What “End of Support” Really Means

When Microsoft ends support for a product, it stops providing updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and technical support. For Office 2016 and 2019, this means that after October 14, 2025, your software will no longer receive protection against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Without these updates, your system becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, any compatibility issues that arise with new hardware or software may go unresolved, potentially affecting workflows. For organizations that need to comply with regulatory requirements, running unsupported software could even introduce compliance risks.

Why Upgrading Is Essential

Upgrading to a supported version of Office is not just about access to new features, it’s about keeping your data, devices, and business operations safe. Microsoft offers two main options:

• Microsoft 365: A subscription-based service that provides the latest versions of Office applications, cloud storage through OneDrive, and advanced security features. It also enables seamless collaboration across teams through apps like Teams and SharePoint.

• Office 2021: A one-time purchase option for those who prefer a perpetual license instead of a subscription model. While this doesn’t include cloud-based features, it ensures that you remain on a supported version of Office.

Businesses that choose Microsoft 365 can take advantage of enterprise-level security, compliance tools, and 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user, along with ongoing updates that keep software current without manual intervention. Microsoft also provides resources like FastTrack services to help organizations plan and execute a smooth migration to these newer platforms.

How to Talk About End of Support With Your Customers

If your business relies on Office applications or supports clients who do, it’s important to communicate the upcoming end of support clearly. Start by explaining the timeline and what end of support entails. Highlight the benefits of upgrading, including enhanced security, new productivity features, and improved collaboration tools. Offering guidance and resources—like step-by-step upgrade paths or Microsoft support links—can help customers make informed decisions and feel confident in transitioning to a supported Office version.

Taking Action Now

To prepare for the end of support, start by assessing which devices in your organization are running Office 2016 or 2019. From there, determine whether Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 best fits your needs. Beginning the upgrade process well before the October 14, 2025 deadline will ensure a smooth transition and help avoid last-minute disruptions.

The end of support for Office 2016 and 2019 is a reminder that staying current with software isn’t just about convenience, it’s about security, efficiency, and peace of mind. Upgrading now will help protect your data, maintain compliance, and ensure your team continues to work without interruption.

What “End of Support” Means

When Microsoft ends support, they stop releasing updates of any kind—no more security patches, bug fixes, or even small updates like time zone changes. Windows 10 will still run, but without ongoing maintenance, it becomes a softer target for cyberattacks. Hackers often focus on older systems, and without patches, new vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely.

Compatibility will also become a growing issue. Over time, new software may not install or run correctly on Windows 10. Hardware manufacturers will stop developing drivers, which means newer printers, graphics cards, and other devices may not work with your computer. If history is a guide, this change can come quickly—after Windows 7’s end of life, major hardware companies stopped releasing updates in less than two years.

Your Options Going Forward

The most straightforward option is upgrading to Windows 11, provided your computer meets the requirements for processor type, RAM, and the TPM 2.0 security chip. Microsoft offers a free PC Health Check tool to confirm whether your device qualifies.

If your PC doesn’t make the cut, replacing it with a newer device is another route. While this isn’t the most popular choice, it ensures long-term compatibility and access to future updates.

For those not ready to upgrade or replace their computer right away, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU). This program provides an extra year of security patches for Windows 10 users. Enrollment is gradually becoming available, and in some cases, syncing your PC with a Microsoft Account may grant an additional free year of coverage. Keep in mind, though, these extensions only buy you time—they aren’t permanent solutions.

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline

The important takeaway is not to put this off until October 14. Start by checking whether your computer can handle Windows 11. If it can, schedule an upgrade before the cutoff. If it can’t, begin looking into new devices that fit your needs and budget. And if you need more time, plan to enroll in the ESU program as soon as it’s available to you.

Change like this can feel inconvenient, but addressing it now will help you avoid security risks and compatibility headaches later. Whether you choose to upgrade, replace, or extend, taking action ahead of the deadline will put you in a much stronger position.

Microsoft 365 delivers just that. With powerful AI integration, proactive context-aware insights, and real-time collaboration features, it’s not just a suite of office tools—it’s a platform designed for modern, connected work.

AI Integration: Empowering Smart Workflows

AI is woven throughout the Microsoft 365 experience, helping users move beyond repetitive tasks and into higher-value work. The standout feature, Copilot, brings generative AI directly into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

In Word, Copilot can draft, summarize, or rephrase content based on just a few lines of input. In Excel, it interprets data trends, builds visualizations, and even writes formulas—no complex functions required. PowerPoint users can generate slide decks from meeting notes or documents with just a prompt.

AI shows up in subtle, productivity-boosting ways as well:

• Smart search across Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive
• Meeting recaps with highlights, action items, and recordings
• Writing suggestions that improve grammar, clarity, and tone

These features not only save time but also enhance accuracy, creativity, and confidence across tasks.

Context-Aware Insights: Personalized and Proactive

One of Microsoft 365’s most useful but less obvious strengths is how it anticipates what users need, right when they need it. This intelligence is driven by Microsoft Graph, which maps connections between your files, calendar, and communications.

Instead of searching for content or contacts, users are often presented with the most relevant suggestions—like the right document before a meeting, or a contact you’re likely to email next. In Microsoft Viva, personalized insights encourage healthier work habits, from blocking focus time to nudging you to follow up with colleagues.

These insights reduce mental load and help keep you on track by automatically surfacing relevant content and contacts, offering timely reminders that align with your daily patterns, and enabling teams to prioritize work based on real context rather than guesswork. While this layer of intelligence operates quietly in the background, it plays a powerful role in making everyday workflows feel more intuitive and less fragmented.

Real-Time Collaboration: Work Together, Anywhere

As work becomes more distributed, Microsoft 365 excels at helping teams collaborate without barriers. Whether across departments or time zones, users can co-author, share, and communicate in real time.

You no longer have to send documents back and forth via email or wait for feedback—collaboration happens live. Multiple people can edit the same document at once in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, with changes appearing instantly. Version control is automatic, and files are stored securely in OneDrive or SharePoint.

Microsoft Teams ties everything together by offering:

• Persistent chat, meetings, and file sharing in one hub
• Integrated access to shared documents during calls
• Real-time whiteboarding and screen sharing for brainstorming sessions

This unified approach keeps everyone aligned and speeds up project cycles without the confusion of scattered tools.

A Unified, Intelligent Ecosystem

What makes Microsoft 365 especially powerful is how these individual features—AI, insights, and collaboration—work as a single ecosystem. Everything is connected, consistent, and designed to enhance user experience across devices and locations.

Because it’s cloud-first, users can access their work from anywhere. Security and compliance controls are built in, making it a safe choice even in regulated industries. For IT teams, centralized administration means faster deployment and easier management.

Microsoft 365 isn’t just adaptable—it’s scalable and future-ready.

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Work

Microsoft 365 isn’t just changing how we work—it’s changing what we expect from the tools we use. With AI that assists, insights that guide, and collaboration that feels effortless, it enables teams to do more with less friction. As your organization looks to stay ahead, Microsoft 365 offers a clear path to better productivity—one that’s intelligent, connected, and built for how we work today.

Interested in learning more? Explore Microsoft 365 or contact one of our experts to help you get started!

Here’s a look at what it offers and why it might work for your team.

Strong Task Scheduling & Timeline Management

At its core, Microsoft Project helps you manage who’s doing what, when, and with what resources. But it goes further than most lightweight tools. You can define task dependencies (like “start after” or “finish by”), set durations and deadlines, and build detailed project timelines.

The tool automatically adjusts your schedule if something shifts—like a delay in product development. It updates all related tasks and recalculates the project timeline. You can also use baselines to compare your original plan with actual progress, which helps identify delays or changes in scope early.

Resource and Budget Tracking

One area where Project shines—especially for growing teams—is resource management. You can assign tasks to people, track availability, and spot conflicts (like someone being booked across two projects).

Cost tracking is built in, too. For example, if a developer charges $100/hour, Project can calculate how much a task or phase will cost based on their hours. You can use this to forecast budgets and control spending without relying on a separate spreadsheet.

Project also lets you account for equipment or materials—great for small businesses that need tight cost control.

Built to Work with Microsoft 365

If your company is already using Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, or SharePoint, Project integrates with all of them. This is one of its biggest selling points for smaller businesses—especially if you want to avoid juggling multiple tools.

You can:

• View timelines and task updates directly in Teams
• Link deadlines to Outlook calendars
• Export project data to Excel for reporting

It’s not always automatic—some setup is required—but once configured, it keeps all your tools working together.

Collaboration That Grows With You

While Project isn’t as naturally collaborative as tools like Trello or Asana, it holds its own—especially when paired with Microsoft Teams. Your team can update tasks, comment, and share files without leaving the Microsoft environment.

If you’re working with contractors or external partners, this setup can keep everyone connected without onboarding them into a new platform.

Cloud Options: Project for the Web vs. Project Online

There are two cloud-based options depending on your needs:

• Project for the Web – Simple, modern, browser-based. Great for small teams with straightforward needs.
• Project Online – More advanced and built for managing multiple projects, programs, or teams. It integrates with Power BI for reporting and gives you enterprise-level oversight—ideal if you’re planning to scale.

Advanced Features for Power Users

For those ready to go deeper, Microsoft Project offers:

• Custom task types and scheduling constraints
• Critical path analysis
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Resource pooling across projects
• Custom formulas and fields for advanced tracking

These tools give you precision planning capabilities, but they do come with a learning curve. Still, once set up, they deliver insights that basic tools can’t match.

In Conclusion

Microsoft Project isn’t the easiest tool to pick up—but for small businesses that need serious planning, it offers unmatched control and flexibility. If you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem, the integration alone makes it a smart next step.

It’s especially useful when your team is growing, projects are getting more complex, or you need tighter visibility into budgets and workloads.

Whether you’re planning a migration, building out a hybrid cloud strategy, or simply curious about the next-gen tech stack, understanding how these two platforms work together is crucial. Let’s break down what makes this integration so powerful—and what it means for your environment.

SQL Server 2022: The Data Platform Foundation

Before diving into the benefits of pairing it with Server 2025, let’s quickly recap what SQL Server 2022 brings to the table:

• Built-in cloud integration with Azure Synapse Link and Managed Instance Link for hybrid and disaster recovery.
• Intelligent Query Processing enhancements for improved performance without code changes.
• Ledger functionality to provide tamper-evidence for data integrity (ideal for auditing and compliance).
• Enhanced security features like Always Encrypted with secure enclaves and SQL Audit improvements.

In short, SQL Server 2022 is designed to be smarter, faster, and more connected to the cloud than ever before.

Why SQL Server 2022 Runs Better on Windows Server 2025

1. Optimized Performance for Hybrid Workloads

SQL Server 2022 is built with hybrid in mind—and Windows Server 2025 enhances this by offering improved Azure Arc integration. Running SQL Server 2022 on Server 2025 enables seamless management of hybrid database environments, giving organizations better control over performance, security, and cost whether workloads are on-premises or in the cloud.

You can register your Windows Server 2025 hosts with Azure Arc, and manage SQL instances using Azure policies, tags, and even enable cloud-based security monitoring—all without leaving your datacenter.

2. Hot Patching = Less Downtime

One of the most anticipated features of Server 2025 is hot patching support. This allows system administrators to apply security patches to the Windows Server OS without requiring a reboot. For SQL Server workloads that require high availability, this is a game-changer.

Downtime for patching has traditionally been a thorn in the side of DBAs. With hot patching, organizations can maintain compliance and security while keeping mission-critical databases online.

3. Enhanced Security Posture

SQL Server 2022 introduces confidential computing features, including Always Encrypted with secure enclaves. When hosted on Windows Server 2025, these features benefit from the latest in secure boot, virtualization-based security, and hardware-backed root-of-trust configurations.

Additionally, Windows Server 2025 offers improved support for TLS 1.3, SMB encryption, and enhanced Defender for Endpoint integration, aligning well with SQL Server's needs for secure data transport and auditing.

4. Storage Innovation for Data-Heavy Workloads

Windows Server 2025 includes performance improvements for Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) and new features in ReFS (Resilient File System), both of which help SQL Server operate more efficiently in high-throughput, high-availability scenarios.

For instance, larger I/O queues and faster failovers mean SQL databases can benefit from quicker transaction processing and improved resiliency during node or disk failures.

5. Container-Ready SQL Deployments

As SQL Server continues to evolve into a more flexible platform, containerization becomes increasingly attractive. Windows Server 2025 improves upon Windows container support, allowing for faster startup times and better resource isolation. This gives SQL Server 2022 an efficient, scalable way to run containerized instances in modern DevOps pipelines or microservices-based environments.

Final Thoughts

The tight integration between SQL Server 2022 and Windows Server 2025 represents more than just a software upgrade—it’s a strategic opportunity. With features that emphasize uptime, security, hybrid flexibility, and cloud-readiness, Microsoft is clearly paving the way for a more intelligent and resilient data infrastructure.

Whether you're running mission-critical apps, planning a data modernization strategy, or simply trying to reduce maintenance windows, this combination is well worth considering.

Key Features

One of the standout improvements is the suite of advanced security features designed to counter today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Updates to Active Directory enable modern identity management at a cloud scale, while enhancements to the SMB v3.1.1 protocol offer stronger protection against brute force, spoofing, and relay attacks. Additionally, Azure Arc-enabled hotpatching minimizes downtime for security updates, ensuring systems remain secure without disrupting operations.

Windows Server 2025 also delivers significant enhancements in hybrid cloud functionality. Software-defined networking (SDN) introduces native Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity across multiple sites, complete with unified policy management. Azure Arc integration simplifies onboarding to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, bridging the gap between traditional data centers and the agility of cloud-native development.

On the performance front, improvements to storage and virtualization offer compelling advantages. Businesses can expect up to 70% faster IOPs on NVMe SSDs, allowing for more efficient data handling. GPU partitioning enables live migration and failover clustering for AI workloads, addressing the growing demand for high-performance computing.

Why Upgrade?

• Enhanced Security: Advanced defenses reduce the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

• Operational Efficiency: Automation tools streamline IT operations, freeing up teams for strategic projects.

• Future-Proofing: Stay ahead of competitors by adopting cutting-edge technologies.

• Scalability: Hybrid cloud capabilities enable businesses to adapt to changing needs.

• Improved Performance: Greater workload capacity and faster systems elevate productivity.

Preparing for the Transition

Upgrading to Windows Server 2025 requires thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth rollout. Start by assessing your current IT infrastructure to identify potential compatibility issues and necessary upgrades. Training your team on the new features is equally important; webinars and certification programs can help staff get up to speed quickly.

Testing in a staging environment is critical to pinpoint bugs and resolve them without disrupting live operations. Develop a comprehensive migration strategy that includes steps for moving critical applications and systems, along with contingency plans for unexpected challenges. Lastly, back up all essential data to safeguard against potential losses during the upgrade process.

With groundbreaking features and substantial benefits, Windows Server 2025 is set to redefine enterprise IT. By preparing now, your organization can fully capitalize on the opportunities this release offers, securing a more productive and resilient future.

User Interface and Design

One of the most noticeable differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 is the user interface, which has been redesigned to improve both usability and aesthetics:

Centered Start Menu and Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, creating a balanced and clean desktop layout. While this replaces the left-aligned Start Menu from Windows 10, offering a fresh, modern vibe, there is an option to revert to the old layout for those who prefer it.

Simplified Start Menu

Windows 11 eliminates the live tiles from previous versions, replacing them with a grid of icons for installed software. Additionally, the "Recommended" area lists recent files or apps, making navigation more intuitive and efficient.

Visual Enhancements

 Windows 11 features several visual updates, including rounded corners, new icons, and a refreshed color scheme, all of which contribute to a modern and fluid user experience. Enhanced animations further improve the overall look and feel of the operating system.

These interface updates not only enhance the visual appeal of Windows 11 but also make it easier to navigate, particularly for users who prefer a straightforward and user-friendly design.

Performance Improvements

When deciding to upgrade your operating system, performance plays an important role. Windows 11 comes with several optimizations that can make your device run faster and more responsive

Improved Resource Management

Windows 11 will better handle the distribution of system resources, including RAM and CPU, on your device. It automatically gives power to active apps and Windows, after which it iterates down from the highest priority category background procedures while the OS does not lock up too fast in its entirety. Thus, it reduces the starvation of backend software, corresponding to mutual hardware utilization. This is a great feature if you have low memory or slow CPU devices.

Faster Wake-Up and Boot Times

Windows 11 also comes with speedier wake times from sleep mode and enhanced boot speeds for SSD-equipped devices. All of these small tweaks have the potential to save time by not waiting around for your device to get going.

Enhanced Power Efficiency

Windows 11 also offers improved power efficiency, translating to better laptop battery life. For users on the fly, Windows 11 enhances battery life by optimizing background activity and reducing power consumption.

Gaming Features and Enhancements

Windows 11 also provides numerous new features that improve the gaming experience for gamers, including:

Auto HDR

An Auto HDR feature that unlocks the full dynamic range of your DirectX 11 compatible games, so the visuals pop even more. If you don't have that option in Windows 10, it can show up quite a bit in your gaming visuals.

DirectStorage

DirectStorage is a new Windows 11 feature that games use to reduce load times by letting the GPU—rather than the CPU—sift through your desktop or laptop's solid-state drive for information. The result of these changes is faster load times and smoother gameplay, which is a big upgrade for gamers.

Better Integration with Xbox Ecosystem

Windows 11 offers even deeper integration with the Xbox game services, allowing easier access to features like Game Pass and a more refined gaming experience. It means you can access and maintain your games more easily, which will help streamline the gaming process between PC and Xbox.

Due to these gaming improvements, Windows 11 is the perfect choice for gamers who want greater performance and visuals.

Security and Updates

Windows 11 makes security an absolute top priority, and the operating system includes numerous enhancements over Windows 10:

TPM 2.0 Requirement

Windows 11 requires a TPM processor (Trusted Platform Module) and hardware-based security devices that help protect sensitive data. Windows updates improve the system's overall security, making Windows 11 a more secure operating system than the one it builds on top of Windows 10, which does not require TPM version 2.

Enhanced Security Features

Windows 11 includes secure boot and hardware-based isolation, which are useful to protect the device from malware or other threats. These improvements are only aimed at making Windows 11 a safer place for consumers interested in data privacy and protection.

Streamlined Updates

Windows 11 makes updates and activity less impactful by combining compatibility with the power of cloud delivery so that the official ones are smaller (up to 40% smaller than those in Windows 10). Updating here becomes more manageable because it needs minimal Time to get installed and updated so that renovation will take less Time.

The updated security features and the update length of support makes Windows 11 a safer overall choice — especially business users or those worried about cybersecurity in at least their desktop operating system.

App Compatibility and New Features

Windows 11 experience is more compatible with apps and introduces new capabilities that help improve productivity and flexibility:

Android App Integration

In Windows 11, the most interesting feature is that you can run Android apps on your Windows natively. So, this greatly extends the number of apps available on your device and gives you more freedom in what tasks to do. Since this functionality is strictly limited to apps on Windows 10, it's, in fact, a huge change for people who depend on mobile applications.

Improved Multitasking and Virtual Desktops

Windows 11 brings forth improved multitasking features, including Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, for better move-around the open windows to free up more screen space. With the new virtual desktops, you can customize your available desktop options and switch between them effortlessly for increased productivity.

Focus Mode and Widgets

With Windows 11, Microsoft is also adding a Focus Mode to reduce distractions by silencing alerts so you can better concentrate on what you are working on. The new version of the OS also features widgets in a refreshed design, offering easy access to personalized news, weather, and more.

With these new features and app compatibility improvements, Windows 11 is a broad and powerful operating system that provides more options for personalizing your device.

Conclusion

In short, upgrading to Windows 11 really depends on your needs. While Windows 10 has proven to be a solid operating system, Windows 11 provides users with a new, fresh look and feel and improved performance attributes such as updated gaming capabilities and enhanced security features. If these benefits address your needs and are supported by your computer’s hardware, Windows 11 might provide a more streamlined and pleasant computing experience overall. If you are happy with Windows 10, you can still stick to that, and it will continue to get support until October of 2025.

As we celebrate these years of growth, join us in reflecting on the incredible changes we've seen and the exciting innovations ahead. The tech industry has evolved rapidly, and we've been proud to be part of it. Here are some standout highlights from our journey:

Smartphone and Mobile Technology

Access to smartphones have single-handedly transformed the tech landscape over the last decade. Placing a powerful computer, camera, and communication tool right in the palm of our hands, they've revolutionized the way we work and connect, reshaping nearly every aspect of our daily lives. With information at our fingertips, we are constantly consuming content like never before.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has also undergone a remarkable transformation  adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. From traditional firewalls to advanced AI-driven threat detection, the field has evolved to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, shaping the way we safeguard our digital assets and privacy.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic in the last couple years alone. It has fueled major advancements in machine learning and natural language processing. From virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles, AI has transformed how we engage with technology and is paving the way for future innovations. With largely popular productivity tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, its impact is evident across various sectors, enhancing efficiency, personalizing user experiences, and driving data-driven decision-making like never before.

Microsoft

In the past 13 years, Microsoft has significantly transformed its products, enhancing both Office and Windows to prioritize cloud connectivity and collaboration. Microsoft Office evolved from Office 2010's online document sharing to Office 365's subscription model, which provides continuous updates and cloud storage. The more recent Office 2019 and Microsoft 365 suite have further boosted productivity across platforms.

Similarly, Windows has adapted to user needs, transitioning from Windows 7 to the modernized Windows 11, which features an updated interface and improved cloud integration. These advancements reflect Microsoft's commitment to providing seamless and productive user experiences in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Looking ahead, discussions are already underway regarding the potential release of Windows 12 and Office 2024. These upcoming iterations promise to build on the advancements of their predecessors, further enhancing user experience and productivity. As Microsoft continues to innovate, we can expect exciting new features and improvements that will redefine how we work and interact with technology.

For Years to Come

We're dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality software solutions tailored to our customers' needs. As we look to the future, we aim to expand our operations, support our employees' growth, and progress together.

Thank you to our valued customers, esteemed partners, and dedicated employees for over a decade of success! As we celebrate our 13th anniversary, we look forward to our continued growth together. Rest assured, My Choice Software will always be your trusted choice!

Why Office?

Microsoft Office offers a range of tools that enhance productivity in today’s digital age. Its seamless integration supports efficient transitions between tasks. With cloud features like OneDrive and Teams, Office facilitates remote work and team collaboration, making it indispensable for all areas of productivity.

So let’s take a quick look at what these Office apps can do for you:

Word

A versatile word processing tool designed for creating and editing text documents. 

Excel

A powerful spreadsheet program used for data organization, analysis, and visualization.

PowerPoint

A presentation software used for creating dynamic slideshows.

Outlook

An integrated email client and personal information manager.

OneNote 

A digital note-taking application that allows users to capture and organize information in various formats, such as text, images, and audio recordings. 

OneDrive

A cloud storage service that enables users to store, sync, and share files online.

Teams

A collaboration and communication platform designed to facilitate teamwork. 

Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) is a popular subscription-based service that offers cloud integration and regular updates. It provides access to the latest versions of Office apps, enhanced collaboration features not available in previous suites, and an overall improved user experience.

Key Benefits

Stay Up-to-date

Microsoft 365 provides continuous updates, ensuring you always have the latest features and security enhancements, keeping your software current and secure.

Cloud Integration

With OneDrive and Teams, Microsoft 365 enhances teamwork through seamless cloud storage and real-time collaboration, making file sharing and communication effortless.

Flexibility

Microsoft 365 works across multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, offering users the flexibility to access and work on their documents from anywhere.

Multiple Devices

Install Microsoft 365 applications on up to five devices per user, including PCs, tablets, and smartphones, for flexible access and seamless productivity.

Advanced Collaboration

Utilize advanced features in Teams and SharePoint for real-time communication, file sharing, and project management, enhancing team collaboration and efficiency.

Office 2021

Office 2021 is the standard version of Microsoft Office, available as a one-time purchase. It offers a perpetual license, so you can use the program without losing access to any of its features (beyond no longer receiving updates) and pay only once.

Key Benefits

Cost-Effective Long-Term

A one-time purchase of Office 2021 can be more economical than a subscription, especially if you plan to use the software for several years.

Offline Access

Ideal for users with limited or unreliable internet, Office 2021 allows full functionality without needing a constant online connection.

Perpetual License

You gain indefinite access to the purchased version, though it does not include free upgrades to future versions.

Familiar Interface

Office 2021 offers a consistent experience with a user interface familiar to those who have used previous Office versions, minimizing the learning curve.

Core Applications

The suite includes essential tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, with additional modules (e.g., Outlook, Publisher) available in certain editions or requiring manual setup.

Which is the right fit?

From understanding the key benefits of each of the suites, it essentially boils down to this:

Choose Microsoft 365 if:

You want easy access to the newest changes and updates.

The most important thing is Cloud storage and collaboration.

You use multiple devices.

You would rather have, say, a subscription model for consistent costs that recur.

Choose Office 2021 if:

Prefer a single up-front payment rather than a subscription.

If you have limited or unreliable internet access.

Work with a stable set of features without needing the latest updates.

Install and use Office on one primary device.

Conclusion

Both Office 365 and Office 2021 offer distinct benefits, so your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Office 365 is a great option if you value regular updates, seamless cloud integration, and the ability to access your software across multiple devices. On the other hand, Office 2021 is ideal if you prefer a one-time purchase and primarily use the software offline. By considering what features are most important to you, you can select the option that best supports your productivity needs.

LTSC

We know Microsoft plans to deliver the new Windows Server 2025 via its Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), which it says "will be even more secure and advanced than ever" in general-availability releases later this year. This release, downloadable from the Evaluation Center, is designed for businesses that require options for upgrading their environment.

Expected Features

Advanced Security

Windows Server 2025 is expected to have a collection of expansive security technologies as cybersecurity threats grow more globally widespread than ever:

Modern Identity Management: Advanced security features in Active Directory for Cloud-scale identity management.

Better SMB Protocol: Secure improvements like SMB v3.1.1 will provide additional security layers to guard against brute force attacks, site spoofing attacks, and relay-based relay-based attacks.

Azure Arc-Enabled Hotpatching: Azure Arc lessens the downtime needed to apply security updates and keeps your cloud assets secure.

Hybrid Innovation

Businesses run more and more workloads in hybrid or multi-cloud scenarios; Windows Server 2025 brings enhanced hybrid cloud capabilities.

Software-Defined Network (SDN) Multisite Features: Provides L2 and L3 native connectivity for workloads across multiple sites with unified policy management.

Azure Integration: Experience a simplified onboarding to Azure Arc- extend your organization, cloud-scale development, and operations with the in-between state of traditional data centers.

AI, Performance, and Scalability

GPU Partitioning: A live migration and failover clustering for AI workloads are done using GPU Partitioning.

Storage and Hyper-V Improvements: Up to 70% more IOPs on NVMe SSDs and increased performance/scale for Hyper-V.

Why You Should Upgrade

The age-old question that comes up any time an upgrade is available - should I? Here are a few points why it may be worth upgrading:

Enhanced Security

These enhanced security capabilities are designed to protect systems against complex cyber-attacks and reduce the chances of any breaches and vulnerabilities regarding data integrity.

Operational Efficiency

Better management tools and the ability to automate processes will aid in making IT operations more efficient, freeing up time for staff to work on projects instead of doing maintenance.

Future-Proofing

Implementing the new capabilities will keep you in sync with the latest technologies and features, avoiding obsolescence or irrelevance from upcoming competitive environments.

Improved Performance

These performance improvements will allow even larger workloads and user scales, ultimately elevating end-user productivity.

Flexibility and Scalability

Improved hybrid cloud capabilities enable organizations to flex as business needs change and capitalize on the benefits of utilizing a cloud more effectively.

How to Prepare

To ensure a smooth rollout of Windows Server 2025 and avoid bottlenecks, you should follow several key steps:

First, assess your current IT infrastructure to identify any possible incompatibilities or necessary upgrades. This analysis will guide your planning for potential hardware or software commitments. Training is crucial at this stage. Educate your team on the new features and capabilities of Windows Server 2025. Consider free webinars, training programs that offer certificates, or other methods to help your team gain the required skills.

Testing in a staging environment is essential. By using an environment parallel to your production system, you can find and fix any bugs without affecting live operations. Develop a comprehensive migration strategy that includes all necessary tasks for moving your target applications to Windows Server 2025. Plan for potential obstacles and have a contingency plan to handle any issues during the transition.

Finally, back up all critical data before beginning the upgrade process. This precaution will allow you to restore updated backups if anything goes wrong, preventing data loss.

Windows Server 2025 is set to bring groundbreaking features and great benefits that can boost your IT security, productivity, and reduce downtime. To make the most of these advancements, it's important to stay informed and prepare properly. Keep an eye on our updates about Windows Server 2025, and get ready to be among the first to adopt the server technology of the future.

The Name

There’s been a mixed bag of rumors on what Microsoft would name their next iteration of Windows. Early conversations referred to the next version of Windows as Next Valley, though in follow-up conversations, Hudson Valley became the most widely accepted code name for the next iteration of Windows. Though the final decision will have to wait on an official announcement from Microsoft, there is still much weight in people’s expectation that the next version of Windows being titled, Windows 12.

The Features

Most people’s hopes are typically intertwined within expectations - or demands - on what should be released with the newest iterations of Windows. While most are left to speculation, it wouldn’t be a surprise that Microsoft continues to integrate Ai into their software more and more, especially with Microsoft Copilot’s growing popularity. Copilot was already available as a preview in Windows 10 and 11, so it would make sense to continue to expand its capabilities within the operating system.
 

It’s also worth noting that a large base of users stayed on Windows 10 because of the new hardware requirements, especially TPM , or Trusted Platform Module, that it seems unlikely that the next version of Windows would include any drastic hardware requirements. We can deduce that any major upgrades would be associated more in hand with handling any heavy Ai capabilities.

We know that UI updates is something that Microsoft hasn’t strayed away from in the past. In fact, these updates have defined eras throughout some of its major releases. Much hasn’t been officially published from Microsoft in terms of what to expect, however, keen-eyed followers have observed a few “hints” at what could be in the works.

Such observations came after Microsoft's Ignite 2022 where observers claimed that the keynote may have leaked early versions of a floating search bar and task bar. Whether this was truly a leaked early concept or something mature in the development stream, concepts will continue to fill the imaginations of Microsoft Windows fans as they patiently wait for the launch of the next release.

The Release

Based on a potential 3-year update proposed release schedule, it was anticipated that a new version of Windows would be coming out this year. However, it was announced this year that the company would stick to its “annual feature update” with the upcoming release of 24H2 for Windows 11. It seems Microsoft may still have several bugs to work out, since as of February 16, they noted that they would put a hold on their Copilot in Windows features and “will begin rolling it out again after fixing a few bugs.”

Considering that Microsoft is heavily marketing and pumping resources into incorporating Copilot into its suite of products, it’s fair to say that they want to make sure all the bugs are worked out before launching any major release of their flagship operating system. This may break a pattern of releasing a new Windows version in tandem with a new release of Office, which has already announced an LTSC preview of Office 2024, with general availability expected later this year.

Stay tuned as the Windows saga continues and we’ll continue sharing any updates as they come to light.

Microsoft has certainly invested a lot of money into overhauling its Office products to integrate this powerful assistant ahead of a massive launch, which included a paid Copilot Early Access Program for some of its Enterprise customers. But now, the real question arises: what is Copilot and what can it do? We’ll break down the latest Copilot updates and take a dive into a couple of the game-changing features we can expect.

Which Version of Copilot?

Free Version

For starters, it’s important to understand the distinction between the available versions of Copilot. Currently, anyone can access a free version of Copilot online. It comes with some enticing features, including early access to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo during non-peak times, and the ability to utilize text, voice, and images in conversational search. Moreover, being web-based, this free version is compatible with various operating systems such as Mac, Windows, and iPadOS.

Copilot Pro

For an "accelerated" experience, Microsoft now offers its subscription-based version, Copilot Pro. This version enhances access to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo during peak times and allows users to utilize its DALL-E 3-based web-app, Designer (formerly known as Bing Image Creator), to create AI images on the fly. Additionally, Copilot Pro provides access to Copilot within select 365 apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote) for tasks like drafting documents, summarizing emails, creating presentations, "and more," although a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required to participate.

Copilot for Microsoft 365

Lastly, there's Copilot for Microsoft 365. This may all seem confusing, but think of this as Microsoft's solution for work-related tasks. While Copilot Pro targets individuals, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is tailored for the optimal organization-level experience. Access to these features requires a license for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Microsoft 365 Business Premium, but it unlocks a plethora of supercharged features within the apps you already use and love. Another significant change is that Microsoft is eliminating the 300-seat purchase minimum for Copilot within these 365 commercial plans. With plenty of features to leverage, let's dive in.

Apps

Word

One of the most anticipated features for Word users is the ability to create content from prompts. Simply type out a prompt that you’d like Copilot to generate content from. You can even extract notes from other apps within the ecosystem, such as OneNote, and reference content from internal documents. Copilot can then scan these files and generate detailed content for you. 

You can even prompt Copilot to rewrite your generated content in a format resembling a reference document of your choice, and also have it insert files from related documents. Along the way, Copilot will also propose suggestions to help enhance your content. With this feature, you can create project proposals, meeting summaries, or elevate your note-taking skills to another level.

PowerPoint

Having Word generate content for you is just the beginning. Utilizing this generative AI model can help you overcome time constraints when in a pinch. For instance, if you want to take your generated content, such as a project proposal, and implement it, Copilot can seamlessly translate your Word document into a PowerPoint presentation.

Through some quick instructions, Copilot can continue to add slides of your choice allowing you to come in and polish up the slides as you go along. 

Excel

Another game-changing feature within Copilot’s ecosystem is its integration with Excel. It can assist you in making sense of your data, allowing you to take a sheet—like a quarterly sales summary—and analyze it for various patterns, such as identifying key trends. Once Copilot generates a summary, you can further delve into the data with follow-up questions. Copilot will then create a new sheet, providing you with a sandbox environment to analyze your results. This tool streamlines the process of interpreting data and devising strategies from it, alleviating the heavy lifting usually involved. 

Semantic Indexing

We've explored how Copilot can assist in generating, analyzing, and enhancing your content and workflow. However, an even more potent feature lies in its ability to connect all your data through Semantic Indexing. This robust process enhances the search experience across Microsoft 365.

Unlike traditional indexing methods based on keywords and ranking, where the most relevant search results matching your keywords appear higher on the list, Copilot's semantic indexing analyzes the body of data available to generate more informative answers directly from your content.

This feature also maps semantic signals, such as people and relationships to content - like recent activity to content that a particular user has access to. All of this data is analyzed to help determine the intent of the search and formulate a more informative answer.

A Changing Landscape

It's evident that Microsoft Copilot is establishing itself as a transformative tool within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, marking a significant stride in distinguishing itself amidst an expanding array of generative AI tools. With its feature set of generating content to analyze data and improving workflows, Copilot demonstrates its prowess in assisting users at every stage. Its integration with various Microsoft applications, coupled with a long list of innovative features, signifies a significant leap forward in AI-assisted productivity tools.

As users delve deeper into Copilot's capabilities, they uncover a wealth of opportunities to optimize their work processes and elevate their output, heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation in the digital workspace.

Your Trusted Source

My Choice Software is your trusted online destination for certified Microsoft software and beyond, providing personalized guidance and installation assistance. We offer cost-effective solutions for homes, businesses, and academic needs, with the industry's lowest prices and over a decade of customer satisfaction. Our state-of-the-art support includes phone, email, text, and live chat to ensure a seamless experience from product selection to installation. We're dedicated to meeting customer needs and are proud to celebrate our success.

Journey Through the Years

Over our years in business, we've witnessed the dynamic evolution of the tech industry and the exciting innovations that have shaped it. Here are some noteworthy highlights:

Smartphone and Mobile Technology

Smartphones have revolutionized the tech space in the last 12 years, transforming our lives by putting a powerful computer, camera, and communication device in the palm of our hands. Their impact on how we work, connect, and access information and services has been nothing short of revolutionary.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has also undergone a remarkable transformation  adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape. From traditional firewalls to advanced AI-driven threat detection, the field has evolved to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, shaping the way we safeguard our digital assets and privacy.

Artificial Intelligence

A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) has driven breakthroughs in machine learning and natural language processing. From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI has fundamentally changed the way we interact with technology and anticipate future innovations.

Mobile Apps

The proliferation of smartphones and tablets has led to an explosion of app development, reshaping how we live, work, and play. From social media to ride-sharing and mobile payments, these apps have changed how we communicate, shop, travel, and manage our health, contributing to a digital transformation of society.

Microsoft Office

In just the last 12 years., Microsoft Office has undergone a remarkable evolution, launching various versions that have progressively embraced cloud connectivity and collaboration. It began with Office 2010, which introduced features like online document sharing. Office 2013 brought further integration with cloud services, while Office 2016 improved collaboration with real-time co-authoring. The game-changer was Office 365, a subscription-based service that provided continuous updates and cloud storage.

In recent years, Microsoft further advanced Office with Office 2019 and the Microsoft 365 suite, enhancing productivity and collaboration across desktop and online platforms, marking a significant shift from traditional software to a cloud-centric approach.

Microsoft Windows

Windows has consistently adapted to the changing digital landscape, offering users more streamlined experiences, enhanced security, and improved performance. From Windows 7's familiar interface to the touch-friendly Windows 8 and the return of the Start menu in Windows 10, Microsoft has responded to user needs and preferences, paving the way for a more connected and efficient computing experience.

In recent years, Windows 11 has emerged as a significant milestone in the evolution of Windows operating systems. Launched as a more streamlined and visually appealing successor to Windows 10, Windows 11 has introduced a fresh user interface, enhanced productivity features, and improved integration with the cloud. With a focus on modernization, it aims to provide users with a more seamless and productive computing experience, further exemplifying Microsoft's commitment to adapting to evolving technology trends.

A Vision for the Future

We're committed to delivering affordable, professional, and top-notch software solutions, always custom-tailored to our customers' needs. Our future involves expanding our operations, fostering our employees' professional growth, and progressing together.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued customers, esteemed partners, and dedicated employees for more than a decade of success! As we mark our 12th anniversary, we eagerly anticipate our continued growth together. Be assured, My Choice Software will always be dedicated to remain your trusted choice!

A stalwart performer, Windows Server 2012 made its debut on September 4, 2012, as the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. It brought numerous significant enhancements compared to its predecessor, including virtualization with Hyper-V 3.0. This introduced features such as live migration, virtual machine replication, and network virtualization, creating a more robust virtualization platform. Additionally, it boasted improved storage capabilities and networking enhancements.

To ensure the security of your system and compliance with industry standards, it is imperative to plan ahead and mitigate risks by migrating your workloads to newer, supported versions of Windows Server. There are several options available:

Upgrade

You can choose to upgrade to a more recent version of Windows Server, such as 2019. However, if you are transitioning from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, you will first need to make a pitstop at Windows Server 2016 before proceeding to 2019. Alternatively, you can perform a fresh installation of 2019, but don't forget to back up your server beforehand to prevent data loss during the upgrade process.

Migration

Another viable route is to consider migrating to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform. Azure offers several advantages, including scalability, cost savings, and enhanced security. Before embarking on upgrades or migrations, ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the newer version of Windows Server or for Azure. It is also crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your applications and workloads to identify any compatibility issues that may arise during the migration.

There is still time to formulate a strategy for the impending end-of-life of Windows Server 2012. As demonstrated, there are still multiple paths to explore. Regardless of what direction you take, proactive planning and action are essential to safeguard your system, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and leverage the benefits of modern technologies.

Microsoft has been diligently improving Windows 11 since its initial launch in late 2021. Along the way, they've introduced some noteworthy updates, including the one in September 2022 and the introduction of File Explorer tabs in October of the same year. Their commitment to progress continued with additional feature enhancements through their 'Moments' functionality. However, the big news is that Microsoft is not hitting the brakes just yet. They have officially confirmed the forthcoming arrival of Windows 11 23H2 later this year.

While 23H2 represents the second significant feature update for Windows 11, it won't be as extensive as 23H2. Microsoft already has its sights set on Windows 12, scheduled for a fall 2024 release. In this article, we will delve into the anticipated key features and developments of Windows 11's upcoming 23H2 update.

New Features

One of the more anticipated features in this latest update is the rollout of taskbar ungrouping. This fresh addition, known as the "never combined mode," enables each application window to appear separately on the taskbar, complete with labels.

Another significant change involves the revamped hover behavior for the search box and search highlight, designed to enhance the overall search experience. Initially introduced in a previous build, but temporarily disabled due to a bug, this updated interaction model triggers the search flyout when users hover over the search box gleam. Users have the flexibility to disable or customize this feature's behavior by accessing "Taskbar settings" after right-clicking on the taskbar.

Lastly, File Explorer will get a bit of a modern makeover, featuring a fresh address bar, a sleeker search bar, enhanced Fluent Design elements, improved touch functionality, and seamless integration of Microsoft 365 features.

What Does This Mean for Me?

According to a recent Microsoft post, "If you're running Windows 11, version 22H2, it will be a simple update to version 23H2 via a small enablement package (eKB)." So this means "you don't need to worry about application or device compatibility between the versions."

Microsoft also suggests you don’t have to wait for the update, you may use the Windows Server Update Services to get the latest version once it’s released in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Conclusions

Windows 11 23H2 may not be a sweeping overhaul, but it offers a substantial array of quality enhancements that hold the potential to significantly elevate both the user experience and system performance. This update demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to refining and fine-tuning their operating system, ensuring that users can enjoy a smoother, more efficient, and feature-rich computing environment.

Being well-versed in the Microsoft ecosystem can not only help you stay up-to-date with a productivity powerhouse, but making use of attainable features within the latest Office products can really help drive your path to success - whether on your educational goals or your career path.

Real-time Collaboration

Co-authoring has been a valuable feature since perpetual versions of Office (2016). However, with the introduction of Office 2021, this collaborative capability extended beyond just Word, as it now supports co-authoring in Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and Excel spreadsheets. 

This alignment with Office 365's collaboration capabilities empowers users to collaborate seamlessly and effectively, regardless of the Office version they are using. This feature-set truly helps foster an environment of team-building and active collaboration - a skill that remains critical to many emerging industries.

However, if you really want to master the art of project management, here are a few power tips that may help you streamline your project when working with Microsoft Project.

Define Clear Objectives and Project Scope

Before diving into Microsoft Project, it's crucial to establish clear project objectives and define the scope. Clearly identify the deliverables, milestones, and tasks required to achieve project success. By setting a solid foundation, you can effectively utilize Microsoft Project to organize and structure your project plan.

Structure Your Project Plan

Take advantage of the hierarchical structure in Microsoft Project to break down your project into manageable tasks and subtasks. Create a work breakdown structure (WBS) that provides a visual representation of the project's components and their dependencies. This will help you establish a logical flow and better allocate resources.

Set Realistic Deadlines and Dependencies

Accurate scheduling is vital for project success. Use Microsoft Project's scheduling capabilities to set realistic start and finish dates for tasks. Establish dependencies between tasks to ensure that each activity starts and finishes based on the proper sequence. This helps you visualize critical paths, identify potential bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to keep your team and project on track.

Utilize Reporting and Visualization Tools

Microsoft Project offers a range of reporting and visualization options to communicate project status effectively. Generate Gantt charts, resource usage reports, and milestone reports to present project information visually and share progress updates with stakeholders. Leverage these tools to provide meaningful insights and keep everyone informed.

Take Advantage of Advanced Features

Microsoft Project has advanced features that can further enhance your project management capabilities. Explore features like custom fields, filters, and macros to tailor the software to your specific needs. Additionally, consider leveraging Microsoft Project add-ins and integrations with other productivity tools to extend its functionality and streamline your workflows.

By taking the time to plan ahead and establish a solid foundation, project managers can effectively guide their teams, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

A proven workhorse

Windows Server 2012 was originally released on September 4, 2012 as the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. It introduced several significant updates and improvements over its predecessor at the time such as virtualization with Hyper-V 3.0, which introduced features like live migration, virtual machine replication, and network virtualization for a more robust virtualization platform - on top of enhanced storage capabilities and improved networking.

Stay up to date

To keep your system safe from security breaches and meet industry regulations, it's important to plan ahead and manage risks by moving your workloads to newer and supported versions of Windows Server. Rest assured that you have several options to pick from.

Your first option may be to upgrade to the later version of Windows Server, 2019 - but if you're upgrading from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, you'll need to take a step up with Windows Server 2016 first, and then move on to 2019. You can also do a fresh install of 2019, but remember to back up your server beforehand to avoid any data loss during the process.

Alternatively, you may consider moving to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform, which offers several key benefits such as scalability, cost savings, and enhanced security. Before diving into upgrades or migrations, make sure your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the newer version of Windows Server or for Azure. It's also crucial to assess your applications and workloads thoroughly to identify any compatibility issues that might come up during the migration process. 

There's still time to make a game plan for the upcoming end-of-life of Windows Server 2012, and as you can see, there are options to explore. Regardless of your choice, it's crucial to proactively plan and take action to ensure system security, compliance with industry regulations, and to take advantage of the benefits of modern technologies.

10 years of productivity

Office 2013 was released in January 2013 and was the successor to Office 2010. At the time, it introduced a number of new features, including a cleaner user interface, improved touch and gesture support, and integration with the cloud-based storage service, SkyDrive (now called OneDrive). The suite also introduced new productivity features, such as the ability to work collaboratively in real-time, enhanced tools for managing email, and improved support for data analysis and visualization.

What this means

While Microsoft Office 2013 will no longer receive security updates, it's important to note that the software itself will not stop working altogether. For example, users of Outlook 2013 who upgrade to version 15.0.4971.1000 (Service Pack 1 with the October 2017 update) will still be able to connect to Exchange Online. It’s worth mentioning, however, that Microsoft has also indicated that they will no longer consider older Office clients in future cloud services investments.

Upgrade options

With end-of-support approaching, users can rest assured that there are a number of upgrade options still available.

The first option is to upgrade to Microsoft’s Office 2021. This version of the software introduces a range of new features and improvements, including enhanced collaboration tools, improved support for touch and pen input, and new data analysis capabilities. Some other features include:

1. Dark mode: This  new dark mode option makes it easier on the eyes for users who prefer a darker color scheme.
2. Enhanced collaboration: Includes new collaboration features that make it easier for users to work together on projects in real-time. These features are available for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
3. New charts and formulas: Excel includes new chart types and formulas, which help visualize and analyze data.
4. Performance improvements: Office 2021 comes with improvements that make it faster and more responsive than previous versions.

This version of Office can be purchased as a one-time purchase or as a subscription through Microsoft's new Microsoft 365.

With Microsoft 365, you get access to familiar Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as cloud-based storage and email services. This means you can work on documents and projects from anywhere, on any device, and share them with others easily. It also has the benefit of being constantly updated with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, so you can be sure that you are always using the latest version of the software. 

So while end-of-support for Office 2013 may be critical for users who want to stay productive and secure, the new upgrade features are sure to deliver as a smart investment that will ensure they can continue to work efficiently and effectively for years to come.

AI tools can be applied to many business processes, from automating repetitive tasks to improving customer service and enhancing decision-making processes to converting text-to-speech. This explains why more than 9 in 10 leading businesses have ongoing investment in AI. Not only that. In other studies, 67% of employees say AI tools help improve their work productivity, and 62% of consumers are willing to submit data to AI to have a better experience with businesses.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

At its core, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the science of building systems that can sense, learn and adapt to their environment. It uses machines or computers to produce intelligent behavior and perform tasks that otherwise would require human intelligence.

Here are some common uses of AI in business and project management:

• AI for automation: Businesses can leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks and reduce human effort. AI-enabled automation can help businesses quickly process large amounts of information, detect anomalies or trends in data, optimize search queries, and more.
• AI for customer service: AI tools can be used to provide personalized customer services. By leveraging natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms, businesses can improve customer experiences, respond to customer inquiries faster, and deliver more accurate answers.
• AI for decision-making: AI can help businesses make better decisions by analyzing data sets, predicting customer behavior, and uncovering insights that would otherwise be difficult for humans to detect. By providing real-time analysis and recommendations, AI systems can provide a competitive advantage.
• AI for cloud computing: AI tools can be used to improve the performance of cloud computing applications. AI-enabled systems can help analyze massive datasets, identify patterns and anomalies in data, optimize search queries, and more. This can significantly improve the scalability and performance of a business's cloud infrastructure.
• AI for intelligence and deep learning: AI-driven deep learning and predictive modeling can help businesses gain insights from big data and case studies, identify patterns, predict customer behavior, and more. Companies can use these technologies to become more innovative and efficient in decision-making.
• Fraud detection: AI-enabled systems can help businesses detect fraudulent transactions and reduce financial losses. By leveraging real-time data analysis, AI systems can quickly detect irregularities in customer payment methods and alert businesses of any suspicious behavior.

With that in mind, here are some AI tools that can help streamline business operations.

AI SEO Software

AI SEO tools like Surfer, DiiB, Can I Rank, etc., can scan your website to identify optimization opportunities and quickly fix issues. They can also help you optimize content for keywords, track website performance, and monitor changes to competitors' websites. In such a competitive environment, these tools can make it easier to stay on top of your SEO game and get ahead of the competition.

Chatbots

Chatbots are AI-powered programs that use natural language processing to interact with customers and answer their inquiries. They’re becoming increasingly popular and can be used for customer service, sales, marketing, and more. For example, businesses can use chatbots to answer customer questions, generate leads, and provide personalized product recommendations. Some of the most recent bots hitting the headlines include:

ChatGPT

By now, you've probably heard about ChatGPT, the revolutionary Natural Language Processing (NLP) model that allows you to interact naturally with a chatbot. OpenAI's game-changing AI tool has taken the industry by storm. The chatbot generates human language text when presented with a prompt.

For example, you can prompt the tool to compose an email, answer a question, or write code, and you'll get a human-like response. The tool thinks like a machine and responds like a human being, helping you save time and improve efficiency.

Google LaMDA

Google Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA) is another groundbreaking AI tool that can help businesses with their language processing tasks. Like other large languages models like GPT-3 and BERT, it is built on a neural network architecture called Transformer. Transformer generates a model that can be trained to read paragraphs and sentences, observe how the words relate to each other and predict the words it thinks will come next.

With Google LaMDA, you can take a conversation and generate a text-based answer that considers the entire context of the conversation. It also provides real-time predictions, so it's perfect for businesses that need to respond quickly and accurately to customer inquiries.

Midjourney

Midjourney is a cutting-edge AI art generator that allows you to generate unique images from text-based prompts. All you need to do is input a few words, and the AI tool will generate an original image using advanced algorithms and machine learning. This is perfect for businesses that need to create visual content quickly without the hassle of hiring a designer.

AI Employee Scheduling Tools

AI employee scheduling tools like Workforce, QuickBooks Time, and Planday can help businesses easily create and manage their employee schedules. These AI-powered scheduling tools use algorithms to automatically generate schedules and ensure your team is always on the same page. They can also help you identify potential conflicts and track labor costs so you can optimize your workforce and reduce costs.

Developer Tools

AI-powered developer tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot can automate and accelerate the development process. These tools use algorithms to identify best practices, suggest code fixes, and recommend solutions for common coding problems. They can also be used to find bugs, detect vulnerabilities, and build more secure software.

AI Software Testing Tools

Software testing is one of the most tedious and expensive tasks in the development process. Fortunately, AI software testing tools like Testcraft and Applitools can help automate and streamline this process. These tools use advanced algorithms to detect bugs and speed up testing. They can also identify potential vulnerabilities in software, providing an extra layer of security that manual testing can't.

Task Managers

AI-powered task managers like Trello, Basecamp, and ProofHub, can help businesses automate mundane tasks and streamline their operations. These tools use algorithms to help you identify and prioritize tasks, assign them to the right team members, and monitor progress in real-time. They can also help you optimize team collaboration, track project statuses, and manage customer relations.

By leveraging these AI tools, businesses can automate and streamline their processes, save time, increase efficiency, and improve customer service. If you are looking to automate and streamline your business, investing in the right AI tools is a great way to get started. My Choice Software offers a variety of AI tools that can help you optimize your business operations and drive growth. Contact us today to learn more. 

Over the years, we've seen many examples of organizations falling victim to cybercrime. From Uber to Adobe to Yahoo to Marriott Hotels, no one is immune to the potential risks. The most recent high-profile cyber attacks, such as the Microsoft Exchange Server hack in 2021, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021, and Crypto.com's massive data breach in 2022, have highlighted the need for organizations to take data security seriously.

Successful cyberattacks can lead to data loss, destruction, or unauthorized access. As a result, a business may end up with a bad reputation, financial losses, and even legal actions. In a worst-case scenario, this could result in the complete shutdown of an organization's operations.

To prevent this from happening, businesses need to invest in cloud-based software for data backup and disaster recovery. This article will discuss how cloud-based software can help to secure a business's data and mitigate the risks of cyber attacks.

What is Cloud-Based Software?

Cloud-based software allows users to store and access data over the Internet rather than on their premises. This helps to reduce the organization's capital outlay and the need for on-site storage. Cloud-based software offers scalability, as businesses can easily add or reduce storage capacity on demand. It also provides access to data from multiple devices, as long as there's an internet connection.

In contrast, traditional software backup and recovery involve hardware, complex infrastructure, and manual processes. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, often leading to large capital expenses for hardware purchases or maintenance. Traditional backup can seem cost-effective but doesn't often ensure a long-term return on investment, given the high cost of ongoing maintenance and hardware upgrades.

When time is of the essence, cloud-based software can quickly restore operations and ensure business continuity. It is a cost-effective solution for businesses of any size, as well as for organizations that need to comply with stringent data protection regulations, such as the GDPR.

How Cloud-Based Software Helps Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Cloud-based software can help your small business secure data and protect against cyber-attacks by providing several key benefits.

Real-Time Backup & Recovery

Like most businesses, you probably back up your data regularly. You ensure that your backup equipment and configurations are up-to-date, test your restores, and ensure everything is working as it should. However, data backup is only half of the process. You must also move your data to an offsite location just in case the worst happens.

But moving data can be time-consuming and can even leave your data vulnerable to loss. Cloud-based software eliminates this problem by providing real-time backup and recovery capabilities. With a cloud system, your backup is saved off-premise in minutes. You can also recover the data soon after a disaster.

Automatic Backup and Recovery

Another advantage of cloud-based systems is that they automate the backup and recovery process. This eliminates manual processes such as scheduling backups, locating tapes, and validating restores. With cloud-based software, you can set up an automated system to perform regular backups and store them in a secure, offsite location.

This means that your data will always be up-to-date, and you can quickly recover in a disaster. It also means that your human resources can focus on other important tasks instead of worrying about backups.

Lower the Risk and Cost of Downtime

Data loss or downtime can be extremely costly, especially if not handled quickly and efficiently. But with the complex process that goes into protecting data, many businesses lose time and resources trying to:

• Backup copies of critical data to another device
• Move the backup to an offsite location for added security
• Find storage that protects and organizes the data for easy and quick recovery
• Recover saved backup when the need arises

Cloud-based systems eliminate all of these steps. By automating the process, businesses can save time and resources while reducing the risk of data loss or downtime. In case of a disaster, disruption, or attack, the continuous and comprehensive backup ensures you can recover data from moments before the interruption instead of the previous day or week.

Leverage the Expertise and Resources of the Service Provider

Most providers offer reliable and secure backup solutions as part of their services. This means you don't have to worry about managing, monitoring, or securing the backup process and storage. All you need to do is configure the system and let them take care of the rest.

Taking advantage of your provider's expertise and resources to protect and enjoy uninterrupted data access gives you a competitive edge. Plus, you won't have to worry about the latest technology, scalability, and infrastructure, as your provider will manage all of these for you.

Predictable Costs and Simpler Budgeting

Software as Service solutions like cloud storage and backup services often work on a subscription model, meaning you pay only for what you use. This makes it easier to budget and forecast costs since they are predictable. This means you won't need to worry about costs spiraling out of control due to hardware maintenance, licenses, and other associated costs.

Store Data Safely

Part of business management is ensuring your sensitive data, including intellectual property, employee records, and customer data, does not end up in the wrong hands. But unless you encrypt the data for safety, you open yourself up to hackers, human error, and competitors. Cloud-based systems ensure your data is always encrypted and stored in secure locations. This eliminates the risk of data theft, and you don't have to worry about unauthorized access.

Secure File Sharing & Collaboration

Cloud-based systems also help foster collaboration. You can set up secure file sharing and enable team members to access and share the same files in real time. This makes it easier to work on projects together and ensures everyone is always working on the same version of a file.

You can also ensure that access to shared files is restricted to specific team members. This reinforces your security measures and keeps sensitive data safe.

Software as a Service

Cloud computing has become an essential part of any business's IT infrastructure. By leveraging the power of cloud-based storage and backup, businesses can reduce the risk of data loss or downtime and eliminate hardware maintenance and budget costs more predictably. Cloud-based systems are also crucial for those with business continuity plans as they ensure scalability.

If you are looking for a reliable and secure cloud-based system, My Choice Software has got you covered. We offer a range of cloud computing solutions tailored to suit your business needs.

Project management software is an invaluable asset for large and small businesses. It helps track, organize, and manage important tasks, documents, and resources, enabling managers to achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively. With the right project management tools, teams can better collaborate on projects and finish more work in less time. This results in improved productivity, quality assurance, and, ultimately, greater success.

What is Project Management?

As the name suggests, project management is managing projects within an organization. It involves setting goals, assigning tasks, tracking progress, and managing resources to ensure the project is completed within the specified timeframe and budget. A project manager is responsible for managing the project and ensuring it delivers the desired outcomes.

But let's face it. Not everyone in an organization is a project manager, yet we still have to manage projects daily. Think about your job description - customer support, software development, professional services, etc.

However, you'll often need to step in to track, manage or organize something to ensure progress toward the end goal. And while this seems trivial, it can be overwhelming and detrimental to the business.

That's where project management tools like Office 365 come in.

Microsoft Office 365 is a comprehensive suite of tools that can make project management much easier. More specifically, Microsoft Project helps manage resources and track tasks so you can better prioritize and manage projects. It allows you to set deadlines, track progress, assign tasks, and control costs.

Simply put, MS Project helps you save time by automating manual processes. With MS project, you can be the boss of any project, irrespective of whether or not you're a project manager. 

How Microsoft Project Can Help Your Business Stay Productive

MS Project is a project management tool used to create project plans and schedules, manage resources, and track time. It has features like kanban boards, project calendars, and Gantt charts for project management professionals. Other incredible features that can help your business stay productive include:

Project Planning

One of the most important aspects of any project is planning. MS Project provides robust tools to help you plan and schedule projects more efficiently and accurately. With its multiple views that include a grid, visual kanban board, and Gantt chart views, you can create detailed plans for your project in minutes.

Use the grid project view to plan and manage projects with a task list or kanban to manage workflow and status. Or opt for the traditional Gantt chart to schedule tasks over a project timeline or filter for the critical path.

Thanks to these dynamic planning and scheduling tools, you can easily create a timeline that accurately reflects the effort necessary for each task. This way, everyone involved in the project is aware of deadlines and milestones for better resource allocation.

Collaboration and Remote Work

Microsoft Project makes it easy to collaborate with distributed teams, enabling remote workers to access important project information in real-time. With tools like G Suite and Google Drive, teams can easily store their documents in the cloud and access critical project data from anywhere. The tool also allows for communication and messaging with other team members, making it easier to share ideas and feedback. In the age of hybrid work, MS Project will help you keep teams connected, engaged, and productive.

Integration with other Office 365 Tools

MS Project integrates easily with Office 365 tools like SharePoint, Excel, and Outlook. This allows you to centralize project data and provide users with easy access to critical information in one place. You can also sync documents and tasks between MS Project and other applications, making it possible to view project progress at the click of a button.

Roadmap

It's hard to keep up with all the details, deadlines, resources, and progress of each project or program. But failing to do so can lead to missed deadlines, budget overruns, and frustrated team members. Microsoft Project's powerful roadmap feature helps you to plan, track and visualize progress across multiple projects in one overview. It also helps with portfolio management, enabling you to evaluate potential benefits and risks for each project.

Business Intelligence for Vision and Results

Your business’s success is based on its ability to chart the right course. Power BI* visualization allows you to create interactive dashboards to observe performance in real-time and make data-driven decisions. This not only helps to improve productivity but also gives you detailed insights into how your project is performing, enabling you to make better decisions and drive results.

Reporting

The most successful projects are those that have clear visibility and communication. MS Project has feature-rich reporting tools, so you can see exactly how your team is progressing and what their work looks like. Create an executive summary, resource utilization report, or timeline view to stay informed and ensure every project is on track.

Resource Management

With Microsoft Project, you can easily and efficiently track resources and costs. It's easy to assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track their progress against their goals. This ensures that all resources are used in the most efficient way possible, as any changes to the project can be seen in real-time. You can also monitor costs and adjust them accordingly, ensuring the project is completed within budget.

Coauthoring

MS Project offers powerful collaboration capabilities that enable stakeholders and team members to work together in real time. With its coauthoring features, teams can work on the same project without worrying about overwriting any changes or data. Additionally, with its advanced security feature, you can be sure that the projects are safe and secure.

Timesheets

Microsoft Project offers a timesheet feature, essential for tracking employee hours and costs associated with project tasks. It helps you collect, process, and manage timesheet information, making tracking project progress and employee performance easier. This ensures that all resources are used effectively and that you stay within budget.

Power to innovate

Microsoft Project is the perfect platform for building and customizing desktop and mobile app experiences. With powerful tools like G Suite, Microsoft Azure, SharePoint, and more, you can develop solutions that meet your team's unique needs.

Limitations of the Project Management Tool

Despite the powerful features and benefits, there are a few limitations to using MS Project. Here are some:

• It has a steep learning curve and can be an overwhelming tool if you are unfamiliar with it. A lot of time and effort are needed to learn the tool and become proficient.
• It can be expensive to buy, as it requires an Office 365 subscription. The monthly charges add up over time, and you may pay more for each team member who needs access.
• It's not easily shareable with external stakeholders or customers. Since it's integrated with Office 365, they can only access the project management tool if they have a subscription.

Microsoft Project is a comprehensive project management tool that can help you achieve greater efficiency and productivity while managing resources and costs. With its interactive visualization tools, reporting capabilities, coauthoring features, timesheets, and integrated app development tools, MS Project is invaluable for any project.

Although it has its limitations, the potential benefits far outweigh these cons. If you're considering a project management tool, MS Project is a great choice. At My Choice Software, we have all the licenses you need to get started so that you can take full advantage of this powerful tool.

In this article, we'll look at the different versions of Microsoft Office, including annual licenses and one-time purchase options. We'll also compare the most recent 2021 & 2019 versions to give you an idea of what features each offers and which version would work best for businesses, students, or families.

Difference between Version and Edition

When considering which version of Microsoft Office to purchase, the first thing to understand is the difference between version and edition. A version refers to a major release, such as Office 2016 or 2019. An edition varies within that version, such as Home & Student Edition or Professional Plus. Editions are named differently and include different products and features for specific audiences.

For example, Home & Student Edition includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote suitable for home and educational use. On the other hand, Office Professional Plus has Office Suite tools like Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, Word, and Access for professional use.

Microsoft Office 2021 Edition

Microsoft Office 2021 is the latest version of Office and comes in two main variants for Windows and Mac versions: Home & Business and Home & Student. Both versions serve the core needs of users, with the main difference being the licensing type – Home and Business is sold for commercial use, while Home and Student is for personal use.

Office Home Business 2021 contains these programs for Windows and Office for Mac:

• Word: The word processing application used for creating documents and reports
• Excel: A spreadsheet program used to analyze data and create graphs
• PowerPoint: An application for creating presentations
• OneNote: An organizational tool used for taking notes and organizing information
• Outlook: A personal information management program for managing emails, contacts, and schedules
• Publisher: An app publisher to create leaflets, newsletters, posters, etc.
• Access: A database application to store data and analyze it with queries

Home & Student 2021 does not include the Outlook app.

Feature Updates in Microsoft Office 2021

• Microsoft Office 2021 Visual Refresh: A brand new look and feel for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, Visio, OneNote, and Project
• Co-authoring and Collaborators in Real-time: Work together in real-time with improved collaboration across Office applications
• AutoSave Every Change: Automatically save your work every few minutes to avoid the loss
• Switch to Dark Mode: Reduces glare and can help you focus better
• Read Aloud for Proofreading
• Free Stock Media Library: Find the perfect image for any project without purchasing additional licenses or using unlicensed stock photos
• Go Global with Outlook's Built-In Translator: Understand emails written in different languages

Microsoft Office 2019 Edition

Microsoft Office 2019 is the predecessor to the 2021 version and provides many of the same features. It has four major versions for Windows and two for Mac OS: Home & Student, Home & Business, Professional, and Professional Plus.

• Microsoft Office 2019 Home and Student: includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for home use. It's perfect for school use by students and teachers, home use, and even writers.
• Microsoft Office 2019 Home & Business includes all the above plus Outlook for small business use. Office 2019 gives a great balance between the home and professional business editions of Office.
• Microsoft Office 2019 Professional includes all of the above plus Publisher and Access. It's ideal for large businesses and corporations. Access is used for database management, and Publisher helps create marketing materials.
• Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus includes all of the above, along with Skype for Business and Exchange. Professional Plus is suitable for business-critical applications.

Microsoft Office 2019 Features

• Break the language barrier
• Edit PDF files in any version of Word
• LaTeX equation support
• Add motion with Morph
• Use the digital pen on Microsoft Surface
• Visualize your data with new charts
• Task progress at a glance
• One-click fixes for accessibility issues
• Helpful sounds improve accessibility

Microsoft Office 2019 also includes an enhanced search feature, allowing users to quickly find relevant information stored.

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 is a subscription-based version of Microsoft Office that gives access to any web-based and desktop Office apps and other services like enterprise-level security, email and online storage, Teams, Intune, Exchange, and SharePoint. 

The cloud service is a great option for families, students, and businesses requiring regular Office applications access. It is compatible with Windows 8.1, 10, 11, and macOS and offers continuous updates at a low cost of ownership. On the other hand, Office 2021 only supports Windows 10 or 11 operating systems and needs you to pay again for future upgrades.

Microsoft Office 365 plans come in two offerings: Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Personal plan. 

• Microsoft 365 Family: Suitable when sharing subscriptions with family or friends. It costs $10 per month or $100 per year and allows sharing benefits with up to six users. Moreover, every user gets 1TB of OneDrive storage and can access the services on up to five devices concurrently.
• Microsoft 365 Personal plan: Suitable for personal use and costs $7 per month or $70 per year. It provides access to all applications and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

The advantage of a Microsoft 365 subscription is that you never have to worry about upgrades again. Once you install it, you'll always have the latest version. That's because the apps automatically receive new features, improvements, maintenance, and security updates throughout the subscription lifetime. Office 2019 and 2021 are one-time purchase options and do not receive updates or new features after they are released. 

Microsoft 365 features and additional services:

• Microsoft Family Safety experience to monitor driving behavior, track app usage, screen time, etc. 
• Microsoft Editor to check grammar and AI creative tools 
• PowerPoint Presenter Coach to help you learn to present
• Designer for creating quality slide presentations
• Resume Assistant to help you write the best resumes
• Creative content like stock photos, premium templates, fonts, and icons for different uses
• The premium version of Outlook online comes with message encryption, enhanced security, no ads, and 50GB of storage
• Special offers from many Microsoft partners as a subscriber
• Real-time collaboration across multiple devices, including computers, mobile devices, etc.

Whether Microsoft 365 or Office 2019/2021 is the best option depends on your needs and budget. Microsoft 365 may be a good option for individuals or businesses needing the latest Office app version and additional online services.

At the same time, Office 2019/2021 is a good option for those who do not need these additional features and are looking for a one-time purchase. But there's also Office Online for those looking for a free version of office apps. If you still need to decide which one to work with, MyChoiceSoftware offers easy comparison charts for your shopping convenience.

The new Windows Server is Microsoft's most reliable, secure, and Azure-compatible OS. With Windows Server 2022, organizations get advanced security features and improved cloud integration that helps protect their data from malicious actors. This couldn't come at a better time, as cyber threats and data security risks rapidly increase.

An Overview of Windows Server 2022

Windows Server 2022 is a powerful operating system for businesses of all sizes, offering an easy-to-use interface and a comprehensive suite of security features. It supports 2,048 logical cores, advanced storage, Hyper-V virtualization, web and application platforms, identity protection, and data security. It also includes multi-layer security and an easier way to connect to Azure.

With Windows Server 2022, businesses can create highly available networks with improved performance and scalability. It also offers an array of tools to help enhance productivity, including virtual machine and PowerShell scripting capabilities. In addition, using Windows Server 2022, businesses can quickly develop reliable, secure, and compatible applications with almost any device or computer platform.

In addition, it provides effective systems management capabilities that allow administrators to view activity logs in real-time or generate detailed reports. Altogether, Windows Server 2022 is the go-to choice for businesses looking to capitalize on the latest technologies without compromising their security posture.

Windows Server 2022 Features

Here are some new features in Windows Server 2022 across all editions.

Improved Security

Windows Server 2022 has advanced multi-layer security features to protect data, applications, and networks. It offers a certified secured-core server that provides additional assurance when handling mission-critical data in data-sensitive operations. The secured core server is built on three pillars: preventative defense, advanced protection, and simplified security, and it combines firmware, hardware, and driver capabilities to enable higher protection.

Other security features of Windows Server 2022 include: 

1. Hardware root-of-trust: Measures and verifies the integrity of the boot process and the boot components to protect against attacks on the boot process.
2. Firmware protection: Verifies the integrity of the firmware and the firmware updates to protect against firmware-based attacks.
3. UEFI secure boot: Protects servers against malicious rootkits by ensuring the server only boots trusted software and firmware. In addition, it verifies the signature of every boot component and allows only trusted components to run.
4. Virtualization-based security (VBS): VBS uses hardware virtualization features to create a secure region of memory isolated from the normal operating system, which can help prevent malware from accessing sensitive system resources and data.

Secure Connectivity

With the release of Windows Server 2022, users can now enjoy a more secure and reliable experience for their remote connections. This latest version of Windows provides the highest level of security available, including encryption and the most robust authentication protocols. Users will no longer have to worry about unauthorized access to their data or malicious actors taking advantage of vulnerable communications. Windows Server 2022's features:

• Transport Layer Security (TLS): TLS is a protocol that helps to secure network communications by encrypting data transmitted between two systems. It is a key component of HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP used to communicate between web browsers and servers. TLS 1.3, the latest version of TLS, includes several improvements over previous versions, such as faster performance and improved security. 
• Secure DNS: Domain Name System (DNS) is a set of security features that help to improve the security and privacy of DNS queries. Windows Server 2022 supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH), a new way of securely resolving DNS queries over the Internet. It encrypts DNS queries using the HTTPS protocol, which helps protect against attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks and users' privacy.
• Server Message Block (SMB): Windows Server 2022 includes support for SMB (Server Message Block) AES-256 encryption, a robust encryption algorithm that can protect data transmitted over a network. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a widely used encryption algorithm known for its high level of security. It uses a key length of 256 bits, which makes it very difficult to break.

Azure hybrid capabilities

One of the most notable features is its Azure Arc-enabled servers, which allow IT professionals to sync their on-premises servers with Microsoft Azure cloud services seamlessly. With Window Server 2022, you can more easily run applications, integrate processes across multiple locations, and manage resources on all platforms – this list goes on!

In today's tech landscape, where remote work is the norm, having robust hybrid capabilities is essential for business owners who want to deliver solid results despite mobility limitations. Windows Server 2022 makes it all easier with its comprehensive approach to Azure integration.

Windows Admin Center

This sophisticated tool is a new, locally-deployed, browser-based managed toolset that allows users to control their Windows Server without depending on the cloud or Azure. It gives IT administrators complete control over every aspect of their server infrastructure and is especially useful for managing private network servers that aren't connected to the internet.

The admin center in Windows Server 2022 can report the current state of all features discussed above and, in some cases, allow users to enable the features. Server 2022 enhances hybrid server management with an enhanced event viewer and many other capabilities in Windows Admin Center. 

Storage Enhancements

Windows Server2022 has gone big on storage to include:

1. Advanced caching: Windows Server 2022 includes new advanced caching capabilities that store critical data on faster storage volumes for faster access.
2. Faster manageable storage: This new feature restores the hard drive quickly after a hardware failure or server restart.
3. ReFS file snapshots: This allows you to take a point-in-time copy of a file or folder without using additional disk space. File snapshots can be used to recover previous versions of a file or to restore a file that has been accidentally deleted or modified. 

Application Platform Improvements

There are numerous platform improvements to Windows Server 2022. In addition to providing a flexible platform for container application updates, it also supports significant, business-critical applications like SQL server that needs 48TB of memory. Other improvements include: 

• Updates on Windows Admin Center that makes it easier to containerize .NET applications. This way, one can host an app in a container on Azure Container Registry and deploy it to other Azure services. 
• Enhancements like support for HostProcess containers to simplify the Windows Container experience with Kubernetes 
• Enabling support for hardware acceleration of DirectX APIs in support issues like using local graphical process unit to interfere with Machine Learning
• Assigning simple buses to process-isolated Server containers
• Allowing applications to use Azure Active Directory without the domain joining the container host. Windows containers support Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ), group Managed Services Accounts (gMSA), and Microsoft Distributed Transaction Control (MSDTC)
• Up to 40% reduction in Windows Container image sizes, leading to better performance and faster startup time

Networking Improvements

Microsoft has significantly improved two main protocols: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Windows Server 2022 includes UDP Receive Side Coalescing (UDP RSC) and UDP Segmentation Offload (USO) to minimize CPU load. It also has TCP HyStart++ that minimizes packet loss during connection startup and RACK to reduce retransmission time.

Windows Server 2022 also has virtual switch improvement that enhances performance on network traffic. What's more, the QUIC feature allows users to copy files remotely without needing VPN over an advanced SMB.

Discontinued Features

Microsoft removed or discontinued the following features from Windows 2022:

• Guarded Fabric and Shielded Virtual Machines (VMs)Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
• Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS) Server
• Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
• Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)
• Remote Server Administration Tool (RSAT)

If you plan to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Server 2022, My Choice Software can help. We carry a complete inventory of Microsoft products and can take the stress out of your buying, upgrading, or installing Windows 2022 process.

Windows Server is a powerful and flexible operating system widely used by businesses to host applications, provide secure access to data, and manage network infrastructure. With its advanced virtualization capabilities, scalability, security features, and integration with other Microsoft products, it offers a range of benefits that can help businesses modernize and remain flexible in the face of ever-changing business needs.

This article will explore the various advantages of hosting on Windows Server and how it can be a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

What are the Advantages and Flexibility of Windows Server?

Businesses of all sizes have been using Windows Server as the platform to run their mission-critical workloads for over 30 years. The powerful features of Windows Server allow businesses to enjoy a range of benefits and flexibility, including the following.

Azure Hybrid Benefit Expansion

This hybrid cloud program allows system administrators to cut down costs of running workloads in the cloud. A Windows Server license with Software Assurance (SA) permits the use of SUSE Linux and RedHat subscriptions on virtual machines in Azure. For edge locations and on-premises data centers, SQL Server also allows Windows Server SA customers to run Azure Stack HCI and Azure Kubernetes Service at no extra cost through Azure Arc.

More Flexibility to Run Windows Server

Microsoft's Flexible Virtualization Benefit update allows businesses to realize an ROI when moving SQL Server and Windows Server 2022 workloads from on-premises to other cloud providers’ infrastructure. The Software Assurance offering also allows use when licensing individual virtual machines (VMs) on-premises.

Modernize for End of Support

Windows Server offers several options for customers running Windows Servers reaching the end of support. For example, those using Windows Server 2012/R2 can protect their workloads by: 

• Upgrading to Windows Server 2019 or 2022 for advanced security and application modernization.
• Migrating to Azure and running securely with up to three years of free Extended Security updates. This covers all Azure destinations like Azure Stack portfolio, Azure VMware Solution, Azure Dedicated Host, and Azure Virtual Machine.
• Those who can’t meet the end-of-support deadline or migrate to Azure can buy extended security updates on-premises. 

Multi-Layered Security

Windows Server is one of the premier solutions for computing and networking, mainly due to its robust security features. It includes a powerful Windows Defender antivirus and firewall that offers layers of defense against malicious activity and cyber-attacks.

It also has automated patching that keeps the system updated with the latest security updates from Microsoft. Window Server also has the server core option for those deploying Datacenter or Standard edition. The Server Core has a smaller code base, which reduces the attack surface. 

Windows Server Has Multiple Sockets

Windows Server has multiple sockets, allowing website owners to host multiple sites simultaneously. For example, you can use Apache to host a single website and access it through a PHP or DNS server. This flexibility allows businesses to run numerous independent websites on the same server, saving on costs and improving performance. 

Does Not Demand Too Much Maintenance

Another incredible benefit of using a Windows server is that it doesn't require much maintenance. This allows IT administrators to focus on managing other tasks instead of just fixing server issues, making it the perfect solution for any business looking to reduce the maintenance required in their enterprise environment.

Scalable

Windows Server has a huge advantage when it comes to scalability. This feature allows businesses to easily adjust the utilization of system resources and tailor them to their needs. Whether companies have sudden spikes in customer traffic or need the ability to increase or decrease memory and other resources, Windows Server can adjust accordingly with ease. It even goes beyond just resource adjustments and allows for any scaling of application architecture appropriate for your organization's size and complexity. 

Access Control

Access control is another top benefit of using Windows Server, as it simplifies setting user-level access restrictions and permissions within a system environment. The system allows administrators to assign access rights based on credentials like user activities, groups of users, job requirements, and more.

It also reduces mismatches between software versions and features by requiring all applications to conform to specific access control standards enforced by Windows server operating systems. This provides an extra layer of security for any business environment and helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized individuals or hackers who try to gain access. 

Security Update

With security updates, users are automatically kept up-to-date on their system's latest threats and vulnerabilities. These updates ensure that all known threats have been patched against and can help prevent malware from taking hold in your system. Security updates also help improve performance as well as more efficiently configure options within your system. 

Alternatives to Microsoft Windows Server

Beyond Windows Server, several other server options exist on the market. Here is an overview of some of them and how they compare to Windows Server.

Linux

Linux and Windows Server have dominated the web-hosting market for years. The two systems have lots of similarities, especially around function and applications. But they also have differences, as listed below.

Microsoft Office 365

Office 365 is a cloud-powered productivity platform from Microsoft. It is a great alternative for those looking for:

• Seamless team collaboration
• Data loss prevention
• Protective features to reduce security risks
• Threat intelligence
• Mobile device management
• Different flexible, personalized plans
• Advanced security

However, Office 365 also presents some cons. For example, any interruptions to the internet limit access to software and data. Also, security can be a concern as data is hosted in Microsoft’s data center.

Overall, Windows Server is reliable, cost-effective, and flexible. This makes it suitable for business-critical operations. If you’re planning to get Windows Server for your business, My Choice Software can help.

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's widely-used Windows operating system, offering a sleek and modern user experience. But as with other newer OS, Windows 11 2022 Update (Windows 11, version 22H2 ) has its fair share of bugs and known issues. Users have reported crashes and freezes with remote desktops, taskbar, Office 365, and application updates. 

According to Microsoft, the Windows Remote Desktop application might freeze when connecting via a Remote Desktop Connection Broker or Remote Desktop gateway. This known issue mostly affects enterprises because of the connection process. Home users won't likely run into problems while using the application as it uses a different connection process than enterprise devices. Microsoft is currently working on a solution and will provide further details about the issue in a future update.

At the moment, Windows 11 Version 22H2 users may encounter issues during the "Configuring remote connection" or "Loading virtual machine" phases when trying to connect to a virtual machine. In other cases, the RDP may fail to respond or send an error message indicating that the connection has ended. However, Microsoft says this happens irrespective of the version of Windows one tries to connect to. 

As a user, you may be wondering what you can do if your computer is freezing with Windows 11. Fortunately, this problem has a few workarounds, which we'll cover in this article. 

Workarounds to these Common Problems

Until Microsoft fixes the current known issues, some workarounds can help improve your experience with Windows 11. Here's what you can do if a program on Windows 11 locks up or if the entire OS freezes. Note that these are quick fixes and won't solve the underlying issue causing the freezing problem.

Terminate the Remote Desktop Using Windows Task Manager

If an app on your Windows device freezes, you can launch the Task Manager to try and force close it. To do this:

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Del on your keyboard
• Select Task Manager

If the app is frozen, it won't appear on the list of active processes, so you'll have to:

• Select the Processes tab on the left side menu and manually search for mstsc.exe
• When you find it, right-click and select End Task to force close it

According to Microsoft, devices that run into these issues can address them by configuring a special Group Policy.

Enable the Turn Off UDP On Client Policy

This workaround involves disabling UDP on the client device, which can be done via the policy editor. 

• If using managed devices - like those used in organizations and enterprises, open the Group Policy Management Console and edit or create a policy that targets your clients
• If you're using unmanaged devices - like those used by individuals at home, click the Start Menu and search group policy to open the Group Policy Editor. Then click Edit group policy from the results
• On the right-side panel, click Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Connection Client
• On the left-side panel, enable the Turn Off UDP On Client by double-clicking the policy setting
• Click OK and restart your device to save changes

Microsoft offered this workaround for those who experience freezing issues. However, it warns that the workaround can affect the performance of the Remote Desktop over WAN, so you'll need to change the settings back to the original one as soon as Microsoft resolves the issue.

Other Common Fixes to Try

Restart Device Manager for Frozen OS

Restarting the Device Manager is usually the best course of action if your computer freezes completely and you can't even launch the Task Manager. To do this, press Ctrl + Alt + Del again and select Power Options. Then, choose Restart, and the Device Manager will restart.

Adjust Virtual Memory

Applications often slow down and become unresponsive when the virtual memory is depleted. And because of how the new Windows does memory management, some of these freezes can lead to a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) that restarts your computer forcefully. 

To adjust virtual memory:

• Go to System Properties 
• Choose Advanced system settings
• Click the Settings button under Performance
• Select the Advanced tab, and then click Change in the Virtual Memory section

From there, you can specify a larger minimum and maximum of RAM (virtual memory), so your system won't slow down or freeze when running multiple applications.

Update Outdated GPU Drivers

In some cases, the freezing issue can be caused by outdated GPU drivers. To update them, manually download and install the latest available drivers for your dedicated graphics card. Follow these steps to ensure your GPU drivers are compatible with Windows 11:

• Click Windows key + R
• In the dialog box, type 'devmgmt.msc' 
• Press Enter to open up Device Manager and grant access
• Browse the list of installed devices and click the drop-down menu associated with Display Adapters
• Right-click on your dedicated GPU and select Update Driver from the context menu
• Press Search Automatically for updated driver software and allow to scan
• Follow the on-screen prompts to install drivers
• Then reboot to see if the freezing issue has been resolved

Force a Shutdown of your Windows PC

When all else fails, you can force a shutdown for your Windows PC by pressing and holding the power button for 5 seconds. This will completely shut down your system and force it to reboot. Be sure to do this sparingly, as it can damage the components of your device.

Change Screen Resolution

Improper screen resolution settings can also cause your computer to freeze. For example, you might experience freezes or crashes if you force a 4k resolution on a capable display using a low-end GPU. To fix this:

• Right-click on the Start icon > Settings > System > Display > Scale & Layout
• Adjust the Display Resolution to a lower value than the one you're currently using
• Click on Keep changes to make the resolution change permanent

Clear Temporary Files

Another common cause of freezing issues is temporary files that accumulate on your system over time. Some of these files can be corrupted and cause freezing problems. To clear these files:

• Open your Windows Settings > System > Storage submenu > Temporary Files 
• Select all the temporary files and click Remove Files
• Restart your system

This should clear temporary files from your system and help fix any freezing issues you may be experiencing.

 Run an SFC Scan

If neither of the above solutions works, try running an SFC scan. SFC stands for "System File Checker," and it will identify any corrupted system files on your device. To do this:

• Click Start
• Type cmd in the search box
• Right-click on Command Prompt 
• Run as Administrator
• Type SFC /scannow
• Press Enter and wait for the scan to be completed

If any corrupted system files are detected, the SFC scan will repair them automatically, and your freezing issues should be fixed.

Reset Windows 11 to the Factory Defaults

If all else fails, you can reset PC to the factory defaults. This will completely erase your installed programs and user data, but it's an effective way of fixing any underlying issues that may be causing freezing problems.

To do this:

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security 
• Click on Recovery, then Reset this PC 
• Choose Keep My Files to save your data

Windows 11 will then reset itself, erasing all installed programs and user data. This should fix any freezing issues you may have been experiencing.

My Choice Software Support Database

No matter what issue you're running into with Windows 11, the experts at My Choice Software can help. Our comprehensive Microsoft support database is designed to help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter with your Windows 11 device. We offer 24/7 customer service, so don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Our team of experts can help walk you through the steps needed to fix any freezing issue and get your computer back up and running in no time.

For more information, visit the My Choice Software support page today! We're here to help make your Windows 11 experience a great one.

Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server are two of the most popular database management systems available on the market. They are both powerful, highly customizable database software solutions that enable users to store and manage data. Microsoft Access is a desktop database application suite available as part of the Microsoft Office Suite, while Microsoft SQL Server is a server-based database management system (DBMS) designed to be used in corporate or enterprise environments.

What is MS Access?

Microsoft Access (MS Access) is a DBMS from Microsoft that's mostly used for smaller applications. It combines a graphical user interface, software development tools, and a relational database engine. Access is a part of the Microsoft Office suite and is especially useful for data entry, web development, and software development. The latest version of MS Access is fully compatible with the Microsoft 365 suite and provides a comprehensive set of tools to help users create and manage databases.

What is MS SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server (MS SQL) is a relational database management system that runs on Windows operating system. It is intended for enterprise-level applications and supports larger, more complex databases than Access.

MS SQL is a powerful database engine that allows users to easily manage large amounts of data while providing scalability and high availability options. The database management software has a visual basic programming language that enables users to create stored procedures and functions for custom applications. It also offers its own set of data types, security features, and query optimization tools. Users can use MS SQL Server to support distributed queries, transactions, and replication.

Differences between MS Access and MS SQL Server

The main difference between MS Access and MS SQL Server lies in their use. MS Access is mostly used in-home or small business applications, as it can only handle small numbers of users and data requests. In contrast, SQL Server is designed for enterprise applications and handles several hundred or even thousands of users at any time.

This makes SQL Server an ideal solution for database-driven websites. MS Access can only support a small amount of traffic and may still return errors when the users try accessing the database simultaneously. 

Here are other key differences between MS Access and MS SQL Server.

Interface

MS Access has a friendly graphical user interface, making it an ideal choice for people unfamiliar with complex database interaction. It has drag-and-drop capabilities and a variety of templates to help users create and manipulate data. Access also includes wizards that walk users through the process of doing something new. In contrast, MS SQL Server has a more technical graphical user interface requiring specialized training and knowledge.

Access is generally easier to use than SQL Server — especially for beginners. It has a uniform interface consistent with the rest of the Office suite, which can be great if you're an Office user.

Features

MS Access is a great choice for smaller applications, as it offers plenty of features regardless of the application size. It supports data-mining queries, the creation of forms and reports, and updating data through queries, macros, etc.

On the other hand, SQL Server is a more robust database solution that supports advanced features critical for any medium to large-scale business. Most of these features are optional and can be added during installation. They include:

• Analysis Services

• Master Data Services

• Data Quality Services

• Reporting Services

• R Server

• Distributed Replay Controller

• PolyBase Query Service for External Data

MS SQL also features advanced database admin tools that allow businesses to optimize databases, schedule tasks, configure security accounts/roles, receive alerts, transfer data between disparate sources, etc.

Applications

MS Access is a great choice for small businesses or individuals who want to manage data without buying and installing a full-fledged DBMS. It is also ideal for creating Access databases used within the Microsoft Office suite, such as Microsoft Excel spreadsheets or Word documents.

On the other hand, MS SQL Server is a great choice for larger businesses that need to manage and store data in an enterprise environment. In many cases, it is the database behind business inventories, corporate CRMs, and other mission-critical applications. SQL Server is also used by many websites and web applications, as it can handle the large amounts of traffic generated.

Data Storage and Translation

MS Access stores data in a relational database format. It can also translate the data between its format and the commonly used Microsoft Office formats such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. This is done through an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) feature that allows different applications to work together and share data.

MS SQL Server also stores data in a relational database format. It can export and import data to other formats and can also be used to create OLE objects. This makes integrating data between the different applications easy, allowing users to access and manipulate data without the need for manual input. Integration MS Access integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and Word. 

Price

MS Access is an affordable database system. It's available as part of the Microsoft Office suite, and a single license costs about $200. MS SQL Server is more expensive, with a single license costing anywhere from $899 to $13,748 (though free options are available).

Going by the prices, MS Access is an affordable option for freelancers and small-sized businesses that don't require a large database system. On the other hand, SQL Server is better suited for large enterprises that need a more robust database system.

Queries 

Queries are a fundamental tool used to retrieve data from a database. MS Access and MS SQL Server both have powerful query tools that enable users to input query commands to retrieve data. The difference lies in the keywords in the syntax.

MS Access uses Immediate (IIF) functions, and MS SQL Server uses the CASE statement. However, the structure and syntax are different because Access uses parentheses while SQL Server does not. Security MS Access is a less secure database system when compared to MS SQL Server.

Integrations

MS Access has a built-in ability to integrate with other Microsoft Office programs. This allows users to easily share data between applications and manipulate it within the same environment. MS SQL Server is more powerful and can integrate seamlessly into an Access Database. Unfortunately, there is no Microsoft access for Mac users, unless you're running Windows on your Mac, or through remote access to another computer.

MS Access and SQL Server are powerful database management systems with different features. MS Access is easy to use and can handle smaller datasets, whereas MS SQL Server is more robust, can manage large datasets, and comes with enhanced security. My Choice Software offers both MS Access and SQL Server, so you can decide based on your budget and the kind of data you need to manage.

Microsoft SQL and MySQL are two of the most popular relational database management systems (RDBMS) used today. Although they have some similarities, some major differences should be considered when deciding which one to use for a particular project. 

Understanding Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

An RDBMS database system uses a relational model for storing and organizing data. It allows you to store, retrieve and manage data in an organized way. An RDBMS has several components, including tables, fields, and records. This makes it easy to create complex queries for retrieving specific information from the database. The most popular RDBMS today are MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle. This article will look at the differences between Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and MySQL.

What is Microsoft SQL?

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft Corporation. It is commonly used to store and manage data for applications, businesses, and websites. SQL Server can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud with SQL Azure and be accessed through Windows Admin Server. It provides a wide range of features, such as security, scalability, availability, and performance, that make it ideal for large enterprises. SQL server database was first developed in 1989 by Microsoft and Sybase. Since then, Microsoft has released subsequent database versions like SQL server 2000, SQL server 2008, and SQL server 2012.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) created by the Swedish company MySQL AB in 1995. It stores and manages data for applications, businesses, and websites. Unlike SQL Server, it can be deployed on many operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, and Mac OS X. It is also free to use, making it an attractive option for small businesses or startups.

Similarities between SQL Server and MySQL

SQL Server and MySQL are based on the Structured Query Language (SQL), the standard language for interacting with relational databases. They're also both scalable and high-performing and support multi-database. Both SQLS have three data types: numeric, date & time and string. However, there are some key differences in their implementation of SQL.

Differences between Microsoft SQL and MySQL

The main differences between Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and MySQL include the following:

Cost

Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is a commercial product and requires a license to use. MySQL is open-source and free software, so there is no cost associated with using it. The latter only needs you to pay for technical support should you need it.

Operating System Compatibility

By default, Microsoft SQL Server 2019 was made to be compatible with Windows-based OS. However, in 2016, Microsoft made the product available for Mac and Linux-based operating systems. On the other hand, MySQL is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, and FreeBSD. SQL Server supports Windows servers 2019, 2016, and 2022 as well as Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Programming Language Support

MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server support multiple programming languages, including C++, Visual Basic, Python, Go, R, Java, PHP, Ruby, and Delphi. However, MySQL supports additional programming languages like Scheme, Perl, Tcl, Eiffel, and Haskel. MySQL supports many programming languages, making it a popular choice among different developer communities. 

Security

Both SQLs are EC2 compliant, offering solid data encryption, authentication, and authorization. However, Microsoft SQL Server 2019 has a more secured core as well as advanced security options than MySQL, as users have to run an instance of the database to access it. MySQL allows database file manipulation while running, which can pose a potential security risk.

Performance

Both SQL Server and MySQL provide the same level of performance and speed. They utilize indexes to sort data and accelerate performance and can host several databases on a single server. However, according to an analysis performed by IJARCCE, the SQL server performed better than MySQL regarding response time. Other than INSERT queries, it was consistently faster for other tests. SQL server also scales faster than MySQL.

Backup and Restoration

MySQL blocks the database entirely while the backup takes place, which can cause significant disruptions if you work with a large amount of data. In contrast, Microsoft SQL doesn't block the database, allowing you to continue working in real time even while the backup is in progress. With MSSQL, you can complete backup and restoration processes quickly, with minimal effort.

You can use the mysqldump command to back up your entire database or combine it with a --single-transaction utility to override the blocking. You can then store the backup in a file or transfer it to another computer for storage. Meanwhile, Microsoft SQL uses a different approach. You can use the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to create backups, and the restored file can be imported straight into SSMS.

Storage Engines

Both MS SQL Server and MySQL support a variety of storage engines. However, MS SQL Server only supports one default engine, InnoDB, while MySQL supports multiple storage engines, including MyISAM and InnoDB. Furthermore, each engine offers different features that make it ideal for different scenarios. For example, the MyISAM engine is better for read-intensive applications, while the InnoDB engine is better for transactions and write-intensive applications.

Syntax

Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL use similar syntax, but there are some subtle differences, especially around the create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) statements. Also, MS SQL syntax is simple and easy to use, while MySQL syntax is a bit complex.

Filtering

MySQL lets you filter out the tables, rows, and users in various ways. But it only supports filtering on an individual database basis. This means you'll have to filter database tables individually by executing multiple queries. In contrast, MSSQL supports row-based filtering, which sieves out the records on a database-per-database basis. This allows you to filter multiple rows without considering the number of databases. What's more, the filtered data is kept in a separate distribution database.

Option to stop Query Execution

Microsoft SQL uses a transactional engine to hold the state consistent. So it allows you to shorten the query execution without terminating the whole process. But you can't kill or cancel the query execution without ending the entire process with MySQL.

Commands

MySQL and MS SQL servers use different commands. For example, you can use the SELECT command to retrieve data from a table in both databases. But the accompanying commands are different. As for concatenation function, you'll use SELECT CONCAT ('My,' 'SQL') for MySQL and SELECT ('SQL' + 'SERVER') for MSSQL. For Generate GUID (Global Unique Identifier), SELECT UUID() for MySQL and SELECT NEWID() for MSSQL.

Overall, both Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and MySQL offer robust database solutions that can be used to meet various business needs. Considering their differences and similarities is essential before deciding which database platform to use. This will help ensure that you have the best setup to handle your data storage needs. If you're still unsure, MyChoiceSoftware can help you make the best decision for your business. Our team of experienced professionals will provide comprehensive analysis and advice to ensure that you select the right database platform for your business.

Windows Server is one of the most widely used operating systems for servers. It provides a variety of features and options that allow businesses to tailor their servers to match their specific needs. But with emerging threats continuing to target Windows-based systems, it's more important than ever for businesses to harden their security so they don't fall victim to malicious hack attempts.

Each release of new Microsoft Windows represents a milestone of new features, capabilities, and technologies that organizations can use to solve the present challenges they face. Windows Server 2022 is the latest release and builds on previous improvements with Windows Server 2019 hybrid features and security innovations. This version of windows server was released in September 2021.

Other main releases of Windows Server include:

• Windows Server 2016 - with support until 2027
• Windows Server 2012 - with support until 2023
• Windows Server 2008 - with support until 2020

Between 2015 and 2021, Microsoft referred to these releases as long-term support releases to set them apart from semi-annual releases.

Windows Server 2022 Security Checklist

The new security features in Windows Server 2022 merge other security capabilities in Windows Server across multiple areas to offer defense-in-depth (DiD) protection against advanced threats. It offers a comprehensive set of built-in security capabilities and tools that help organizations secure their hybrid environments.

These include:

• Secured-core server: Secured-core server uses firmware, hardware, and driver capabilities to enable the latest Windows Server security features. The hardware adds an extra security layer of protection against complex attacks, which is critical for data-sensitive industries handling mission-critical data.
• Hardware root-of-trust: The Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM2.0) provides a hardware-based key store that can be used to protect server secrets and keys. It is an important part of the Windows Server 2022 security model and helps to ensure that only trusted code and components are allowed to run on the server platform. TPM 2.0 is used by features like BitLocker drive encryption.
• Firmware Protection: Traditional anti-virus solutions cannot protect a system's firmware from attacks. Secure-core server processors can use Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) to measure and verify the authenticity of firmware components during boot-up so that only authorized and unmodified code can run. It also uses Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection to isolate driver access to memory.
• UEFI secure boot: Windows Server 2022 uses Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) secure boot to ensure that only digitally signed code can run on the server. This helps to prevent malicious code, such as bootkits and rootkits, from running on the server.
• Virtualization-based security (VBS): VBS uses hardware virtualization features to create an isolated, highly secure area on the server. This can be used to run critical workloads, and to store encryption keys that the OS cannot access directly. VBS also helps to prevent malicious code from running on the server by using hypervisor-enforced code integrity (HVCI) to verify the digital signature of code running in guest a virtual machine.
• Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3: TLS 1.3 is the latest version of the TLS protocol and offers significant security improvements over previous versions. It uses cryptographic algorithms that are more resistant to attack and offers better performance by reducing the number of round trips needed to establish a connection. TLS 1.3 is enabled by default on Windows Server 2022, but applications and services need to actively support it.
• DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): DoH encrypts DNS traffic between clients and servers so that it cannot be eavesdropped on or tampered with. It helps to prevent DNS hijacking and can be used to bypass DNS filtering and censoring. DoH is not enabled by default on Windows Server 2022 but can be enabled through Group Policy or the registry.
• East-West SMB encryption: SMB encryption can be used to encrypt traffic between servers, and between clients and servers. It helps to prevent eavesdropping and data tampering and is transparent to applications that use the SMB protocol.
• SMB Direct and RDMA encryption: SMB Direct and RDMA offer high-performance, low-latency connectivity for Scale-out File servers, Storage Replica, Storage Spaces Direct, Hyper-V, SQL Servers, and other workloads that require fast data transfers.
• Windows Admin Center: While not a security feature, the windows admin center in Windows Server 2022 can report on the latest Secured-core features discussed above.

Tips for Securing Windows Server

Windows Server 2022 has advanced security features that can help to protect your server and data. However, no security system is perfect, and there are always ways that attackers can bypass security measures. As such, organizations should take steps to further secure their servers, even if they are using the latest version of Windows Server. Some tips for securing Windows Server include:

Practice Defense in Depth

Windows Server 2022 is a secure platform, but no server is entirely immune to attack. It is important to practice defense in depth, by implementing multiple layers of security. This could include:

• Using a firewall
• Deploying intrusion detection/prevention systems
• Using encryption to protect data in transit
• Configuring servers to sync time with Network Time Synchronization (NTP)
• Protecting the admin account by using strong passwords, or renaming it to something else. You should also not put administrative account names or passwords on Active Server Pages.

Keep Your Windows Server Up To Date

It is important to keep your Windows Server up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Failing to update can expose your server to known security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Microsoft releases regular updates for Windows Server, and these can be downloaded and installed through the Windows Update feature.

Install Only Essential OS Components via Windows Server Core

Windows Server 2022 uses OS in its core mode. This means that it is not necessary to install extra software components, which can be a security risk. Windows Server Core can be used to install only the essential components needed to run a specific workload. This reduces the server's attack surface and helps to improve security.

Use Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

The Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT) is a powerful tool that can help organizations secure their Windows Server deployments. The SCT contains the Windows Server 2022 security baseline, featuring Group Policy Objects (GPOs) that can be deployed to servers to help harden them against attack. It also includes a Policy Viewer utility, which allows administrators to view and compare the security settings in different GPOs. This can help troubleshoot security issues or determine which settings need to be tweaked to achieve the desired level of security.

Dedicate Each Windows Server to a Specific Purpose

When possible, it is best to dedicate each Windows Server to a specific purpose. This helps to minimize the server's attack surface and improve security.

Windows Server Hardening Can Reduce the Risk of Cyber-Attacks

Organizations that rely on Windows Server to host critical applications and data can take steps to harden their servers and reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. By following best practices for security, and using tools like the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit, organizations can help to ensure that their Windows Server deployments are as secure as possible.

At MyChoiceSoftware, we provide a range of solutions to help organizations deploy and secure their Windows Server deployments. We have the expertise to ensure that your servers are compliant with the latest security standards, and that they are configured correctly for optimal performance. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the most out of your Windows Server 2022 deployment.