Blog Layout
Which web browser to use
Jason Westrupp • Oct 05, 2019
Web browsers - we all use them, and in days gone by they were a source of contention in tech circles, in terms of which was better and which should be used.
Today those choices are both more complex, and simpler than ever before.
So what is the browser we recommend? Short answer - Google Chrome first, Vivaldi / Brave second.
A little history to begin with. Way back in the early days of the web, Microsoft had a browser called Internet Explorer 6. It was bundled with a little product called Windows, and so became the default browser for a while. This led to websites building to suit the specific quirks of that browser, and to this day some enterprise intranets, and so very legacy public facing websites, still rely on it.
Jump forward two decades, and today the browsers available number in the dozens, but they are largely based on 4 web engines (and these days it’s the web engines that drive development of web sites, not so much the brand sticker whacked on the front of it as a web browser name) - EdgeHTML (Microsoft Edge), Gecko (Firefox), Webkit (Safari) and Chromium (everyone else essentially).
Chromium is an open source web engine project started by Google - meaning numerous companies and individuals contribute to its development, and can base their own browsers on it’s code for free - which the majority of web users use in one guise or another. It is the new Internet Explorer 6. The most well known browser based on Chromium is of course none other than Google Chrome. Until the start of 2019 other web browsers based on Chromium included a web browser variant of Chromium (let’s call that the “pure” one), along with the likes of Vivaldi, Opera, Maxthon, Brave, Samsung Internet (the browser on their phones), and more. I say - until the start of 2019 - because as of this year, one more very well known browser is moving to use Chromium as it’s base code, and so will become just another variant, and that browser is none other than Microsoft Edge.
Once Microsoft has completed moving Edge away from its own web engine, to Chromium, that will essentially leave just Chromium, Gecko and Webkit as the primary web engines driving web browsers. Why does this matter? Because as always, developers will build for the most widely used platform - and in this case that is Chromium.
So what does this all mean for you? It’s simple really, for the best web browsing experience, you should use a Chromium based web browser. Google Chrome is the most used of these, so that is a good place to start, and is what we use ourselves (alongside an early preview of the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge). Good alternatives if you have some issues with Google, would be either Vivaldi or Brave. Vivaldi is highly customizable, and Brave is very privacy focused. Once the Chromium version of Edge is out of preview, it will become a strong option for those on Windows PCs as well. There is a Chromium based version available on Android phones already.
Final note - although Internet Explorer (based on the Trident web engine) is still around, even Microsoft recommend not using it - so if you still do, now is a good time to stop. It’s the least secure, least maintained, least functional of all the browsers available today. Both Microsoft Edge, and the Chromium based browsers, provide an extension that enables running websites that require IE inside them - specifically so that you can avoid actually running Internet Explorer.
News & Events
PWAs. Otherwise called Progressive Web Apps. It’s a term and name you will start to see more and more off in this new decade. So what are they, who do they matter to and why do they matter?
AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) are two things that will get increasing attention as we head into the 3rd decade of the 21st century.
So what are they and why do they matter?
You can actually experience some of it now, in Google Maps when in walking navigation mode, you can turn on AR directions, and instead of a map and it telling you where to turn, the directions will be laid over the image of the real world viewable through your phone's camera.
Another is, open the Chrome browser on your smartphone and search for one of a dozen or so animals including Wolf, Penguin and more, in the search results, the animal will then present with a “view in 3d” option, when clicked, if your phone has AR support (such as the Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel phones, and more) you will then get an option to view it in real life.
So what are they and why do they matter?
You can actually experience some of it now, in Google Maps when in walking navigation mode, you can turn on AR directions, and instead of a map and it telling you where to turn, the directions will be laid over the image of the real world viewable through your phone's camera.
Another is, open the Chrome browser on your smartphone and search for one of a dozen or so animals including Wolf, Penguin and more, in the search results, the animal will then present with a “view in 3d” option, when clicked, if your phone has AR support (such as the Samsung Galaxy phones, Google Pixel phones, and more) you will then get an option to view it in real life.
Smart Home technology continues to get a lot of press coverage, and as we head into the 3rd decade of the 21st century, it will only get more.
It includes everything from lights, security, TVs, speakers, fridges, air conditioners, and more.
We will focus on the core elements, and why they can be useful for everyone.
It includes everything from lights, security, TVs, speakers, fridges, air conditioners, and more.
We will focus on the core elements, and why they can be useful for everyone.
Home security used to involve spending thousands of dollars installing sensors, and cameras and more, and then paying a fee for an external company to monitor it all for you.
But it’s 2020, and technology has come a long way in the past 20 years.
You can now have a camera which alerts you on your phone for as little as $300 or less, ranging up to fully integrated smart systems with multiple cameras, door and window sensors, onsite and cloud based recording, for under $2,000.
Camera systems are available from a wide range of vendors today, and come in a wide range of configurations. From battery powered, wireless cameras, to cable based cameras that draw power from the data cable, and wireless cameras which plug into a power outlet, and systems that store the footage locally, to varying levels of storage in the cloud.
Mixed in with these, some of the vendors also provide door and window sensors that integrate to work alongside the cameras to protect your home. Some even integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to provide control and provide live streams via compatible devices.
Key companies to look at at eufy (which is from Anker - the company many people know for their battery packs, chargers, and more), Arlo (by Netgear, commonly know for their modems and routers, oh and both Telstra and Optus mobile hotspots), Ring (by Amazon, no introduction needed), Nest (by Google, again no introduction necessary), Netatmo (previously know for their personal weather stations), and the lower end (read not as good quality wise) Swann Security products. For businesses, there is also Ubiquiti (known for its great range of UniFi networking equipment), and a range of other business grade solutions available.
All of this can then be combined with door security solutions from Clay, Apero, Kisi, Yale (owned by Nest, owned by Google), and more for home, and small businesses, up to Protege and HID combination solutions for larger businesses or environments with options including card swiping, mobile phone/smartwatch swiping, digital pin pads, number plate recognition and more - at that level it can also integrate with building management systems for lighting, heating and cooling, and more, and motion sensors, and more for enhanced security functionality.
We generally recommend looking at the eufy and Arlo range for homes, and the eufy, Arlo and Ubiquiti ranges for businesses depending on the area to be monitored.
On the home front, the eufy equipment is battery powered (a single charge can last up to a year or more), and it can integrate both cameras and window/door sensors. Arlo is also a good option, and can either be battery powered, or plugged into mains power. There is also a solar panel add-on that can be combined with the cameras when in battery mode to essentially provide continuous power through the battery being recharged each day. With both, footage is stored locally, with a cloud option, and can be accessed remotely via an app - even on an ADSL level connection. Nest provides cameras which require mains power, and are cloud connected - they don’t have a local storage option through a base station like eufy and Arlo do, and require a better internet connection to work. For pricing you’re looking at retail starting from $800 for a two camera plus base station eufy setup, or 2 camera plus base station Arlo setup, and around $560 for a two camera Nest setup..
On the business front, the same eufy and Arlo systems can be used, or in environments with larger coverage requirements, or where the WiFi based cameras won’t be suitable, Ubiquiti provides a good solution. The UniFi Video range is almost limitless in terms of how many cameras can be installed. To start off, and for cost comparison, a 2 camera plus base station setup would be approximately $950 plus installation.
If you are interested in improving your home or business security, please reach out to us for a free review and report.
But it’s 2020, and technology has come a long way in the past 20 years.
You can now have a camera which alerts you on your phone for as little as $300 or less, ranging up to fully integrated smart systems with multiple cameras, door and window sensors, onsite and cloud based recording, for under $2,000.
Camera systems are available from a wide range of vendors today, and come in a wide range of configurations. From battery powered, wireless cameras, to cable based cameras that draw power from the data cable, and wireless cameras which plug into a power outlet, and systems that store the footage locally, to varying levels of storage in the cloud.
Mixed in with these, some of the vendors also provide door and window sensors that integrate to work alongside the cameras to protect your home. Some even integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to provide control and provide live streams via compatible devices.
Key companies to look at at eufy (which is from Anker - the company many people know for their battery packs, chargers, and more), Arlo (by Netgear, commonly know for their modems and routers, oh and both Telstra and Optus mobile hotspots), Ring (by Amazon, no introduction needed), Nest (by Google, again no introduction necessary), Netatmo (previously know for their personal weather stations), and the lower end (read not as good quality wise) Swann Security products. For businesses, there is also Ubiquiti (known for its great range of UniFi networking equipment), and a range of other business grade solutions available.
All of this can then be combined with door security solutions from Clay, Apero, Kisi, Yale (owned by Nest, owned by Google), and more for home, and small businesses, up to Protege and HID combination solutions for larger businesses or environments with options including card swiping, mobile phone/smartwatch swiping, digital pin pads, number plate recognition and more - at that level it can also integrate with building management systems for lighting, heating and cooling, and more, and motion sensors, and more for enhanced security functionality.
We generally recommend looking at the eufy and Arlo range for homes, and the eufy, Arlo and Ubiquiti ranges for businesses depending on the area to be monitored.
On the home front, the eufy equipment is battery powered (a single charge can last up to a year or more), and it can integrate both cameras and window/door sensors. Arlo is also a good option, and can either be battery powered, or plugged into mains power. There is also a solar panel add-on that can be combined with the cameras when in battery mode to essentially provide continuous power through the battery being recharged each day. With both, footage is stored locally, with a cloud option, and can be accessed remotely via an app - even on an ADSL level connection. Nest provides cameras which require mains power, and are cloud connected - they don’t have a local storage option through a base station like eufy and Arlo do, and require a better internet connection to work. For pricing you’re looking at retail starting from $800 for a two camera plus base station eufy setup, or 2 camera plus base station Arlo setup, and around $560 for a two camera Nest setup..
On the business front, the same eufy and Arlo systems can be used, or in environments with larger coverage requirements, or where the WiFi based cameras won’t be suitable, Ubiquiti provides a good solution. The UniFi Video range is almost limitless in terms of how many cameras can be installed. To start off, and for cost comparison, a 2 camera plus base station setup would be approximately $950 plus installation.
If you are interested in improving your home or business security, please reach out to us for a free review and report.
After a successful initial trial in the later half of 2019, Code Classes have returned for 2020.
We are continuing our support of this initiative at Mallee Rising to make coding more accessible for people in our region.
Learning to code provides not just skills that open up new career opportunities, it also provides valuable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and engrains resilience.
The initial trial last year was quite successful, we already have one student who is rapidly working towards starting to publish add-ons for Minecraft.
The structure we’re using initially is a guided self-paced structure of lessons that you can work through at a pace you are comfortable. Learning to code isn’t a race after all. Once these lessons are completed, we move you onto an intermediate level of learning, and from there onto learning industry languages.
We will also run some special classes this year around AI and machine learning, robotics, and introduce another stream of learning that expands on the current “just starting out” level of learning.
The classes are free to attend, and are suitable from ages 8 and upwards. Your never too old to learn new tricks. We run them every Saturday between 11AM and midday in Mallee Rising.
You can register here , or just turn up on the day (preferably register to help us with managing class sizes).
We are continuing our support of this initiative at Mallee Rising to make coding more accessible for people in our region.
Learning to code provides not just skills that open up new career opportunities, it also provides valuable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and engrains resilience.
The initial trial last year was quite successful, we already have one student who is rapidly working towards starting to publish add-ons for Minecraft.
The structure we’re using initially is a guided self-paced structure of lessons that you can work through at a pace you are comfortable. Learning to code isn’t a race after all. Once these lessons are completed, we move you onto an intermediate level of learning, and from there onto learning industry languages.
We will also run some special classes this year around AI and machine learning, robotics, and introduce another stream of learning that expands on the current “just starting out” level of learning.
The classes are free to attend, and are suitable from ages 8 and upwards. Your never too old to learn new tricks. We run them every Saturday between 11AM and midday in Mallee Rising.
You can register here , or just turn up on the day (preferably register to help us with managing class sizes).
For: Everyone
This is a refresher on one of the services we provide that is particularly timely with Black Friday / Cyber Monday coming up.
Through our purchasing service, we provide competitive (and by that I mean usually cheaper) pricing on all your technology needs. This ranges from computers, networking equipment, printers for home and office, to phones, tv’s, audio systems, and more. If it has a power plug, we can most likely source it. If our supply chains can’t do it for cheaper, and we can find somewhere else that does, we let you know.
We have both home and business grade equipment, and with all purchases, offer an optional flat fee installation service.
So reach out to us for a quote the next time you are looking to purchase something technology wise.
Examples of the kind of pricing we can provide are below.
NOTE - pricing is current as it 3 November 2019, and is for comparison purposes only. We always provide a current quote as part of the process to ensure we can get you the best pricing we can at the time. Additionally, pricing shown doesn’t include freight.
This is a refresher on one of the services we provide that is particularly timely with Black Friday / Cyber Monday coming up.
Through our purchasing service, we provide competitive (and by that I mean usually cheaper) pricing on all your technology needs. This ranges from computers, networking equipment, printers for home and office, to phones, tv’s, audio systems, and more. If it has a power plug, we can most likely source it. If our supply chains can’t do it for cheaper, and we can find somewhere else that does, we let you know.
We have both home and business grade equipment, and with all purchases, offer an optional flat fee installation service.
So reach out to us for a quote the next time you are looking to purchase something technology wise.
Examples of the kind of pricing we can provide are below.
NOTE - pricing is current as it 3 November 2019, and is for comparison purposes only. We always provide a current quote as part of the process to ensure we can get you the best pricing we can at the time. Additionally, pricing shown doesn’t include freight.
For: Anyone still running Windows 7
If you’re not aware already, Windows 7 goes End of Life on January 14 2020. What does this mean? Basically that in roughly 2 months from now, it will no longer be supported by Microsoft. As Microsoft ends support, this means shortly afterwards companies that make other products like web browsers, accounting software, etc that run on Windows 7 will also stop supporting their products on it - the exact timing for each will vary, but based on past history, it starts happening pretty quickly.
What are your options?
You have four options really.
Option 1 - Do Nothing
This entails continuing to run Windows 7. The risk here is that you will be exposing yourself to ever increasing security risks, and will not be able to get support for applications running on it. Basically it’s the least viable option to choose if you like being safe online, and we strongly recommend against this.
Option 2 - Upgrade Windows
The second option you have is to either attempt to get a free upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or buy Windows 10, and attempt to run it on your computer. There is no guarantee it will actually install and work correctly, leaving you with the next option.
Option 3 - Upgrade your machine
The third option is to upgrade your machine. Any new Windows based computer purchased will include Windows 10. This is the cleanest, least risk option as you know the computer will run Windows 10, and will be supported for at least 3 years, if not longer.
Option 4 - Move away from Windows
The final option is to move away from Windows. The computer could either be rebuilt with Chrome OS or Linux if you’re feeling adventurous, or you could buy yourself a Chromebook or Apple Mac. The pitfall here is if you use software that is locally installed and specific to Windows it won’t work on either of the other platforms. However, if you only use cloud based software, then rebuilding to Chrome OS is a viable option that is free, and doesn’t require any new hardware. The upside of this option is no more dealing with 6 monthly Windows 10 upgrades..
If you would like assistance (including recommendations, help with trying to upgrade your current machine to Windows 10, or purchasing new hardware) please reach out to us via our website , or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au .
If you’re not aware already, Windows 7 goes End of Life on January 14 2020. What does this mean? Basically that in roughly 2 months from now, it will no longer be supported by Microsoft. As Microsoft ends support, this means shortly afterwards companies that make other products like web browsers, accounting software, etc that run on Windows 7 will also stop supporting their products on it - the exact timing for each will vary, but based on past history, it starts happening pretty quickly.
What are your options?
You have four options really.
Option 1 - Do Nothing
This entails continuing to run Windows 7. The risk here is that you will be exposing yourself to ever increasing security risks, and will not be able to get support for applications running on it. Basically it’s the least viable option to choose if you like being safe online, and we strongly recommend against this.
Option 2 - Upgrade Windows
The second option you have is to either attempt to get a free upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or buy Windows 10, and attempt to run it on your computer. There is no guarantee it will actually install and work correctly, leaving you with the next option.
Option 3 - Upgrade your machine
The third option is to upgrade your machine. Any new Windows based computer purchased will include Windows 10. This is the cleanest, least risk option as you know the computer will run Windows 10, and will be supported for at least 3 years, if not longer.
Option 4 - Move away from Windows
The final option is to move away from Windows. The computer could either be rebuilt with Chrome OS or Linux if you’re feeling adventurous, or you could buy yourself a Chromebook or Apple Mac. The pitfall here is if you use software that is locally installed and specific to Windows it won’t work on either of the other platforms. However, if you only use cloud based software, then rebuilding to Chrome OS is a viable option that is free, and doesn’t require any new hardware. The upside of this option is no more dealing with 6 monthly Windows 10 upgrades..
If you would like assistance (including recommendations, help with trying to upgrade your current machine to Windows 10, or purchasing new hardware) please reach out to us via our website , or at enquiries@bgrdevelopment.com.au .
What is it and why does it matter? Read on to find out the backstory and why it matters - as a customer and as a business.
For: Everyone with a website
Google is making more changes to how it shows “secure” sites in Chrome over the coming months. No longer is simply having SSL enabled good enough, moving forwards all the site content will need to be secure, otherwise the website will show a warning instead of the padlock in the address bar.
Up until now, the two main things every website should have are SSL (so that it gets a padlock in the address bar) and be mobile friendly.
Starting in December every website should ensure every component is secured properly. This means sites that use iFrames, or images, or pointers to resources (pictures, videos etc) that are stored elsewhere are affected.
By the time February rolls around the behaviour will change from showing a warning in the address bar (it will still do that) to outright blocking sections of the site that aren’t configured correctly.
To summarise, I'll use a quoted recommendation “Webmasters are advised to look into making sure their websites don't load any resources over HTTP anymore. This includes iframes, cookies, CSS files, JavaScript files, audio, video, and especially images”.
If you’re website doesn’t show with a padlock today, you’re already behind the proverbial eight ball and should get onto your hosting provider (or change to a better one).
If yours is a site hosted by us - good news - your site is already prepared for these changes and there is nothing to do.
For those with websites hosted by others, it wouldn't hurt to reach out to ask if your site will be covered by these changes.
Finally for more on the changes, you can find the announcement from Google here .
Google is making more changes to how it shows “secure” sites in Chrome over the coming months. No longer is simply having SSL enabled good enough, moving forwards all the site content will need to be secure, otherwise the website will show a warning instead of the padlock in the address bar.
Up until now, the two main things every website should have are SSL (so that it gets a padlock in the address bar) and be mobile friendly.
Starting in December every website should ensure every component is secured properly. This means sites that use iFrames, or images, or pointers to resources (pictures, videos etc) that are stored elsewhere are affected.
By the time February rolls around the behaviour will change from showing a warning in the address bar (it will still do that) to outright blocking sections of the site that aren’t configured correctly.
To summarise, I'll use a quoted recommendation “Webmasters are advised to look into making sure their websites don't load any resources over HTTP anymore. This includes iframes, cookies, CSS files, JavaScript files, audio, video, and especially images”.
If you’re website doesn’t show with a padlock today, you’re already behind the proverbial eight ball and should get onto your hosting provider (or change to a better one).
If yours is a site hosted by us - good news - your site is already prepared for these changes and there is nothing to do.
For those with websites hosted by others, it wouldn't hurt to reach out to ask if your site will be covered by these changes.
Finally for more on the changes, you can find the announcement from Google here .
For: Everyone with a smartphone
A question I often get during Tech Tuesdays is around backing up photos from smartphones / tablets.
The answer depends on a couple of things.
If you’re on an Android phone (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Nokia, etc - basically any smartphone that’s not an iPhone) then the best option is to use Google Photos.
If your on an iPhone you have a couple of choices, being iCloud or Google Photos.
You can also use Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox among a number of other options available. Below we cover Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox.
Google Photos
Android
Before you start, make sure you're signed in.
1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
3. At the top, tap Menu (the Hamburger icon).
4. Select Settings and then Back up & sync.
5. Tap "Back up & sync" on or off.
If you've run out of storage, scroll down and tap Turn off backup.
iPhone
1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
3. At the top, tap Menu (the Hamburger icon).
4. Select Settings and then Back up & sync.
5. Tap "Back up & sync" on or off.
If you see a message asking to allow the app to access your photos:
1. Open the iOS settings app and then tap Privacy and then Photos.
2. Turn on Google Photos.
Apple iCloud
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, then turn on iCloud Photos.
Microsoft OneDrive
Android
To add photos or videos to OneDrive individually, open the OneDrive app, tap the Upload button, tap Upload photos and videos, choose the files you want to upload, and then tap UPLOAD.
To save photos and videos you take to OneDrive automatically (Android 4.0 or later only):
1. Open the OneDrive app.
2. Open Settings and tap Camera backup.
3. Set Camera backup to ON.
iPhone
To add photos or videos to OneDrive individually, open the OneDrive app, tap the More button in the upper right, tap Add Items, and then choose what you want to upload.
To save photos and videos you take to OneDrive automatically:
1. Tap Settings, and then tap Camera Backup.
2. Turn on Camera Backup.
Dropbox
iOS: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
2. Tap Dropbox on the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap Camera Uploads.
4. Toggle Camera Uploads to on.
5. Tap Upload.
Android phone
1. Open the Dropbox app.
2. Tap the menu button.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Under Camera uploads, tap Turn on camera uploads.
5. Tap Allow.
A question I often get during Tech Tuesdays is around backing up photos from smartphones / tablets.
The answer depends on a couple of things.
If you’re on an Android phone (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Nokia, etc - basically any smartphone that’s not an iPhone) then the best option is to use Google Photos.
If your on an iPhone you have a couple of choices, being iCloud or Google Photos.
You can also use Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox among a number of other options available. Below we cover Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox.
Google Photos
Android
Before you start, make sure you're signed in.
1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
3. At the top, tap Menu (the Hamburger icon).
4. Select Settings and then Back up & sync.
5. Tap "Back up & sync" on or off.
If you've run out of storage, scroll down and tap Turn off backup.
iPhone
1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Sign in to your Google Account.
3. At the top, tap Menu (the Hamburger icon).
4. Select Settings and then Back up & sync.
5. Tap "Back up & sync" on or off.
If you see a message asking to allow the app to access your photos:
1. Open the iOS settings app and then tap Privacy and then Photos.
2. Turn on Google Photos.
Apple iCloud
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos, then turn on iCloud Photos.
Microsoft OneDrive
Android
To add photos or videos to OneDrive individually, open the OneDrive app, tap the Upload button, tap Upload photos and videos, choose the files you want to upload, and then tap UPLOAD.
To save photos and videos you take to OneDrive automatically (Android 4.0 or later only):
1. Open the OneDrive app.
2. Open Settings and tap Camera backup.
3. Set Camera backup to ON.
iPhone
To add photos or videos to OneDrive individually, open the OneDrive app, tap the More button in the upper right, tap Add Items, and then choose what you want to upload.
To save photos and videos you take to OneDrive automatically:
1. Tap Settings, and then tap Camera Backup.
2. Turn on Camera Backup.
Dropbox
iOS: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
1. Open the Dropbox mobile app.
2. Tap Dropbox on the bottom of the screen.
3. Tap Camera Uploads.
4. Toggle Camera Uploads to on.
5. Tap Upload.
Android phone
1. Open the Dropbox app.
2. Tap the menu button.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Under Camera uploads, tap Turn on camera uploads.
5. Tap Allow.