Articles by Barclay Ballard

Barclay has been writing about technology for a decade, starting out as a freelancer with ITProPortal covering everything from London’s start-up scene to comparisons of the best cloud storage services. After that, he spent some time as the managing editor of an online outlet focusing on cloud computing, furthering his interest in virtualization, Big Data, and the Internet of Things.

The role also allowed him to gain knowledge of SEO and social media hashtags, as well as take part in a press trip or two. A visit to Prague for the Huawei Cloud Congress Europe 2016 was a particular highlight. He eventually returned to freelancing, writing news and feature pieces for TechRadar Pro. Cloud remains a primary interest but he’s also happy covering the hardware and software that powers productivity in workplaces around the world as they attempt to manage the transition to hybrid working.

Articles by: Barclay Ballard

Cisco IP Phone 6800, 7800, 8800 series review

By Barclay Ballard published 16 January 22

Cisco has a formidable reputation in the business networking space, and it's easy to see why when evaluating these great VoIP devices.

Avaya OneCloud review

By Catherine Miller, Barclay Ballard published 16 January 22

Our Avaya OneCloud review will help you decide whether this comprehensive platform is worth the investment.

Avaya J Series review

By Barclay Ballard published 16 January 22

The Avaya J Series boasts some impressive VoIP devices but there have been reports of inconsistent helpdesk support.

5 surprising things you can do with remote desktop software

By Barclay Ballard published 17 December 21

Whether you want a personal cloud server or to trial new software installations, remote desktop apps can do a lot more than you think.

How to use a remote desktop? A look at Chrome, Microsoft, TeamViewer, RemotePC and GoToMyPC

By Barclay Ballard published 17 December 21

Chrome, Microsoft, TeamViewer, and more. Here's how to use some of the most common remote desktop tools.

RAT, RDP, RDC, VNC, SSO: A look at the most commonly used acronyms in Remote Desktop

By Barclay Ballard published 17 December 21

Don't know the difference between RDP and RDC? This guide explains the most common remote desktop acronyms around today.

Remote Desktop vs Remote Desktop Connection vs Remote Access Software: What is the difference?

By Barclay Ballard published 16 December 21

The Windows Remote Desktop app, Remote Desktop Connection, or remote access software generally - which is right for you?

Remote Desktop vs Virtual Desktop vs Virtual Machine: What is the difference?

By Barclay Ballard published 9 December 21

There are three main terms associated with virtualization: virtual desktop, remote desktop, and virtual machines. Here's what they all mean.

HP set to eliminate free instant ink offer

By Barclay Ballard last updated 3 December 21

HP Instant Ink subscription service will no longer offer free ink for life, instead charging a monthly fee based on the number of pages printed.

Millions of smart devices could still have major security flaws

By Barclay Ballard last updated 30 November 21

A new report claims 33 zero-day vulnerabilities are present in millions of smart devices, from more than 150 manufacturers.

What is Microsoft Teams Phone?

By Barclay Ballard published 17 November 21

Microsoft Teams Phone is an add-on that businesses can use to boost their communication capabilities beyond video calls.

Is Microsoft Teams free or paid? Teams pricing, explained

By Barclay Ballard published 12 November 21

Make sure you choose a Microsoft Teams pricing plan that is right for your organization - whether free or paid.

Hidden Microsoft Teams features you'll wish you'd known about sooner

By Barclay Ballard published 12 November 21

A guide to the essential Microsoft Teams features that you may not have been aware of.

The most common Microsoft Teams problems and how to fix them

By Barclay Ballard published 12 November 21

A guide to the most common Microsoft Teams problems and how you can fix them.

Microsoft Teams vs RingCentral: Which video conferencing and collaboration service is best?

By Barclay Ballard last updated 9 November 21

Microsoft Teams or RingCentral? Two impressive video conferencing tools go head-to-head.

Verizon VoIP review

By Barclay Ballard published 9 November 21

The Verizon VoIP solution comes with a big reputation but its customer support could be better.

1-VoIP business VoIP review

By Barclay Ballard published 9 November 21

1-VoIP offers all the usual VoIP features, plus integration with the third-party anti-spam service Nomorobo.

Microsoft Teams vs Cisco Webex: Which video conferencing and collaboration service is best?

By Barclay Ballard last updated 2 November 21

Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex? Two of the most popular video conferencing tools go head-to-head.

Microsoft Teams vs Skype: Which video conferencing and collaboration service is best?

By Barclay Ballard published 1 November 21

Microsoft Teams or Skype? Two of the most popular video conferencing tools go head-to-head.

How to use Microsoft Teams on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and more

By Barclay Ballard published 29 October 21

Our guide shows you how to use Microsoft Teams across all the main operating systems.

Microsoft Teams vs Google Meet: Which video conferencing service is best?

By Barclay Ballard published 29 October 21

Microsoft Teams or Google Meet? We compare two of the collaboration services that have taken off during the pandemic.

Woman on video call wearing bluetooth headset

How to use Microsoft Teams online

By Barclay Ballard published 27 October 21

Our step-by-step guide gives you everything you need to use Microsoft Teams online.

How to upgrade from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams

By Barclay Ballard published 21 October 21

Our guide makes upgrading from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams simple.

How to set up a Microsoft Teams meeting

By Barclay Ballard published 21 October 21

Our guide gives you all the steps you need to set up a Microsoft Teams meeting.

How to download Microsoft Teams

By Barclay Ballard published 19 October 21

Our step-by-step guide demonstrates how to download Microsoft Teams.

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