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What You Should Know About Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure Virtual Desktop is a great solution for small business owners who need to access their applications and data from anywhere. With it, you can access your files and applications from any device, such as your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

If you’re a small business owner, Azure Virtual Desktop is worth considering as a solution for your business needs. It offers a number of benefits, including:

  • Easy installation and setup
  • Flexible pricing options
  • Scalability to meet your needs
  • 24/7 support from Microsoft

Azure is comprehensive solution

Formerly branded as Windows Virtual Desktop, Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop virtualization solution that has proven to be reliable and easy to use. It is available in both Azure Public Cloud and Azure Stack.

Using the virtual desktop on your computer is very easy and the process is straightforward. You can use it by signing into your Azure account and then selecting the “Virtual Desktop” option. After that, you will be able to select the type of subscription that you want and then choose the number of virtual machines that you need.

If you want to use the virtual desktop on your smartphone, you can download the Azure Remote App from the App Store or Google Play. With Azure Remote App, you can access your Azure Virtual Desktop applications and data from your smartphone.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you simply log in and then select the desktop that you want to access. After that, you will be able to use all of your applications and data just as if you were using your computer.

A virtual desktop is particularly convenient if you need to use a laptop or borrow a desktop at another location.  You can easily connect to it and have full access to all of your applications and files. For security reasons, you will also want to be sure to log out if you are using Azure on a computer that is not your own.

AVD is a great solution for remote work

Businesses with a remote workforce will appreciate Azure Virtual Desktop because it offers the ability to connect to work applications and data from anywhere. It is also a scalable solution, so you can add or remove virtual machines as your business needs change.

Setting up AVD is relatively easy.  You just need to sign in to Azure, create a resource group, set up your virtual network and subnet, and then create your desktop pool. Program costs can vary based on the number of users, but Azure offers a variety of subscription options to fit your budget.

Like all Microsoft products, AVD is regularly updated.  Azure automatically applies the latest security patches and updates, so you can be confident that your data is always protected. 

If you have questions about how this solution can work for your business, contact Terminal B today to learn more about how we can help you get started. Our IT consultants can help you identify if a virtual desktop will be the right solution for you.

The Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that gives users access to the latest Microsoft Office apps, like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. This Guide to Microsoft 365 will help you determine if this subscription is right for you.

Subscribers can install the apps on PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones and the subscription also includes 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage and regular feature updates and upgrades. Microsoft 365 is an excellent choice for those who want the latest Microsoft Office apps and features.

How do I get started with Microsoft 365?

The first step is to sign up for a subscription. You can do this by visiting the Microsoft 365 website and selecting the plan that’s right for you. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to download and install the Microsoft Office apps on your devices.

Microsoft 365 Business plans start at $6 per user, per month for up to 300 users and include Microsoft Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and other Microsoft services.

Once you’ve installed the apps, you can start using them to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

The Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft 365 Benefits

There are many benefits of using Microsoft 365, including:

  • The latest Microsoft Office apps: With Microsoft 365, you’ll always have access to the latest versions of the Microsoft Office apps, like Word, Excel, edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.
  • You can also use the service to store and share files online, using OneDrive.

Microsoft 365 is designed to be used with the latest versions of the Microsoft Office apps. If you’re using an older version of Office, you might not be able to take full advantage of all the features Microsoft 365 has to offer.

How do I use it?

Each program in Microsoft 365 has a main window in which you’ll complete the program’s main function. Each program also has a colored toolbar (also referred to as a “ribbon”) at the top of the window. This ribbon provides quick access to frequently used commands in each program. You’ll find different tab options (such as Insert, Format, etc) in the ribbon, and clicking on a tab will cause the toolbar options to change. This allows you to quickly find the commands you need without having to search through menus. The ribbon interface can take some time to get used to, but once you master it you’ll be able to work more efficiently in the various programs.

What are some additional benefits?

Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive, cloud-based solution that includes everything your business needs to stay productive and connected.

With Microsoft 365, you can access your files from anywhere, using any device. And because your data is stored in the cloud, it’s always backed up and available if you need it. Microsoft 365 also includes powerful communication tools like Microsoft Teams, which makes it easy to stay in touch with colleagues and customers.

With Microsoft 365 you get predictable monthly payments, so there are no surprise costs. And in the event of an unexpected outage or disaster, Microsoft 365 can help keep your business running with its built-in business continuity features.

How can I use Microsoft 365 to improve my productivity and work efficiency?

One of the most popular M365 products is Microsoft Teams, a messaging and collaboration platform that helps users stay in touch with their teams, co-workers, customers, and boss. Microsoft Teams offers many powerful collaboration features, including the ability to share files, create and edit documents, and schedule and conduct video meetings.
Microsoft 365 subscribers can also take advantage of Outlook, OneDrive, and Excel. Outlook is a great tool for organizing and sharing your emails, calendars, and contacts. OneDrive is a cloud storage service that makes it easy to save and share your files with coworkers. And Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application that lets you easily analyze data and create dynamic reports.

Are there any other features that I should be aware of?

  • Co-Authoring: One of the benefits is real-time co-authoring, which allows multiple users to work on the same document at the same time. This can be extremely helpful for team projects, as it allows everyone to see each other’s changes and make edits in real-time.
  • Chat: Microsoft Teams allows you to create a private chat room for your team, and Skype for Business lets you video chat with individual co-workers. You can also use the Microsoft Outlook app to send instant messages to co-workers. To get started, simply open the app and click on the “Chat” icon. Then, type in the name or email address of the person you want to chat with. You can also add emoticons and attachments to your messages.
  • Insert links: Another particularly useful feature is the ability to insert links to stored files instead of sending entire files to co-workers. This can save time and energy by avoiding the need to upload and download large files. Additionally, it can help to reduce storage requirements on both the sender and receiver’s devices. To insert a link to a stored file, simply click the ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Link.’ Then, browse for the file you wish to share and click ‘Insert.’ The recipient of the message will then be able to click the link to access the file, without needing to download it. This simple Microsoft 365 feature can help to make working with others more efficient.
  • Create calendar events: You can also use OneNote to create calendar events. To turn a OneNote item into an Outlook calendar event, simply click the “File” tab, select “New,” and then click “Outlook Calendar Event.” A new window will open where you can enter the details of your event. Once you have entered the relevant information, click “Save.” Your event will now be added to your Outlook calendar.

If this Guide to Microsoft 365 has convinced you that a subscription is right for you, contact Terminal B today to learn more about optimizing your home and work life.

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