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8 Reasons Why You Need Automated Software Testing

Why you need automated software testing tools

Automated software testing is the use of automation to execute test case suites. You increase efficiency, coverage area and speed of execution. You can easily and quickly run multiple tests and detect errors in the product. Let’s dive deeper into why you need automated software testing tools.

You save time

There is a lot involved in the software development cycle. Continuous testing ensures that high-quality products reach the market. You can imagine how much time manual testing takes. Automation saves time in completing tasks. You can also run the tests as often as you want without sacrificing efficiency.

With the right automation you can run the systems 24/7. You can even control systems from remote locations and receive reports on the various tests. You can then take the necessary follow-up actions wherever you are.

People are naturally sensitive to mistakes. In manual testing, such errors can arise due to fatigue, especially when performing repetitive tasks. However, with test automation, all you need to do is design the test scripts, enter the test data and trigger them for execution. Once the testing is completed, test results are produced that allow you to analyze the quality of the product. You don’t have to worry about mistakes.

You reduce operating costs

Hiring full-time staff for manual testing can be very expensive for a company. And as mentioned, people are not ideally suited for such a repetitive, tedious and yet critical task.

With automation, you don’t need the additional staff that would be required to manually test a range of products. The initial installation costs can be high. But in the long run, you will see a better return on your investment. By saving time you increase output with high quality products and increase your chances of making a profit from your products.

You achieve better productivity and accuracy

Automation helps streamline processes, resulting in higher efficiency. With higher efficiency comes improved productivity. Developers can spend their time on tasks that require their expertise and focus on core issues.

It ensures greater precision no matter what task you are trying to complete. No matter how careful you are when performing a manual test, errors can still occur. Proper automated software testing is not prone to such errors. Once you have everything in the system aligned, you can be assured of good output.

You can improve product development and delivery

The time-saving aspect of automated testing ensures faster development and delivery. Completing tasks is fast. Faster feedback on various aspects allows improvements or updates to the software.

Teams also receive feedback on quality much faster. Such feedback will enable them to make necessary changes. You wouldn’t be able to achieve the same results with manual methods.

You can cover wider testing areas

Automation enables deeper exploration and broader scope of software testing. You have the ability to use many devices as long as you have the right configurations. Get in-depth information about various aspects such as file contents and data tables.

You can also check internal programs and memory contents for valuable information. The same results are simply not achievable using human resources. Apart from the timing considerations, critical issues can be overlooked.

You complete the Continuous Testing requirements

Software testing is a process that continues throughout the development process. You must do this for every step you take. It could be a new code or a code that you have had to change for specific reasons.

Automated testing eliminates the need to stop the development cycle. You can run multiple tests at the same time. It gives the teams the freedom to perform other development tasks.

You enjoy the benefit of reusability

Automated software testing ensures reusability. Once you have a well-defined plan and framework, you don’t need to create a new plan and framework the next time. You can reuse it as is, or make minor adjustments depending on the test you are running. Handling future projects becomes so much easier. All you need is to have the right structures and reusable entities in place.

You can boost morale give your employees a boost

Certain jobs can undermine employee morale. Manual software testing is, as we said, very annoying. The tasks are repetitive and mundane. Fatigue, boredom and inattention to details will start to manifest in the teams. The frustration of not completing tasks within timelines can also lower morale. Automating processes takes care of such mundane tasks. The team members can then explore their full potential in other areas. Companies that invest in automation see better productivity from their employees.

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The best Microsoft Word add-ins

Word add-ins are a powerful tool to speed up the document creation process

Microsoft Word is extremely popular in most offices around the world. It is a powerful tool and can be even more powerful if used to its full potential. Add-ins are an example of this. It allows you to easily access information on the Internet, for example you can look up items on Wikipedia without leaving Microsoft Word. It can also add more functionality and fun to your documents and projects.

Microsoft Word Add-ins Recommended for everyday productivity

We’ve selected some recommended Word add-ins based on their popularity and applicability in general.

1 – Writing assistant

Writing assistants are a good option if you write with Word every day. They help with spelling, typos and grammar. If English is not your first language, they are even more necessary and can save you some time. They are powered by artificial intelligence and will flag errors and suggestions.

The image below shows an example of a search for grammar-related add-ins. We recommend giving preference to those with good reviews. Some are free and others require an additional purchase to get advanced tools.

2 – Handy calculator

Handy Calculator can save you a few seconds because it works alongside your open Word document in a task pane. It’s useful if your activity requires a lot of math and you don’t have a calculator on your desk. Once downloaded, it will open on the right side of your document.

3 – Search for symbols

If you would like to have access to more symbols than those offered by the Word Icon Gallery, you can add the Symbol Search Add-in to your selection. Symbol Search has a categorized lineup and a handy search box to find a unique symbol. Click More and find the registered symbol, double asterisks, subscript numbers etc.

4 – Pro Word Cloud

Sometimes you want to add a visual element to your document or emphasize something that appears frequently. An easy way to do this is to add a word cloud to your text, but you don’t want a generic word cloud, you want a cloud generated by your string of words. In this scenario, Pro Word Cloud can help you.

5 – Pexels

There are a lot of options when the subject is stock illustrations and images. To access the best you have to pay a subscription. But if you’re just looking for an image to add a visual element to your document, you’ll probably be happy with the free options and Creative Commons licensed images available in Pexels.

6 – Copyleaks plagiarism checker

As the name suggests, it is an add-on to check whether the document is original or contains pieces of information that could be classified as plagiarism. The cloud-based app uses its algorithms to scan each document and ensure its integrity. Copyleaks also supports multiple languages and allows you to scan up to 10 pages per month for free.

7 – Read my document

Basically, Read My Document is a text-to-speech converter that reads your Microsoft Office documents out loud. It can be useful for document editing, proofreading, etc. You can pick up a voice and the speech rate to get started. You can also do something else with it while the app reads the document. One concern is not to use it for extremely confidential documents, as the engine can send data over the Internet.

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How can you understand if you can work in IT?

In a short time we have gone from basic technologies to advanced computer programs. Now almost every company uses computer software to make their work easier.

Companies are investing more in their information technology departments. In turn, we create jobs for current and future IT professionals.

An IT department handles other office workers’ problems with using their computers. Ensuring that the company maintains high levels of productivity.

An IT department develops programs that are essential for the company’s operations and communications. They also maintain all hardware and software devices.
What is information technology and what role do members of an IT department play?

IT is the use of computers to retrieve, transmit and manipulate data or information. Members of an IT department are responsible for automating and creating processes for daily tasks so that business operations run smoothly.

An IT department takes care of the handling

  • Ensuring that their company’s IT systems are useful and fit the needs of the organization. This is done through a combination of policy and processes.
  • Setting up and maintaining servers, telephone systems, routers and personal computers.
  • Providing technical support, performing network maintenance, device management and security testing.

What skills do you need to work in an IT department?

Being the person who fixes a friend’s computer problem doesn’t guarantee you can work in IT. You need other skills, such as:

  • Strong interpersonal communication. You will assist other staff members in solving problems they face when using their computers. With enough empathy, you can understand your colleague’s problem and help them solve it.
  • A passion for technology. Staying abreast of the latest technological developments is an essential trait for success in the IT sector.
  • Creative problem solving. Are you passionate about finding creative solutions to difficult problems? If the answer is yes, then you’ll enjoy a career in technology, according to a senior data scientist at Very.

The skills mentioned above are not the core skills to get hired by a company’s IT department. They are only necessary if you want to be effective and grow in the IT industry.

These are not skills you learn within the four walls of a university or through an online course. They are personality traits that you cherish and develop

How to understand if you can work in IT ?

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to fit into the IT department of any company. An information technology or computer science degree can help you find a job faster. A broad and certified knowledge of computer systems is crucial for landing that IT job.

Do you understand the difference between hardware and software? Do you have basic knowledge of both components? These are important questions to answer. You may be configuring a hardware component, but you need to understand how software controls those components.

More and more companies are looking for intuitive and advanced solutions that they can implement to give them an edge over their competitors. An IT department provides the edge the company needs to outsmart the competition.

Career opportunities in IT

You now have a good idea of the general responsibilities of an IT department. But there are roles that each member of the department fulfills alone or in collaboration. Some of these roles include:

  • Computer systems analyst: They are responsible for combining smart business solutions with IT. They are usually specialists in one industry while working for a technology company. They also work in the financial and government sectors.
  • Information Security Analyst: Their responsibility is to ensure that the company’s computer networks are secured. They are also responsible for conducting testing and developing company policies on best security practices.
  • Computer Support Specialists: They are responsible for handling software issues, computer crashes and any hardware issues. They work on the front lines to ensure that the company’s computer system and network are in the best condition.
  • Network System Administrators: Their role is to maintain the network system, security and performance.

Career roles in IT are subject to change as the world of technology is constantly evolving with new technologies. Some changes in your position may depend on size and of the company. An IT professional in a small business may only be responsible for mundane tasks and may need to have knowledge of various information technology areas.

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The best project management certifications

Best Project Management Certifications

You are willing to invest in your skills as a project manager. But what is the best project management certification out there and what are your other options?

Professional development is a significant investment of time, money and trust in an educational platform or system. Choosing the right certification for your career, goals and field should be of utmost importance.

Best Project Management Certifications

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best certifications for project managers – for industry veterans with extensive experience, newcomers with a lot to learn and everything in between.

Foundation

It offers the world’s best-known practice framework for IT service management and their Foundation class is the best all-round choice for PMs looking to get certified.

The Foundation course version introduces the Service Value System, a holistic lens for end-to-end PM model implementation that optimizes the value of those models to your business. Students can expect to learn about:

  • Service level management
  • Change control
  • Skills for the service desk
  • Problem management
  • Continuous improvement tactics
  • Problem treatment
  • Service request management

The course is intended for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of IT service management. There are no prerequisites and the course is intended for IT staff and management at all experience levels.

Professional project management training

The Project Management Institute offers several high-quality certifications, including the Project Management Professional Certification.

Project managers with the PMP certification demonstrate two crucial skills:

  • A deep understanding of complex project management tactics and concepts
  • The ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams

PMP is designed for experienced PMs with project management training and minimum hours of documented project management experience. Students will explore numerous aspects of project management.

Most importantly, a PMP certification directly benefits the PM. According to the certified project managers earned 10% higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.

For experienced PMs looking for a high-quality certification course is an excellent choice.

Certified Project Management Associate

Another offering, the Certified Associate in Project Management course, is intended as an entry-level certification for newcomers to project management. If you think you need more experience or expertise to truly thrive as a PM, then this certification route is for you.

The course provides inexperienced project managers with clear basic training and basic skills for a successful future in project management. Because it is designed with newcomers in mind, student requirements include a high school diploma and hours of field experience.

The course benefits both new PMs and the companies that hire them; students leave the course with strong fundamental knowledge that delivers immediate value to a company.

Certified Practitioner Certificate

PMI also offers a certification program for PMs interested in Agile project management methodology: the Agile Certified Practitioner certification.

This ten-part course provides thorough preparation for the exam of the same name and covers critical concepts such as:

  • The manifesto behind the Agile framework
  • Agile planning concepts
  • Agile teams
  • Interpersonal skills

The course is open to everyone, but some PM experience or PM-related professional development is recommended before registering.

The most important thing students will gain from this lesson is a full understanding of the Agile approach to software development. Agile experience is in high demand among employers and organizations are benefiting from its streamlined, adaptable approach to project management.

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Cybersecurity threats and how can you help?

Individuals can play a critical role in their company’s cybersecurity by practicing good security habits and taking a vigilant and proactive approach.

Protecting our digital world is more important than ever before. As we navigate the interconnected technology landscape, the domain of cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex.

Cybercriminals have become experts at social engineering and are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to trick you into clicking on malicious links and attachments. Ensuring that our employees have the knowledge and skills to better defend against these attacks is critical. This also includes increasing awareness and safe behavior.

How you can help?

Individuals can play a critical role in their company’s cybersecurity by practicing good security habits and taking a vigilant and proactive approach. This can actively contribute to creating a fortified environment, effectively protecting their business from potential cyber threats.

People:

Shape your behavior so that it reduces the likelihood and impact of security incidents. You can be the greatest security weapon.

Processes:

Consider how your daily processes and behavior could be affected by a security threat and potentially lead to a breach. Many incidents are caused by data misuse or human error.

Devices:

Remote work has increased risks as you use more home networks and personal devices and make your own decisions about potential threats. When you’re sitting in your home office, you can no longer casually turn to a neighboring colleague and ask if an email looks authentic.

The human element in particular has a major influence on cybersecurity risks. It is critical that our employees remain vigilant and have the necessary knowledge to defend against the ever-evolving techniques used by cybercriminals. In light of the increasing prevalence of sophisticated social engineering strategies, such as tricking employees into clicking on malicious links, it becomes crucial to equip oneself with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively counter these attacks.

Your role in cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is everyone’s job. As an employee, you play a crucial role in maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture. Here’s what you can do:

Stay informed:

Stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity trends, threats and best practices. Be aware of the risks and possible consequences of cyber attacks.

Use strong and unique passwords:

Create complex passwords by not using real words, but a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.

Be wary of phishing:

Be cautious of suspicious emails, emails that may contain funny return email addresses, misspellings or typos, links, attachments and requests for personal information. Verify the source and legitimacy of the communication before taking action.

Keep software updated:

Update your operating systems, applications and antivirus software regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against known vulnerabilities.

Secure your devices:

Protect your business devices with strong passwords or biometric authentication. Enable screen locks, encryption and remote track/wipe capabilities for smartphones and laptops.

Practice safe browsing:

Use only safe and reputable websites for online transactions. Avoid visiting suspicious websites that are poorly designed, have spelling mistakes and have a negative reputation. Do not click on unknown links or download files from unreliable sources. Use safe and reputable websites for online transactions.

Take social media into account:

Be careful when sharing sensitive or personal information. Take a moment and ask yourself if you are okay with the world knowing what you are about to communicate. Adjust the privacy settings to limit access to your personal information.

To report security incidents:

If you suspect cybersecurity incidents such as phishing attempts, malware infections or unauthorized access, please report them to our IT support team immediately.

Ongoing training and support

It is important that organizations commit to strengthening their awareness and skills in the field of cybersecurity. We want to help you stay informed and empowered in this ever-evolving landscape. At Pamazgoten we want to help individuals and organizations increase their knowledge and skills in the field of cybersecurity.

Remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and each of us plays a critical role in protecting our team and our organization. By practicing good cybersecurity habits, we create a safer work environment for everyone.

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What do you need to know about cloud-based application development?

The number of mobile apps moving to cloud computing is growing extremely quickly. Cloud technology is beneficial for businesses. It leads to a reduction in operational and IT management costs. Additionally, cloud solutions can easily scale up and down based on business needs.

Let’s see what steps you need to follow to develop a cloud-based application.

What is a cloud-based application?

A cloud-based app is a software solution that handles the processing logic and data storage between client and server sides.

Basically, every app has a client side that users interact with and a server side that processes data and makes the app work. In the case of cloud-based applications, the data is processed by a remote server. In typical mobile apps via the smartphone or computer processor.

Steps to build a cloud-based application

Cloud-based application development is quite a challenging process that is different from mobile or web development and depends on the service provider. Let’s look at the five steps for cloud development.

  1. Do market research

To attract early users, you need to conduct market research and understand your customers’ needs. This is how you build a valuable solution for the customers. Your target users need to understand why they should buy your product from others in the market.

  1. Hire a development team

To create a cloud-based application, you need to hire an experienced team.

There are three popular options for hiring software developers:

  • Freelance developers. The freelance hiring option is a good choice if you have a small project.
  • Internal team. It is the right decision if you want to control the entire development process.
  • Outsourced development team. It’s the right option if you want to build a development team as quickly as possible.
  1. Consider architecture and functions

It is better to design an advanced data architecture. Classical architecture can be monolithic compared to microservices architecture. The main advantages of microservices architecture are rapid development projects, scalability and isolation.

  1. Define the Tech Stack

Before choosing the cloud developer tools, it is better to consult business analytics. They assess your business requirements, desired features and design to choose the best tech stack for your product.

5 Test your product

Your development team should test your cloud-based app to ensure its functionalities work correctly. In this phase you ensure that it works smoothly, has no bugs and meets the user’s requirements.