eightpoint technologies

5 Things You Must Do With A Brand New Laptop

Whether you’ve just purchased a new laptop to replace an old one or have upgraded, there are a few things you should do right away. A small investment of time ahead can help you have the greatest experience possible later on. Below are the 5 most important steps to take after buying a new laptop.

1. Install an Antivirus Software (if needed)

Microsoft Defender is included in Windows 10 and 11, which is sufficient for most users. You can use it in conjunction with other powerful computer tools if you need additional protection.

2. Set up Anti-Theft Software

Theft protection is the next item on your list of things to do with a new laptop. Having your computer stolen (or lost) is terrible enough, but having someone else access to all of your data on your laptop might be even worse. As a result, it’s critical to take steps to improve your chances of recovering it.

Find My is a feature that comes with Windows 10. This option is also available in Windows 11 under Privacy & Security. Make sure this is turned on so you can track down your laptop using your Microsoft account if needed.

3. Check for Updates on the Operating System

Whether you bought your laptop at a store or online, it most certainly sat for several months after it left the factory. Installing any existing OS updates is thus among the first things to do on a new laptop. This gives you the most up-to-date features and ensures that your system is secure.

4. Start Using a VPN

​​​​ If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a virtual private network (VPN) may appear complicated, but it’s actually rather straightforward to use. In most cases, you first download and run an app before logging in with your credentials. Your network connection is encrypted by the app. This can shield you from spies, grant you access to some region-blocked content, and make it more difficult for others to track your online activity. If you’re unsure which VPN is right for you, VuzeVPN is an excellent choice.

5. Set  If you enjoy reading our tech news and business updates make sure you follow Eightpoint Technologies on LinkedInFacebook and Instagram.up Automated Backups

Your laptop will quickly fill up with documents, projects, images, and other personal information. What happens if it stops operating unexpectedly or if you drop it? You’d lose all of your information, which would be a dreadful fate. Don’t let this happen to you: immediately set up a backup strategy on your laptop to secure your data.

Internet Explorer is…. DEAD

No but for real, Internet Explorer.. the browser we all grew up on is being retired. It had a good run for 27 years but as of June 15th, it was phased out.

Although no one really uses Internet Explorer anymore, everyone is still wondering why Microsoft is getting rid of it. According to Swift Technology, it’s not as fast as Chrome and doesn’t have the best features. It is also not secure and has been plagued by security vulnerabilities. In todays age, security is the biggest thing people look for in the web browser so if you’re known for lacking in these abilities, it’s a quick way to get retired. The biggest reason Internet Explorer has seen its last days is that it has become outdated. Many websites do not look or work on IE anymore because they have not updated in years.

So what do you use now if you were the five people still using Internet Explorer? Don’t worry- you don’t have to switch to Chrome just yet. Microsoft has announced that they are already working on a new browser called Edge. They believe with the updates and how quick it will run, it will become the dominant browser in the market.

 If you enjoy reading our tech news and business updates make sure you follow Eightpoint Technologies on LinkedInFacebook and Instagram.

Cracking the Code on Gen Z Slang: 17 Terms you Need to Know

Generation Z (also known as Zoomers) is roughly defined as everyone born between 1997 and 2012. According to Pew Research Center, there are several differences between Gen Z and their predecessors. Gen Z is substantially more diversified than previous generations. On issues like race, climate change, and same-sex marriages, they’re also more educated and politically liberal. Despite the fact that these issues have been there for decades, they helped to shape Gen Z’s identity and language! Like all generations, Gen Z has its own slang and terminology that they use in their everyday communication, online and offline.

Here are 17 essential Gen Z slang words and phrases to know:

1. Ghosting

This term is frequently used in the early stages of a relationship. When you ghost someone, you stop responding to their texts or ignore them.

2. Snack

A snack is someone you find appealing.

3. Sip tea

Sipping tea is an alternative to “spilling the tea,” which means listening to the talk rather than participating in it.

4. Take several seats

If someone is truly grating on your nerves, you might tell them to take several seats.

5. Living rent free

If something is “living rent-free” in your head, that means you can’t get it out of your mind.

6. Hits different

When something is unique or superior than the norm.

7. Bet

This slang phrase simply means “yes.” It’s similar to the Millennial phrase “word” in that it can be used to confirm something.

8. Periodt

The use of this at the end of a statement emphasizes or intensifies the argument being stated.

9. I’m weak

Another term to use when you find something pretty funny.

10. Main character

It’s used to describe someone when they’re making a scene, but not necessarily in a bad way.

11. Sending me

Another term to use if you find something funny.

12. Slaps

Used to express how extraordinary something is.

13. Bussin’

When you taste something nice, use this odd word.

14. Sus

Short for “suspicious”, sus it typically means something is shady.

15. Snatched

If someone is looking snatch they look fantastic, especially in their outfit.

16. This ain’t it, chief

Another way of giving disapproval for something.

17. Extra

Someone who is bold and enjoys bringing things to new heights of flamboyance.

 

 If you enjoy reading our tech news and business updates make sure you follow Eightpoint Technologies on LinkedInFacebook and Instagram.

How to Stay Productive When Working From Home

Woman working from home on a laptop / notebook with cat pet with her.

Some of us find ourselves to be more productive when working from home. Fewer destructions equal higher productivity, right? However, others find working from the office to be more convenient, as offices are usually better equipped. In addition to that, they enjoy the fun environment of the office, the team activities and the interaction with other people.

If you are working from home Position Mobile gives you 5 tips that will keep you focused, efficient and productive.

  1. Isolate Yourself: If you are a social butterfly, working from home can be challenging. On the other hand, trying to work with your family around can be distracting. If you are not living alone, make sure that you have a dedicated work space that allows you to focus, mentally gets you into a work mode and helps create a work/life balance.
  2. Set Up Your Work Space: Get a desk and a comfortable chair! If you are planning to work from home for longer than a day or two, it’s important to be comfortable. A large screen, a wireless mouse & a keyboard will make your life much easier.
  3. Stay on Schedule: Pretend that you are at the office. Stick to your routine. Do what you would normally do, at each time of the day. Take small breaks and have your lunch on the same time as usual.
  4. Plan Ahead: Decide ahead all the tasks that you have to complete each day. Create a to-do list and do not leave your desk until you are done with everything.
  5. Shop Smart: Stock your shelves with healthy snacks and fruits. Being at home makes most people consume more than they normally would. Have your snacks by your desk to fuel your body during the day.

 If you enjoy reading our tech news and business updates make sure you follow Eightpoint Technologies on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

 

We Flew to Nashville for a 2-Day Epic Event

Earlier this week SPE Group (SpigotPolarity TechnologiesEightpoint Technologies) and Position Mobile travelled to Tennessee, US to celebrate one more big achievement! Employees from our offices all over the world flew to Nashville for the BHAG company-wide gathering, with all the expenses covered, including our accommodation at Dream Hotel. Some of the activities that took place during the 2-day event were the Honkey Tonk Bust Tour, General Jackson Showboat, After Party on Broadway and Hangover Brunch at Church and Union. We had an amazing time and we are all looking forward to our next big event.

At Eightpoint Technologies we don’t take travel as an escape from workload, but a more slowed downtime for employees to gain perspective over the usual race for success which allows them to return to their jobs energized, motivated and productive. It’s an opportunity for individuals to understand each other and bond, and also for the managers to get to know their teams on a deeper level. Most of all, party trips such as this one is our way to say thank you to our staff for all their hard work and dedication.

If you want to join our next party trip, check out our current job openings. Maybe your dream job is not that far away!

Ask The Experts “Software & Product Development” with Yasmany and Laurentiu

Eightpoint Employees Featured on Nova’s ‘Ask The Experts’ For Software and Product Development.

Two of Eightpoint’s employees participated in a seminar to discuss the software and product development industries as part of Nova Recruiting’s “Ask The Experts” series. The seminar focused primarily on what it’s like to work in Cayman and how to get your first job in the tech industry.

We got to listen to Eightpoint’s Yasmany Corcho and Laurentiu Gruia discuss their unique paths to the tech and computer science world and how they ended up working for Eightpoint in The Cayman Islands.

Yasmany Corcho is a C++ Software Engineer at Eightpoint Technologies. He first became interested in software engineering because it allowed for his interest in mathematics and computing to overlap. Yasmany shared that the technology space is so exciting because it is changing very quickly, which allows him and others to constantly look for new ways to solve problems and use new technologies.

Laurentiu Gruia is a Product Development Manager at Eightpoint. He has been in the tech industry for more than 10 years. He started as a support engineer and then took on bigger roles on the product management side of the business. Laurentiu explained that working with multiple platforms (like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) has helped keep his job exciting by presenting new topics to learn about on a regular basis.

What is the most important skill in the tech industry?

One of the biggest takeaways from the seminar was Laurentiu and Yasmany’s view that the most important skill in tech is problem solving. If you’ve been hired as a software engineer, obviously it’s important to have skills in coding and different programming languages, but you’ll likely spend a lot of time solving problems. If you’re a fast learner, you can acquire the skills you need on the job so having the ability to find new solutions for problems is a very important trait.

Another reason that problem solving skills are so valuable is that the tech field is always changing and new technologies are always emerging. Even if you’re trained in a given language or technology, you’ll experience new ones on a regular basis. You’ll have to use your existing knowledge to find solutions on the new platform or with the new language. Want to get hired in tech? Show that you’re capable of solving complex problems.

Working in Cayman

Both Yasmany and Laurentiu shared that Cayman presents some exciting opportunities for people looking for new careers in the tech world. Cayman had been an attractive locale for businesses in the banking, finance and legal industries, but has recently seen a boom in tech companies moving to the island.

Remote Work in Cayman

Another reason that Cayman is attractive for workers in the tech space is the ability to work remotely from a beautiful island in the Caribbean. COVID has now made remote work a viable option for most employees in the technology field. In 2020, The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) launched a program for digital nomads looking to work from Cayman. This program, called the Global Citizen Concierge Program, allows travelers to stay in the Cayman Islands for up to two years while working remotely. There are a number of other perks to working in Cayman, including the country being a tax neutral jurisdiction, which means we don’t pay income, capital gains, property or inheritance tax. This can make a big difference in making your job in tech even more lucrative.

Cayman Code Academy

One way to develop your skills in software and web development is to enroll in a code academy. If you are located in Cayman already, or are relocating soon, the Cayman Code Academy can help you learn the skills you need to get hired as a developer or software engineer. The increase in tech companies working in Cayman has created a need for high-quality tech professionals on the island. Cayman Code Academy is helping to fill that gap by training people to write quality code and solve high-level problems that one might come across in a software job.

Working at Eightpoint

One of the final points that Laurentiu and Yasmany discussed was that Eightpoint and the tech industry as a whole really wants to make work a fun and enjoyable experience. Eightpoint offers some awesome perks to its employees to reward them for the great work that they do:

  • Company paid insurance premiums for health, dental, vision, and disability coverage.
  • Unlimited paid time off for employees to enjoy time away from work and recharge.
  • Competitive compensation & pension contribution plans making planning for the future easier.
  • An awesome office in George Town, Grand Cayman with ocean views.
  • Fun-filled and casual work environment.
  • Catered lunches on Mondays & Wednesdays.
  • A fully stocked fridge with beer, drinks & snacks.
  • Break room with a ping pong table, gaming console, and darts.

Does this sound like the job you’re looking for? If so, connect with us on LinkedIn and tell us about yourself!