest edition of updates, ideas and collaborations.
Hello from the team @ Technology Tree
We’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas & all the best for 2022! We look forward to continuing to work with you next year.
Tech Tree will be operating over the Christmas break with a skeleton staff from Monday 20th December, with the team back onboard on Tuesday 4th January. The office will be closed on Monday 27th December, Tuesday 28th December and Monday 3rd January
To log a service request, please email servicedesk@techtree.com.au or access our online portal here.
To keep up to date with what’s happening in the IT world on a regular basis, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Apache Log4j Zero-Day Exploit
As you may know, a zero-day exploit affecting the popular Apache Log4j utility (CVE-2021-44228) was made public on 9 December that results in remote code execution (RCE). The vulnerability affects everything from the cloud to developer tools and security devices and is wide spread - any device that connects to the internet may be at risk.
Clients are advised to contact their cloud providers to ensure they haven’t been compromised.
Delay in Supply of IT Goods
We are continuing to see delays in the supply chain of IT goods due to the effect of COVID-19, both the lack of materials available to manufacturers and the added pressure that freight companies are under. We thank you for your patience & understanding and will keep you informed of all expected timeframes that are provided to us.
Australia's Best Laptop Brand
Looking for a new laptop? CHOICE has revealed which laptop brands delivers on performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.
Best laptop brand for 2021: Apple
Apple is the best laptop brand for the past 12 months, according to CHOICE, followed by Microsoft. As Tech Tree is part of the Apple Consultants Network, a Microsoft Partner and Microsoft SMSP certified, it’s great to know that CHOICE (and Australia!) agree that both companies deliver great products.
New Features in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft are releasing several new features to assist you with managing your meetings and performance in Teams meetings. The latest features include designated presenter mode to help keep everyone on task and collaborating productively, Speaker Coach which utilises AI to provide you with guidance on your pace, notify you if you are interrupting someone and remind you to check in with your audience, and live components which allows the sending of a component—like a table, task list, or paragraph—where everyone in your chat can edit inline and see changes as they’re made.
REMINDER!
Windows Users
It is very important to ensure your devices are being updated which should be happening automatically even whilst working from home, depending on your home internet. The latest version is Windows 10 version 21H2. If you want to know more about what is new in this version here.
Patch Tuesday: Microsoft regularly releases software patches usually every second Tuesday of every month for its software products. Please make sure you apply and restart you computer this week to have these updates applied to your device. For those of you who we managed under a service agreement we will be monitoring and will be in touch if they’re not being applied.
How to update: Allow yourself at least 10 – 15 minutes to fully shutdown and restart your system. This ensures patches are applied, this can also address (and solve) some problems you may be having with your system. You can also manually check by following steps that can be found here.
Apple Users
Mac users: the latest version of macOS Monterey is 12.0.1.
iPhone users: the latest version of iOS is 15.1.1.
iPad users: the latest version of iPadOS is 15.1.
Apple TV users: The latest version of tvOS is 15.1.1.
Apple Watch users: The latest version of watchOS is 8.1.1.
As always, feel free to contact us at the office on 08 6161 7113 or email the team at servicedesk@techtree.com.au for any assistance with your queries.
For any after hours support (charges may apply), please contact Derek Stewart directly on 0412 000 063.