If you have a Windows computer, it is nearly impossible to not have a Microsoft account anymore. They have made it very difficult to set up a computer without using a Microsoft account. In this article I will discuss the good and the bad and some things you should not do with Microsoft accounts.
Before we get into that, what exactly is a Microsoft account? According to Google’s Generative AI:
A Microsoft account is a personal account that allows you to access Microsoft's products and services. You can use your Microsoft account to:
Sign in to Windows, Xbox, and other Microsoft devices
Access online apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Save files and photos in 5 GB of cloud storage
Access the Xbox network and community
Customize privacy settings
Receive alerts for suspicious account activity
Use optional password less sign-in
Automatically sync data to the cloud
You can use any email address as your Microsoft account username, including addresses from Outlook.com, Yahoo!, or Gmail. It is even possible to use your company email as a personal Microsoft account, but it is not a good idea. Microsoft accounts used to be called "Windows Live ID".
First, the positives of having a Microsoft account:
It allows you to sync settings, documents and browsers across two or more computers. This is great if you have a desktop at home and a laptop that you carry around or use for travel.
It is easier to set up a new computer since you can just sign in with your account and synchronize the above-mentioned items.
You should never get locked out of your computer because you can always reset your password by using the email account connected to your Microsoft account on another device.
It allows you to use fingerprints, pins or your face to login.
Next, the negatives of having a Microsoft account:
All of your documents and settings will sync across your devices.
You must use their cloud. It is difficult to only save documents on your computer.
In small businesses it is difficult to set up computers for employees and it is difficult to get into the computer if that employee leaves and you don’t know their password.
Microsoft will have control over your computer, programs and documents.
Microsoft accounts can be used with many different things. You can use it only as the method to sign into your computer. You can use it only for signing into your Office365 programs or you can use it for both.
It is possible to have a personal and a business Microsoft account that use the same email account. (this can cause a lot of issues for people)
Next, I will list the things you should never do with your Microsoft account.
You should never use your Microsoft account to set up a computer for someone else. If you are a small business owner and you don’t use the entire expensive suite of Microsoft this makes setting up an employee’s computer difficult.
You should never share your Office 365 programs by signing into someone else’s computer with your Microsoft account.
As a business owner it is not a good idea to simply hand a new computer to an employee and have them set it up for themselves.
Microsoft mainly caters to large enterprises, but it is possible to set up and use computers without falling into these issues. No one wants to find their personal documents and pictures on their employees’ computer. This is something I help small businesses with all the time. Before you set up your next computer, whether it is a business or personal computer, give me a call and I can help you make the best of the Microsoft accounts without compromising your security.
I get this question a lot. The real answer is not so simple. There are a lot of factors that go into purchasing a printer. Let’s look at all the things you need to consider when purchasing a new printer.
There are three initial things to consider when purchasing a printer:
First, what will you do with this printer? Merely print, or do you also want to be able to make copies, scan and possibly even fax (if you still have a land line phone)? If you only need to print, usually you can get a basic printer for a lot less than an all-in-one printer which can also scan, copy and fax. One issue with this is that many basic printers don’t have a screen and only have a few basic buttons so adding these to your network can be cumbersome.
Next, do you need to print in color and make perfect copies, or do you just need black, and you don’t mind if it is perfect or not? If printing in color is not a requirement you can also save by getting a black only printer. These come in the all-in-one and basic varieties. See the possible issues above for the basic models.
Lastly, how often do you print, daily, maybe once a week, or hardly ever, do you just want it available when you do need it? There are three ink/toner systems for printers. Inkjets are small little cartridges that don’t hold a lot of ink but are also not as expensive as toner cartridges for laser printers, that can sometimes do thousands of prints before needing to be replaced. If you print a lot and almost daily you will save money by going with a laser printer versus an inkjet printer. Another issue with inkjet printers is the ink can actually dry up if not used regularly. The printer might show that the cartridges are full, but it prints blank sheets. This is not an issue with laser. You could leave it alone for a year and it would print just like it did last time.
There is a new type of ink printer called a tank where instead of cartridges, you fill reservoirs on the printer with ink from a bottle. This is a much less expensive way to print. The nozzles will occasionally dry up, but you can run the maintenance to clean the nozzles, and it will be back to printing in no time. These printers cost more than the traditional inkjet printers, but you will make up the extra cost in ink savings.
Armed with this information, you are ready to find a printer. The last consideration will be cost and brand. A lot has changed in the printer world in the last few years. HP used to be the absolute go to but in recent years they are really putting out junk. They are currently my last choice in buying a printer. If you are considering a laser printer, I recommend BROTHER. If you are considering a tank, I like the EPSON tanks. I usually try to steer people away from the inkjet, but they are still the cheapest initially so if that is what you want to consider either Brother or Epson for inkjet.
As always, I am happy to discuss your options with printers and even help you set up your new printers.
The talk about how to avoid becoming a victim of scams. Email Scam Busters is your monthly resource to let you and your parents in on the latest scams they should look out fo
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.