Sydney Web + Tech

Website and Internet Specialists

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Update Zoom Now!

There has been an important notice regarding Zoom software. You now need to update your software to greater than Zoom version 5.0. If you have not upgraded before May 30th, Zoom clients will receive a forced upgrade when trying to join a meeting.

The reason for the upgrade is to fully enable GCM Encryption across the Zoom platform. Click on the link for more information.

 How do you Upgrade Zoom?

Please note: Images below are a little blurry. If you click on the image you will get a clearer larger version. – You can click on the close button at the bottom of the enlarged image to go back to the post.

It is always a good idea to make sure your computer operating system is up to date and you regularly back up.  Close any open programs, other than Zoom before updating as a precaution and also to maximise memory and CPU availability.

Updating is a fairly easy process, once you navigate to the correct menu in the application.  Please note the directions below are specific to the Zoom Desktop Software. Variances may occur in Android or IOS Versions of the application.

  1.  Open Zoom –  On the top right of the application will be your profile icon.
  2. Determine if you need to upgrade :
    Click on your Profile Icon and a drop down will be displayed.
    Click on “Help” then “About Zoom”  A dialog box will be displayed with information about your copy of the application.  The Version number will be displayed. If the version number is below version 5.0  you need to update.
  3.  Upgrade Zoom: Click on Your Profile then “Check for Updates” and the Update Process will begin.  If a release is available, Zoom will display information on what the available update is and you will see an update button.  Click Update to begin the update process.
  4. That’s it!
    The update process should go OK and that’s all you will need to do. If , however all goes south on you. The easiest action is to  remove the application and reinstall from the download link on the Zoom website.

 

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Sydney Web + Tech Hosted WordPress Websites Updated to WordPress v 5.2.3

WordPressWordPress has released version 5.2.3.

Sydney Web + Tech are constantly working behind the scenes to secure and maintain your website.

We take website security seriously and strive to be diligent as does WordPress.

This latest update is a maintenance and security release.

Websites on version 5.2.2 – we will be upgrading you to 5.2.3.

Websites not on version 5.2.2 – we will be upgrading you to the most secure point version that your site is currently able to be upgraded to.

For more information on the WordPress 5.2.3 release, please see the blog post below from WordPress.org:

WordPress 5.2.3 Security and Maintenance Release

If you have any questions you can contact the SW+T team on our contact page

Like to know more about secure managed hosting?
Get Protected

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4 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Domain Name

Choosing the perfect domain name is almost as important as choosing your business name.
It is your online identity representing your business and brand.

A website domain name and domain name registration is a completely different service to website hosting, although they are often offered by the same provider.

We’ve found the steps below can help you choose the perfect domain name

1. Short and Simple

The perfect domain name is:

  • Easy to type – this is critical – avoid slang or words with multiple spellings
  • Easy to remember
  • Easy to relay to someone
  • Easy to pronounce
  • Easy to fit on printed material
  • Easy to fit into a SERP (Search Engine Results Pages)

2. Keywords

Keywords describe products or services your business offers – the words (or phrases) people enter into search engines.

Try to put a keyword for your business into your domain name.

3. Keep it Simple

Trendy domain names can be confusing and annoying. Generic words relating to your product or service are more effective.

Try to avoid:

  • Numbers
  • Hyphens
  • Deliberate misspellings

Definitely avoid choosing a domain name that is a variation of an existing domain name by:

  • Adding an ‘s’
  • Misspelling
  • Hyphenation
  • Adding an extra word
  • Mixing up the same words

4. Choose your Domain Name Extension

(Otherwise known as a tld: top level domain)

There are many domain name extensions available now.
You should consider who your target audience is.

Australian businesses wanting a local website domain name,
these are easily recognised and trusted locally:

.com.au
.net.au

Australian non-commercial organisations only (conditions apply)
are allowed to use these domain name extensions:

.org.au
.asn.au

Any organisation or individual worlwide, including those in Austrailia,
can use these domain extensions:

.com
.net
.org
.info
.biz

Determining a website domain name for your business can be a challenge. Doing some research and getting creative now will serve you well.
The domain name you select will represent your online business going forward.
You can contact us for any advice or assistance, we’re always happy to help.

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Google Mobile First Indexing

Google Mobile First Indexing –
Did your website get a good Report Card?

Your website must be mobile friendly as now Google is indexing from the mobile version of your site first, rather than the desktop version. (Not everyone has two different versions of their site, just know that your site needs to be mobile friendly).
This is because more web searches are being made from mobile devices.

There are some simple things you can do to help with your website’s Google mobile first indexing and ranking, such as:

  • Make sure your website is secure with an SSL certificate and
  • has easy to read text.

Google Mobile First
Has your website received a Google Search Console Mobile First Indexing report yet?
How did it go?

Want know more about Google Mobile First Indexing (or anything techy)?
 
Let’s Talk

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Website Check

Website Checklist

website check

The same as caring and maintaining our cars, our homes and anything we have invested in, we should periodically do a website check.

Here are just a few questions you should be asking.

Is your website more than 2 years old?
Older websites can look out of date, as well as start deteriorating, if not updated.

Is your website Mobile Friendly?

This will greatly affect your Google ranking.

Can you recover from a disaster:

such as being hacked, or your website being damaged or lost completely?
Sadly, we have written many websites quickly from scratch as clients have lost everything from such disasters.

Do you backup regularly?
If so, have you tested that back up to make sure it works?

Is your website secure?

Is the site protected with SSL?
It is virtually a requirement of Google. Viewers don’t want to visit unsafe sites.

Are the passwords you and others use to access the site more than 15 characters and cryptic?.
We see multiple password attack attempts daily.
Your website’s security may depend on that long, annoying password.

Is the site scanned for malware regularly?
Can you detect if files are being changed without your permission?
We have all seen examples of what malware can do.

Do you keep your site up to date?

Is the code on your site updated when new versions are released, such as: plugins, core code or themes?
Keeping code updated is another way to help protect against hacking.
Your security may be compromised through old code.

Is it is a risk to the viewer?
Hacked sites can have hidden malware that is passed on to other computers. Your client’s security can be in jeopardy.

Is your site slow or damaged?
Viewers will click away from sites that don’t load quickly or are not working properly.

These factors will influence your sites effectiveness in delivering your message and attracting new clients.

 How did your website go?

I’d like a Free Website Check Up*