Author: rory-admin

  • Cars, coding… and healthcare? AI behemoths such as OpenAI and more look to diversify their products into applicable categories, but to what end?

    Cars, coding… and healthcare? AI behemoths such as OpenAI and more look to diversify their products into applicable categories, but to what end?

    New year, new changes to the AI product approach? We’re just a week into 2026 and already there have already been major changes in the AI space, including product lines diversifying into major categories to aid users more specifically in their querying approach, but first we do want to go off on a small tangent about one approach to AI that’s seeing more traction – self driving cars.

    CES 2026 is currently holding their annual mega popular conference in Las Vegas filled to the brim with AI innovation, advancements in robotics, and updates to the consumer technology space just to name a few of their many categories but one thing was clear across the board for car industry specifically – self driving vehicles are still very much on the agenda for 2026.

    Uber announced in partnership with EV maker Lucid that robotaxis are currently being tested and that a rollout in San Francisco to start is likely to begin this year (with some vehicles already being road tested there as we speak). These vehicles aim to increase passenger safety with AI updates that include a roof-mounted “halo” that improves sensor visibility, spotting hazardous conditions quickly to avoid crashes. These vehicles will use Uber’s proprietary self-driving technology Nuro, and they say they hope to deploy 20,000 or more self-driving vehicles across major cities over the next six years according to current reporting. Time will tell how they will approach competition from Waymo (owned by the Alphabet Company which also owns Google) who launched the first self-driving taxi service all the way back in 2009 and has become synonymous with the concept.

    Next, Google aims to move past just “vibe coding” with a product aimed specifically at full fledged software developers, Google’s coding product labeled “Antigravity” sneakily launched just before Thanksgiving and some senior software engineers are already providing feedback as to how it competes with existing products aimed at coders in the marketplace (such as Cursor which has tie ins to OpenAI, NVidia, Adobe and more). Antigravity separates itself from Google’s flagship AI product Gemini by being solely aimed at coding applications and even allows users to differentiate between frontend, backend and full stack development when prompting.

    Users say it still struggles when given incomplete or narrow prompts but when given a senior level prompt the results have risen to the level of even being production ready. Users also mention there’s less instances of it “going off script” as they’ve found with Gemini and other AI tools less singularly focused on coding. As with most AI tools in 2026 time will tell how it increases efficiency and productivity for the userbase.

    Finally, OpenAI just announced ChatGPT Health, brushing past earlier inferences that users should NOT use AI for diagnosis (which to be fair is still their stance in a roundabout way). ChatGPT Health will provide supportive, non-diagnostic healthcare advice and is not intended to be a replacement for healthcare services or visiting your doctor. Rather, they say they want to improve patient understanding of medical verbiage and center themselves as a patient “ally”. By their own estimates up to 40 million queries a day are health related, which does signal there is market interest in a product like this but whether it can be used safely and effectively (and can still encourage users to seek out actual medical care when warranted) remains to be seen.

    There is already some backlash being received for the product as ChatGPT mentioned it will have the ability to connect to actual healthcare systems and even receive patient records which are ordinary protected by HIPAA but may lose that protection when voluntarily provided by the user to a third-party like ChatGPT. There is no official launch date as of writing, but users can sign up to be part of the demo now.

    In a nutshell, we’re seeing AI products move away from a catchall basis into more specific categories, perhaps to better answer those specific queries and have less hallucinatory experiences (which is still a major problem in 2026)? Again, time will tell.

    As AI becomes more customizable and more powerful in 2026, the real advantage comes from applying it correctly. Valley Techlogic helps businesses design AI solutions around their actual workflows and goals, not generic hype. We continuously invest in emerging technologies so our clients can move forward with confidence. Learn more today with a consultation.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • The Rising Cost of RAM: Why Laptops and Devices Will Get More Expensive in 2026

    The Rising Cost of RAM: Why Laptops and Devices Will Get More Expensive in 2026

    Over the past decade, businesses and consumers alike have come to expect a familiar pattern with technology: devices get faster, storage gets cheaper, and performance improvements come without major cost increases. That pattern is about to break.

    As we head into 2026, memory pricing – specifically RAM – is climbing again, and this time the increase is likely to stick. That shift will affect everything from business laptops and desktops to servers, networking gear, and even phones and tablets. For organizations planning hardware refreshes or long-term IT budgets, this is a change worth understanding now rather than reacting to later.

    RAM pricing has always been cyclical, but several forces are converging to push costs upward at the same time.

    First, memory manufacturers are deliberately reducing production. After years of oversupply and razor-thin margins, major DRAM vendors have scaled back capacity to stabilize profits. Less supply, even in a steady market, raises prices. Second, demand is increasing in ways that are difficult to reverse. AI workloads, local machine-learning inference, modern operating systems, and security tooling all require more memory than their predecessors. What felt “high-end” in 2020 is now baseline.

    Finally, the industry is in the middle of another transition. DDR5 is replacing DDR4 across laptops, desktops, and servers. New memory standards always cost more early in their lifecycle, and manufacturers are already beginning to sunset older, cheaper options. We also are seeing some vendors pulling out of the consumer space altogether, with Crucial announcing it will no longer sell RAM to consumers or for consumer devices by February 2026.

    What This Means for Laptops and End-User Devices

    For laptops and desktops, RAM costs don’t just affect performance – they affect purchasing decisions.

    In recent years, it was common to see business laptops ship with 8 GB of RAM at entry-level pricing, with 16 GB as a modest upgrade. In 2026, that pricing gap is expected to widen. Vendors are already signaling higher premiums for memory upgrades, especially on models where RAM is soldered and cannot be expanded later.

    This also means devices may stay in service longer, not because they age better, but because replacing them becomes more expensive. That has ripple effects for security, performance, and user satisfaction.

    Rising RAM costs won’t stop at laptops. They will show up across nearly every category of modern hardware:

    • Higher base prices for laptops, desktops, and workstations
    • Larger premiums for factory memory upgrades on OEM devices
    • Increased server and virtualization host costs, especially for high-density RAM configurations
    • More expensive networking and security appliances that rely on embedded memory
    • Reduced flexibility in cloud and on-prem capacity planning as memory becomes the limiting factor

    This is the one area where “just add more RAM later” is becoming less reliable, particularly as more manufacturers move to non-upgradeable designs.

    So, what should your business do now?The key takeaway isn’t panic, it’s planning. Organizations that wait until hardware fails or users complain will feel these increases the most. Those that plan ahead can blunt the impact significantly. That means reassessing minimum RAM standards, extending device lifecycles intentionally instead of reactively, and avoiding under-spec’d systems that will need replacement sooner than expected.

    It also means budgeting differently. Hardware refresh cycles in 2026 and beyond may cost more even if device counts stay the same. Treating RAM as a strategic resource rather than an afterthought will matter more than it has in years. At Valley Techlogic, we’re already advising clients to think one refresh cycle ahead. The days of “good enough” memory configurations are ending, and the cost of correcting that mistake later is rising. Smart IT planning isn’t about chasing the newest hardware, it’s about buying the right hardware at the right time. As RAM pricing tightens in 2026, that mindset will separate organizations that adapt smoothly from those that scramble.

    If you’re planning a laptop refresh, infrastructure upgrade, or long-term IT budget, now is the time to have that conversation. Book a consultation with us today.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • How Businesses Can Protect Their Data Privacy While Utilizing AI Tools

    How Businesses Can Protect Their Data Privacy While Utilizing AI Tools

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how small and mid-sized businesses operate. From producing marketing content to summarizing documents to automating workflows, AI tools can provide undeniable productivity boosts. But with this power comes a real concern: how do you ensure your sensitive business data stays private when using AI systems?

    The good news, businesses can safely leverage AI without putting themselves at risk. It just requires intentional guardrails, the right technology stack, and clear processes. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials of protecting your data privacy while using AI – and how Valley Techlogic helps you put these protections in place.

    1. Understand Where Your Data Goes When Using AI

    Many public AI tools process data outside your environment and may store prompts for future model training unless you opt out. That means confidential information—client lists, financials, contracts, internal communications—could be exposed or retained longer than expected.

    Before your team uses any AI platform, you should know:

    • Where the data is sent and stored
    • Whether prompts or outputs are used for training
    • How long data is retained
    • Who (internally and externally) has access to that data

    The first step is recognizingConsumer AI tools are built for convenience, not compliance or with your particular data being safeguarded in mind. Businesses should rely on AI systems that specify they  1. Do not train on your corporate data 2. Offer tenant-isolated storage and encryption. 3. Give you access to administrative controls & audit logs 4. Offer transparency on what happens to the data it collects, and offers strict retention and deletion policies.Microsoft 365 Copilot, for example, keeps data inside your M365 tenant and honors your existing security controls (Entra ID, MFA, DLP, retention labels, Purview, etc.). This reduces the risk of data leakage while enabling powerful AI-driven productivity. If you’re using third-party AI tools, we can help you perform vendor risk assessments and configure them safely.

    AI also magnifies whatever access a user already has, including the rules you have in place in your own organization for accessing data. If a staff member shouldn’t have access to payroll data, they should not be able to surface payroll information through an AI query. Before AI rollout, businesses should:

    • Review least-privilege permissions
    • Ensure MFA and conditional access policies are enforced
    • Segment data appropriately using SharePoint, Teams, and role-based access
    • Audit legacy “wide-open” file shares that AI could unintentionally expose

    AI is not the risk, the access model behind it is.

    You should also create clear AI usage guidelines for your staff. Your employees will need explicit guidance on what they can and cannot put into AI systems.

    Your policy should require:

    • No uploading client PII, financial records, or confidential contracts into AI tools
    • Using only approved, business-managed AI platforms
    • Verification of outputs for accuracy and bias
    • Documentation when AI is used in client-facing deliverables
    • Guidance on storing or sharing AI-generated content

    AI governance is now part of basic digital hygiene, just like password policies. Implementing AI without the right guardrails can expose your business to:

    • Data leakage
    • Compliance violations
    • Intellectual property loss
    • Unauthorized data exposure
    • Shadow IT usage by well-intended employees

    That’s why it’s important to lean on a Managed Server Provider that understands the AI tools that are available and how to manage them, they can assist you in choosing secure AI tools and configuring them so they only access data that’s absolutely necessary to perform the tasks you’re looking for (and ensure that they’re not training on your private company data or exposing it to the outside world). They can incorporate AI strategies into their risk assessment process for your business and make sure the integrations you’re adding aren’t conflicting with any compliance doctrines your business must follow. They will also monitor for abnormalities and misuse in the same way that they protect your business from other day to day technological threats.

    By working with a competent provider you get the productivity benefits of AI, without introducing unnecessary risk. Ready to Adopt AI Safely? Valley Techlogic Can Help. AI is no longer optional for competitive businesses, but neither is data privacy. If you want to empower your staff with AI while keeping your sensitive information protected, Valley Techlogic is ready to guide you step-by-step. Learn more today with a consultation.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • The No-Headache Way to Create a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)

    The No-Headache Way to Create a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)

    If you’re a CPA firm, financial professional, or any SMB that handles sensitive client data, creating a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) is not optional. It’s a critical part of staying compliant with federal and state regulations and protecting your clients’ trust. But if the idea of drafting one sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone.

    First of all, what is a WISP and why do you need one?

    A WISP is a formal document that outlines how your business safeguards sensitive data, including personal information, tax records, payroll data, or anything that could be used for identity theft or fraud.

    Key Reasons You Need a WISP:

    • Compliance – Regulations like the FTC Safeguards Rule, GLBA, and California’s data privacy laws require a WISP for many businesses.
    • Risk Reduction – It forces you to identify vulnerabilities before a breach happens.
    • Client Confidence – Client’s trust businesses that take data security seriously.
    • Incident Response Readiness – A WISP outlines who does what if something goes wrong.

    Step 1: Identify What Data You’re Protecting (and the People in Charge of Protecting It)

    Start with the following:

    • Identify your Data Security Coordinator (DSC) and Public Information Officer (PIO), they will oversee your WISP implementation.
    • What types of sensitive data do you collect? (Tax records, SSNs, bank info, etc.)
    • Where is it stored? (Local servers, cloud services, employee laptops?)
    • Who has access to it? (Employees, contractors, vendors?)

    Step 2: Assess the Risks

    Once you know what you’re protecting and who is overseeing that protection, identify how that data could be compromised. Common risks include:

    • Phishing attacks or social engineering
    • Ransomware or malware infections
    • Lost or stolen devices
    • Weak or shared passwords
    • Unpatched software

    Step 3: Define Your Security Policies

    This is the “meat” of the WISP. Your plan should spell out:

    • Access controls – Who can access what data and how access is granted/revoked.
    • Password & MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) requirements – Strong password policies, multi-factor authentication required for all users.
    • Data encryption – For data at rest and in transit.
    • Remote work & BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies – How employees can safely access company resources offsite.
    • Backup & recovery – How often backups are performed, where they are stored, and who can restore them.
    • Vendor management – How you vet third-party providers who handle your data.

    Step 4: Train Your Team

    Even the best WISP fails if your employees aren’t on board. Run regular cybersecurity training on:

    • Phishing recognition
    • Safe password habits
    • Proper handling of client data
    • Reporting suspicious activity

    When employees understand the “why” behind security, they become your strongest defense. This will also help you update and implement your Employee Code of Conduct (a necessary WISP component).

    Step 5: Test, Monitor, and Update Regularly

    A WISP is not a “set it and forget it” document.

    • Schedule annual reviews (or more often if you experience major changes like a cyber incident or new regulations).
    • Perform exercises to test your incident response plan.
    • Keep policies up to date with evolving threats.

    How We Can Help

    We know your priority is running your business, not getting buried in compliance paperwork. Here’s how we make WISP implementation painless:

    • Customized WISP Templates – No generic documents, we tailor them to your industry and size.
    • Ongoing Monitoring & Support – Continuous protection, so your WISP stays relevant.
    • Employee Training & Simulated Phishing – Build a security-aware culture and ensure compliance across the board (and document these goals in your Employee Code of Conduct).

    Building a WISP doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming, especially with a trusted partner like Valley Techlogic. Learn more today with our step-by-step roadmap on WISP preparedness here and book a free WISP consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • Children and online safety, how the issue with Roblox highlights the need for more oversight into online services aimed at kids

    Children and online safety, how the issue with Roblox highlights the need for more oversight into online services aimed at kids

    With over a billion registered users (and 380 million active users as of 2024), Roblox propelled itself into the internet zeitgeist in 2006. Its blocky figures and endless options when it came to users customizing games and worlds to fit their imagination was particularly enticing to its core user base which is mostly comprised of children and teens.

    The game has faced controversy in the past, particularly with it’s paid-for currency system “Robux” with a class action lawsuit settled for $10 million in the form of refunds for users that felt ripped off by the online purchases made in the game and many instances of parents noticing their children had made purchases without their consent. Which to be clear is not the fault of the company but highlights the “pay to play” nature of some online platforms even those with a younger user base.

    However, they’ve been in the news recently for much darker allegations. It’s come to light that there are issues with the online platforms moderation when it comes to conversations being had with underaged users and the adults that also frequent the platform.

    Multiple lawsuits have been filed in multiple states alleging Roblox did not go far enough when it comes to protecting its underaged users from predators, with many instances coming to light of an adult engaging with a child online and luring that child to a real-life location where they were harmed.

    Concerned parents want to know what steps are being taken to ensure their children are not being “groomed” in a game that they believed was a safe space and child centric. The company has responded by denying the allegations but also announcing several new features aimed at combating “child endangerment conversations”. This includes using AI to verify conversations for malfeasance and doing more to verify users ages and separate or restrict conversations between adult and underage users.

    It is a mistake, in our opinion, to believe that any online space does not require a parent’s consistent oversight. YouTube’s platform for kids dubbed appropriately “YouTube Kids” made news for the creepy videos that proliferated channels hidden amongst benign children’s programming such as streams of Peppa Pig.

    TikTok, SnapChat and Facebook have also faced lawsuits over not protecting children from predators or having “addictive designs” that kept teens in particular looped into negative cycles involving self-harm or extreme content.

    We don’t believe there’s any online platform where a child should be left unattended, but there are steps you can take to make the internet safer for your children (after all, in today’s digital world avoiding it is difficult to impossible).

    Here are four practical steps parents can take to help protect their children online:

    1. Set Clear Rules and Expectations
      Establish age-appropriate guidelines for internet use. This can include setting screen time limits, deciding which apps and websites are allowed, and agreeing on times when devices must be put away (e.g., during meals or bedtime). Having open conversations about why these rules exist makes kids more likely to follow them.
    1. Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
      Take advantage of built-in parental controls on devices, browsers, and apps. These can help block inappropriate content, set time limits, and monitor activity. Make sure your child’s social media accounts are set to private, and review app permissions so personal information isn’t overshared.
    1. Teach Safe Online Behavior
      Educate children about not sharing personal details (like home address, school name, or phone number), being cautious about online friendships, and never meeting strangers in person. Encourage them to think critically about what they post, remind them that once something is online, it’s hard to fully remove.
    1. Stay Involved and Encourage Communication
      Keep an open line of communication so your child feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter something suspicious, scary, or uncomfortable online. Show interest in the games, apps, or websites they use, and when possible, spend time exploring the digital world together.

    At Valley Techlogic we believe in making the online world a safer place, including for the businesses we support and our clients. We will be posting free Back-To-School online safety tips on our Facebook and LinkedIn profiles for the month of September.

    If you’re California local and looking for IT support for your business, you can also learn more about our services through a free consultation today.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • Planning a tech refresh ahead of the Windows 10 support ending? Here are our six best strategies

    Planning a tech refresh ahead of the Windows 10 support ending? Here are our six best strategies

    Microsoft officially announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. While that may sound far away, businesses that rely on Windows 10 across their devices need to start planning now. Waiting until the last minute can mean rushed decisions, unexpected costs, and potential downtime, which is something no organization wants.

    At Valley Techlogic, we’ve helped countless Central Valley businesses through smooth technology transitions, and we know how important it is to plan ahead. If your company is still running Windows 10, here are our six best strategies for preparing your tech refresh.

    1. Take Inventory of Your Current Environment

    Start by identifying which machines are still running Windows 10 and which may already be compatible with Windows 11. This step helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures you only upgrade what’s needed. An inventory audit can also uncover outdated hardware, unsupported software, or security gaps.

    1. Evaluate Hardware Readiness

    Not every device that runs Windows 10 will support Windows 11. Requirements like TPM 2.0 and specific processor generations may prevent older PCs from upgrading. If your business has hardware that won’t make the cut, it’s best to plan replacements now, rather than scrambling in 2025.

    1. Budget and Phase Your Refresh

    Replacing or upgrading multiple devices at once can be expensive. By starting early, you can phase in new equipment over time, spreading out costs and minimizing disruption.

    1. Consider Cloud and Virtualization Options

    For some businesses, moving workloads to the cloud or implementing virtual desktops can reduce reliance on on-site hardware. Utilizing a service like Windows 365 (a cloud PC option) could be a more cost-effective solution than replacing every PC.

    1. Strengthen Security Along the Way

    End of support also means no more security updates from Microsoft. That makes staying on Windows 10 after October 2025 a serious risk. As you refresh your devices, it’s also a good time to review your company’s cyber security landscape, from endpoint protection and email security to backups and multi-factor authentication.

    1. Partner With an IT Provider for a Smooth Transition

    Technology refreshes are complex, especially when tied to a major operating system change. An experienced partner like Valley Techlogic can guide you through the process, ensuring you select the right devices, configure them correctly, and migrate your data without downtime.

    Don’t Wait Until October. The sooner you start planning your Windows 10 exit, the smoother your business will transition. Whether it’s a phased rollout of new PCs, upgrading to Windows 11, or exploring cloud options, Valley Techlogic can help your business stay secure, productive, and ahead of the curve.

    Are you ready to start your tech refresh plan? Contact Valley Techlogic for a free consultation today and let’s make your upgrade stress-free.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • 2.5 Billion Gmail users at risk after database leak exposes pertinent account information

    2.5 Billion Gmail users at risk after database leak exposes pertinent account information

    It was recently revealed that Google’s Salesforce database was breached, exposing data for over 2.5 billion users at the time of reporting.

    Initially it was being reported that the leak would primarily effect only their business users as the data found in Salesforce mostly pertains to those accounts. However that was quickly dispelled as Gmail users reported increased attacks against their accounts, with some users reporting they even received a call from alleged Google employees notifying them of the breach of their account.

    We want to make it clear that no password data was leaked in this data breach (at least at the time of writing) instead the data is being used to increase the effectiveness of phishing attacks leveled at Gmail users. One example of the attacks that are occurring includes users being told to initiate an account reset wherein the bad actor intercepts the password and locks the original user out.

    Another attack being initiated is what Google calls “dangling bucket takeover” where the attacker essentially has access to a link connected to the users Google storage and uses it to hijack their account. Google outlines the four ways you can protect against this kind of attack in the page linked.

    While company based accounts might be the most prime targets – and this goes for phishing in general – that doesn’t mean individual users are safe. Spear phishing, a popular variant of phishing that involves researching and gaining access to user accounts outside of their prime target such as an employees close to the company lead, could be a motivator for the current rise in attacks related to this breach. They would then use those accounts to increase the legitimacy of phishing attempts leveled at the primary target (by sending messages as the compromised user).

    It is paramount in 2025 that users practice good safety hygiene when it comes to their online data, especially in an age where the onslaught of data breach news can feel overwhelming and increase a sense of helplessness. Even though data breaches are not rare, users can still protect themselves in the following ways:

    1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
    • Turn on Google 2-Step Verification.
    • Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, or similar) instead of SMS, since text messages can be intercepted.
    • For even stronger protection, consider a hardware security key (e.g., YubiKey).
    1. Use a Strong, Unique Password
    • Avoid reusing passwords across multiple sites.
    • Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, etc.) to generate and store long, random passwords.
    • Change your password immediately if you suspect any compromise.
    1. Regularly Review Account Activity
    • Check Gmail’s “Last account activity” (bottom right of inbox) for unusual logins.
    • Review the Google Account Security page to see devices that have accessed your account.
    • Remove old or unused devices and apps with account access.
    1. Be Proactive Against Phishing
    • Always verify the sender’s address before clicking links.
    • Hover over links to confirm they point to legitimate Google domains.
    • Turn on Gmail’s Enhanced Safe Browsing in account security settings for extra phishing protection.

    Email remains the number one entry point for cyberattacks, from phishing scams to ransomware. At Valley Techlogic, we take a proactive approach to keeping your inbox safe. Our team helps businesses implement advanced spam filtering, real-time threat detection, and encryption to safeguard sensitive communications.

    Beyond just tools, we provide continuous monitoring, security awareness training, and rapid response in the event of a breach. With Valley Techlogic as your partner, you can rest easy knowing your organization’s most critical communication channel is protected. Learn more today with a consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • Chat GTP-5 is here, and opinions are mixed, we talk new features and why some users say 4 was the better version

    Chat GTP-5 is here, and opinions are mixed, we talk new features and why some users say 4 was the better version

    We reported on ChatGTP-5, code named Project Strawberry at the time, nearly one year ago today. The reported update was supposed to boost reasoning capacity and begin the transition of introducing self-learning to AI versus requiring vast swaths of data scrubbed from the internet (a distinction likely aimed to combat the obvious problems when you randomly collect data from unknowing and many times unwilling sources).

    With a potentially industry changing copyright lawsuit filed just this week, the race to set AI apart as a distinct tool separate from the data it was built on is in full swing and as usual OpenAI’s ChatGPT product is leading the charge.

    New features include the ability to handle text ,images, voice and video all within a single conversation, so there’s no longer a need to switch between text chats and chats when you would like to analyze files. It’s also being reported so far that the answers users are receiving are more accurate, especially for technical questions and that it can now answer with much greater detail.

    Although it should be noted some of this improved reasoning is locked behind a paywall, with free users receiving the “basic” version of the model or ChatGPT-5 mini as dubbed by OpenAI themselves. Plus users will receive an improved version with one caveat, when load is high the company has said all users will only have access to the mini version to keep services afloat.

    It’s not all sunshine and rainbows however, some users aren’t thrilled with the update and have even requested the ability to return to Chat-GPT4. Common complaints are that Chat-GPT5 is much slower than 4 was and there is more frequent crashing (whether it be within the client itself or ChatGPT crashing user’s browser tabs).

    There have also been complaints that the model is more patronizing now, with users receiving praise for every query and even changing the personality or directly requesting it to leave the compliments out is outright is mostly ignored by the model at the time of reporting.

    We aren’t sure what the outcome of a successful copyright lawsuit will mean for the future of AI but as a technology provider we suspect it will stick around in some capacity regardless of the success or failure of ongoing litigation. While the creative uses for AI such as image generation may be more at play the key functionality for businesses as a means of increasing productivity are what we like to focus on. Here are three ways you can utilize AI in your business today:

    1. Inbox & customer-support copilot
      What it does: summarizes long threads, drafts tailored replies, and suggests next steps so you clear the queue quicker.
      Try this prompt (paste an email thread under it):
      “Summarize this thread in 3 bullets, list the customer’s main concern, and draft a friendly 120-word reply that (a) acknowledges the issue, (b) proposes a solution, and (c) offers a next step. Keep it on-brand: helpful, concise, no jargon.”
      Pro tip: Save a few tone/style notes once and reuse them for consistent replies.
    2. SOPs, checklists, and onboarding in minutes
      What it does: turns rough notes into step-by-step procedures, checklists, and quick-start guides for new hires.
      Try this prompt (paste your messy process notes):
      “Turn this into a clear SOP with: purpose, prerequisites, step-by-step actions (numbered), decision points, common pitfalls, and a 5-question quiz to confirm understanding. Make it skimmable.”
      Pro tip: Ask for a one-page version and a printable checklist for the wall.
    3. Spreadsheet/data sidekick (Excel/Sheets)
      What it does: writes formulas, cleans lists, and gives quick insights so you stop hunting Stack Overflow.
      Try this prompt (describe your sheet):
      “I have columns: Date, Lead Source, Deal Size, Status. Give me (1) a formula to count won deals per month, (2) a chart I should make and why, and (3) three insights I can present in one sentence each.”
      Pro tip: Paste a few sample rows so it can generate formulas that fit your exact layout.

    Ready to turn AI into real productivity? At Valley Techlogic, we can help you plug Chat GPT-5 into the tools you already use, Microsoft 365/Teams, Outlook, SharePoint (or Google Workspace so it drafts emails, turns rough notes into SOPs, and tames spreadsheets right where work happens. Learn more today with a consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • What is a reply all “email storm” and how can you prevent it?

    What is a reply all “email storm” and how can you prevent it?

    In 2016 the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) experienced an email storm that crashed their email system and resulted in snowball effect of 168 million emails being sent in a short period of time.

    The cause? A new IT contractor for the company sent out a test email company-wide (the NHS employs 1.2 million people and 840 thousand of them received the test email). Many of them replied to it, wondering why they were receiving such an email using the “reply all” function and it snowballed from there into an email chain of epic proportions, an email storm.

    This email storm crashed their system and angered their employees. What they may not have known is that email storms have been occurring practically since email became the de facto method of communication for businesses around the world. The first one reported by major news and nicknamed “Bedlam” experienced by Microsoft occurred in 1997 resulted in 23 million emails sent in 7 hours, much less than the one experienced by the NHS but the amount of data generated by that storm (an estimated 295 gigabytes) was significant for the time period and the event was highly disruptive.

    Email storms have even hit US government entities like the state department and NASA, the latter of which practically led to the re-institution of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) after it’s funding was cut by DOGE.

    So, you may be wondering, what does this have to do with you and your business? Well hopefully we’ve made it clear that email storms can happen to anyone, really at any time, and that they’re highly disruptive. The data generated by large email storms is not significantly different than the data generated by DDoS (Dedicated Denial of Service) attacks although it’s almost always an unintentional consequence of an employee or contractor sending a simple email company wide. What can you do as a business owner to prevent this from happening?

    1. Limit “Reply All” Permissions
    • What to do: Use email settings to restrict who can use the “Reply All” function, especially in large distribution lists.
    • Why it helps: Prevents unnecessary mass replies that trigger storms, especially when someone replies to hundreds or thousands of recipients.
    1. Use BCC for Large Email Lists
    • What to do: Add recipients to the BCC (blind carbon copy) field instead of the “To” or “CC” fields.
    • Why it helps: If people can’t see who else received the email, they can’t reply to everyone, avoiding the risk of a chain reaction.
    1. Implement Group Email Safeguards
    • What to do: Configure email servers (like Microsoft Exchange or Google Workspace) to throttle or block emails sent to large groups when too many replies occur in a short time.
    • Why it helps: Automated tools can detect a storm and shut it down before it escalates.

    While these common sense strategies can be enacted by anyone, managing email is a tricky topic overall. From setup to protections against spam or phishing, having a technology provider like Valley Techlogic can help you strategically create email policies that work and keep your business safe. Learn more today through a consultation.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.

  • Not ready for Windows 11? Microsoft has announced it’s possible to get free security updates for Windows 10 for a year – but there’s a catch

    Not ready for Windows 11? Microsoft has announced it’s possible to get free security updates for Windows 10 for a year – but there’s a catch

    Microsoft’s end-of-support date for Windows 10 is fast approaching: October 14th, 2025. After this date, regular security updates for Windows 10 will stop, leaving devices potentially exposed to cyber threats.

    But there’s new information that gives businesses a little breathing room. Microsoft has announced that it will offer free security updates for Windows 10 users for one additional year, providing some temporary relief for those not ready to migrate to Windows 11. However, before you put your upgrade plans on pause, you need to understand the catch.

    Historically, when Microsoft ends support for an operating system, businesses must either upgrade to a newer version or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to keep receiving critical patches. With this announcement, Microsoft is giving users a 12-month extension of free ESUs, allowing them to continue receiving vital security updates through October 2026.

    This is particularly helpful for organizations that:

    • Rely on legacy applications that don’t play well with Windows 11
    • Have hardware not yet compatible with the new OS
    • Need extra time to budget, plan, and test a smooth transition

    However, there is a catch for redeeming the free offer, you need to do one of the following steps:

    • Pay $30 in local currency.
    • Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud.
    • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

    So this offer is only free if you utilize Windows Backup or have Microsoft points to redeem, otherwise it’s $30 which is still less than the $61 per user that was originally reported by Microsoft (and us).

    Also, while this free security patch extension buys time, it is not a long-term solution. Once the grace period ends, businesses will need to:

    • Upgrade to Windows 11 or beyond
    • Pay for extended security updates beyond the free year
    • Risk running unsupported devices that are vulnerable to cyberattacks

    It’s also important to note that Microsoft has not promised feature updates or full support during this period, only essential security patches. Outdated software and hardware may still experience compatibility and performance issues, leaving businesses at a disadvantage compared to those who make the switch sooner.

    Microsoft’s free Windows 10 security updates for an extra year are a welcome reprieve, but they’re not a permanent fix. The safest, most cost-effective path forward is to start planning your Windows 11 migration now, rather than waiting for the clock to run out. Contact Valley Techlogic today to schedule your Windows 11 readiness assessment and avoid the risks of running unsupported systems.

    Looking for more to read? We suggest these other articles from our site.

    This article was powered by Valley Techlogic, leading provider of trouble free IT services for businesses in California including Merced, Fresno, Stockton & More. You can find more information at https://www.valleytechlogic.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/valleytechlogic/ . Follow us on X at https://x.com/valleytechlogic and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-techlogic-inc/.