Vinchin Backup & Recovery, a leading provider of data backup and recovery solutions, unveiled its latest iteration, Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 on May 30, 2024. This upgraded version boasts many new features including Amazon EC2, Microsoft 365, and cloud designed to bolster data security and streamline disaster recovery processes for businesses of all sizes.

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 delivers regular feature upgrades and expands its capabilities with support for new platforms and innovative disaster recovery features. This includes cloud backup, Continuous Data Protection (CDP), and native integration with popular services like Amazon EC2 and Microsoft 365 (Exchange).

Key New Features of Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0

Amazon EC2 Backup

One of the standout features of Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 is the support for Amazon EC2 instance backup. This feature allows businesses to perform agentless backups and recoveries of their Amazon EC2 instances. With data compression, deduplication, and encryption, this feature ensures that your data is not only backed up efficiently but also securely. This capability is crucial for businesses leveraging cloud infrastructure, providing a reliable way to protect and manage their cloud-based resources.

Microsoft 365 Exchange Backup

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 now supports application-level backup for Microsoft 365 Exchange, including both Exchange Online and Exchange Server. This enhancement offers identity verification and granular recovery options, allowing businesses to restore specific emails or entire mailboxes as needed. This level of detail in backup and recovery operations ensures minimal disruption and quick restoration of critical communication tools.

Continuous Data Protection (CDP)

Continuous Data Protection (CDP) is a game-changer in disaster recovery. Vinchin’s CDP feature provides real-time disaster recovery with near-zero Recovery Point Objectives (RPO). This means that data changes are continuously captured and saved, allowing for automatic failover and ensuring minimal data loss. In the event of a disaster, businesses can quickly switch to a secondary system with the latest data, significantly reducing downtime and data loss.

Cloud Backup

The ability to backup directly to public cloud platforms adds another layer of flexibility and security. Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 supports backup to multiple cloud services including Microsoft Azure, Amazon S3, MinIO, Wasabi, and Ceph. This feature allows businesses to store their backups in geographically diverse locations, enhancing data availability and resilience against local failures or disasters.

Enhanced Features

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 also introduces several enhanced features aimed at improving overall backup and recovery operations:

Improved OS Recovery with Instant Boot Capabilities: This feature allows for immediate booting of virtual machines from backups, ensuring quick recovery times and minimal disruption.

Optimized File and Database Backup: Enhanced strategies for file and database backups improve the efficiency and reliability of data protection.

Advanced Backup Strategies: Users can now create more sophisticated backup plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring optimal use of resources and better protection.

Network Reconnection for Backup Tasks: This feature ensures that backup tasks can automatically resume after a network interruption, providing greater reliability and reducing the risk of incomplete backups.

Unified Backup Copy and Cloud Archive Features: These enhancements streamline the backup process, making it easier to manage and store backup copies both on-premises and in the cloud.

Improved Sangfor VM backup: Vinchin is very popular for Sangfor VM protection. To let you protect Sangfor VM in more environments, now you can add Sangfor Cloud Platform to backup the VMs on it.

Also Read: 13 Best VM Backup Solutions in 2023, Features and Pricing

FAQs

What is Continuous Data Protection (CDP) in Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0?

CDP in Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 provides real-time disaster recovery by continuously capturing and saving data changes. This ensures near-zero Recovery Point Objectives (RPO), allowing businesses to minimize data loss and quickly switch to a secondary system with the latest data in the event of a disaster.

How does Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 support Amazon EC2 backups?

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 supports agentless backups and recovery for Amazon EC2 instances. It includes features such as data compression, deduplication, and encryption, ensuring efficient and secure management of cloud-based resources.

Can Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 backup Microsoft 365 Exchange data?

Yes, Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 supports application-level backup for Microsoft 365 Exchange, including Exchange Online and Exchange Server. It provides identity verification and granular recovery options, allowing for the restoration of specific emails or entire mailboxes.

What cloud platforms are supported for direct backup in Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0?

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 supports direct backup to multiple public cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon S3, MinIO, Wasabi, and Ceph. This allows businesses to store backups in geographically diverse locations, enhancing data availability and resilience.

Conclusion

Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0 is a comprehensive and robust solution designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses. The new features and enhancements provide a significant boost in data protection capabilities, ensuring that businesses can safeguard their critical data and recover swiftly from any disruptions. By supporting a wide range of environments and offering advanced backup and recovery options, Vinchin continues to lead the way in data protection solutions.

Stay ahead in data protection with Vinchin Backup & Recovery 8.0. Explore the new features and see how they can benefit your business. For more detailed information, visit the official release page. Protect your data, ensure business continuity, and enhance your disaster recovery strategy with Vinchin’s latest offering.

Stay tuned to Techwrix for more updates and insights on the latest tech innovations and solutions.

Also Read: How to Back up VMware VMs with NAKIVO Backup & Replication?

Proxmox VE is a powerful reliable open-source solution built for enterprise virtualization environments. A Virtualization Engineer aiming to improve IT infrastructure should understand the complexity of Proxmox VE.

An essential component of administering Proxmox VE is its package repositories. These repositories are essential for preserving and upgrading your virtualization environment, guaranteeing security, stability, and access to the latest features. This article will explore the different package repositories offered in Proxmox VE 8.2.

If you missed previous blog posts of this series, you can find them here:

Introduction to Proxmox VE 8.1

Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17

Proxmox VE 8.1: Overview of Web Console

Containers vs. VMs: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Proxmox VE – Part 4

Understanding Package Repositories

Package repositories are centralized storage locations from which software packages can be retrieved, installed, and updated. These repositories ensure that your system has access to the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes, thereby maintaining the stability and security of your Proxmox virtualization platform.

In the context of Proxmox VE, there are several types of repositories, each serving different needs:

Enterprise Repository

The Enterprise Repository is available to users with a valid Proxmox VE subscription. It provides access to thoroughly tested and stable packages, ensuring the highest level of reliability for production environments.

This repository is ideal for enterprises that prioritize stability and are willing to invest in a subscription to minimize risks and downtime.

No Subscription Repository

The No Subscription Repository, also known as the Community Repository, is available to all users, regardless of subscription status. This repository provides access to the same software packages as the Enterprise Repository but without the same level of testing and support.

It is a valuable resource for users who want to stay updated with the latest features and improvements without the cost of a subscription. However, it requires users to be more proactive in managing and troubleshooting their Proxmox VE installations.

Test Repository

The Test Repository is intended for users who want to access the latest developments and experimental features in Proxmox VE. Packages in this repository are not as thoroughly tested as those in the Enterprise or No Subscription repositories and may contain bugs or unfinished features. This repository is best suited for development environments or for users who want to contribute to the testing and improvement of Proxmox VE.

Understanding the differences between these repositories allows you to make informed decisions about how to configure your Proxmox VE system based on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Overview of Proxmox VE 8.2

Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) 8.2, released on April 24, 2024, introduces a range of enhancements designed to improve installation, management, and performance. This release ensures that your virtualization environment remains at the cutting edge of technology. Here are the key updates in Proxmox VE 8.2:

Automated Installation: Proxmox VE 8.2 supports automated and unattended installations, simplifying the deployment process for large-scale environments.

VM Import Wizard: A new wizard facilitates the import of virtual machines (VMs) from VMware ESXi, making it easier to migrate existing workloads to Proxmox VE.

nftables Firewall: The firewall system has been updated to use nftables, providing enhanced security and more robust firewall management capabilities.

Device Passthrough for LXC: Proxmox VE 8.2 includes support for device passthrough in LXC containers, allowing for greater flexibility and performance in containerized environments.

Enhanced Backup Options: New advanced backup settings offer greater control over backup processes, improving data protection and recovery options.

Custom CAs: The release adds support for custom Certificate Authority (CA) configurations with ACME, enhancing SSL/TLS certificate management and security.

User Interface Enhancements: Proxmox VE 8.2 features several UI improvements, making the platform more user-friendly and intuitive. Enhanced dashboards and streamlined navigation help administrators manage their environments more efficiently.

Debian 12.5 (Bookworm): Proxmox VE 8.2 is based on Debian 12.5, ensuring compatibility with the latest software packages and updates.

Linux Kernel 6.8: The inclusion of a newer Linux kernel (6.8) provides improved performance, hardware compatibility, and security features.

QEMU 8.1: Updated to QEMU 8.1, offering better performance and new features for virtual machine management.

Ceph Reef 18.2: The latest version of Ceph (Reef 18.2) provides enhanced scalability and stability for distributed storage solutions.

LXC 6.0: Updated LXC version 6.0 improves container management and performance.

Open ZFS 2.2: Open ZFS 2.2 brings advanced storage capabilities, improving data integrity and performance for ZFS file systems.

These enhancements in Proxmox VE 8.2 underscore the importance of keeping your system updated to leverage the latest features and improvements.

Conclusion

Maintaining a well-configured and up-to-date Proxmox VE environment is essential for ensuring the stability, security, and performance of your virtualization infrastructure. By understanding the different package repositories and configuring the No Subscription Repository, you can keep your Proxmox VE 8.2 system current without the need for a paid subscription. This guide has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the steps involved, along with best practices and troubleshooting tips to help you manage your environment effectively.

In summary, we have covered:

Understanding Package Repositories: The role of package repositories in Proxmox VE and the differences between Enterprise, No Subscription, and Test repositories.

Overview of Proxmox VE 8.2: Key features and improvements in the latest release, highlighting the importance of keeping your system updated.

Proxmox VE Subscription Model: An overview of the subscription tiers and the benefits of each, helping you make informed decisions about repository configurations.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your Proxmox VE setup remains robust and efficient, providing a reliable foundation for your virtualization needs.

We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. Please share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments section below. Your feedback and insights are valuable to us and can help others in the Proxmox VE community.

Proxmox VE is a robust open-source solution for virtualization, widely popular among home lab enthusiasts. By default, Proxmox is configured to use Enterprise repositories that require a subscription. For home lab setups where budget constraints are a consideration, purchasing a subscription may not be feasible.

Fortunately, Proxmox provides a no subscription repository that you can use to keep your server updated without needing a subscription. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of configuring your Proxmox VE installation to use no subscription repositories.

If you missed the previous blog posts of this series, you can find them here:

Introduction to Proxmox VE 8.1

Installing Proxmox VE 8.1 on VMware Workstation 17

Proxmox VE 8.1: Overview of Web Console

Containers vs. VMs: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Proxmox VE – Part 4

Understanding Package Repositories in Proxmox VE 8.2 Part – 5

Understanding the Need for No Subscription Repositories

When you first set up Proxmox VE, it is configured to use Enterprise repositories, which require a paid subscription for access. Without a subscription, you won’t be able to fetch updates from these repositories, which is critical for maintaining a secure and up-to-date system.

By switching to the no subscription repository, you can access updates and keep your server secure and functional, all for free and legally.

Logging into the Proxmox Web Interface

Begin by logging into the web interface of your Proxmox VE server. You might see a message stating “No valid subscription.” This message will remain even after switching to the no subscription repository, but it will not interfere with your ability to update the server.

Next, minimize the web interface and open an SSH session to your Proxmox VE server. The SSH session will allow you to edit the necessary configuration files.

Checking the Current Repository Configuration

Once logged in via SSH, it’s important to understand the current repository configuration. Execute the following commands to update and upgrade your system:

apt-get update && apt-get upgrade

You will likely see errors indicating that the system cannot fetch updates from the Enterprise repository. This is because you don’t have a valid subscription.

The error message will look something like this: “Failed to fetch enterprise.proxmox.com.” This confirms that you are currently pointed to the Enterprise repository.

Also Read: Proxmox VE 8.2 is Released with VMware ESXi Import Wizard

Editing the Main Repository List

To switch to the no subscription repository, you need to edit the main repository list file located at /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-enterprise.list.

Open this file using a text editor, such as nano:

nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-enterprise.list

In this file, you’ll see a line pointing to the Enterprise repository. It will look something like this:

deb https://enterprise.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-enterprise

Comment out this line by adding a ‘#’ at the beginning.

Then, add the following line to point to the no subscription repository:

deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-no-subscription

Save and exit the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and Enter.

Editing the Ceph Repository List

Proxmox 8.x requires an additional step of updating the Ceph repository list. This was not needed in previous versions like 7.x.

Also Read: Veeam Now Supports Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE): Enhanced Data Protection for SMBs and Service

Open the Ceph repository list file located at /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ceph.list

And, edit using the following command.

nano /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ceph.list

In this file, you’ll see a line pointing to the Enterprise repository for Ceph updates. Comment out this line and add the following line to point to the no subscription repository:

deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/ceph-quincy bookworm no-subscription

Save and exit the file by pressing Ctrl+X, then Y, and Enter.

Testing the New Configuration

With the repository files updated, it’s time to test the new configuration. Run the update and upgrade commands again:

apt-get update && apt-get upgrade

This time, you should see that the system is able to fetch updates from the no subscription repository without any errors. This confirms that your Proxmox VE server is now successfully configured to use the no subscription repositories.

Final Thoughts and Additional Resources

Switching to the no subscription repository is a straightforward process that allows you to keep your Proxmox VE server updated without needing a subscription. This is ideal for home lab environments where budget constraints are a consideration.

Remember, the no subscription repository is fully supported within the terms of use of Proxmox, so you can use it with confidence.

If you have any questions or run into issues, there are plenty of resources available. The Proxmox community forums are a great place to start, and you can also find detailed guides and tutorials on various blogs and websites.

Happy labbing, and enjoy your Proxmox VE setup!

Resources

Proxmox VE Documentation

Proxmox Support Forum

All screenshots are taken from Brandon Lee’s YouTube video.

Today, most people use cloud computing. And why’s that? Because it is convenient, scalable, and cost-effective. However, when there’s a good side of something, there’s a bad one too. That’s the same for cloud computing. It raises important questions like how protected is the data from hackers? What security measures are in place? And so on.

These are not just technical questions. These are actual problems that people face everyday. While the cloud has tons of benefits, it also brings specific security challenges. These challenges include data breaches, compliance issues, and more.

In 2023 a research was conducted which showed that over 8.2 Billion data records were leaked because of data breaches. So, now you know why cloud security is absolutely necessary in 2024.

Here, we’ll help you clear up your concept about cloud security and address any concerns that you have about it. This article also includes practical tips on how to keep your data safe. So, let’s dive in.

What is Cloud Security?

Cloud security is all about protecting the data, applications, and services anyone stores in the cloud. As more businesses and individuals use cloud computing, keeping this information safe becomes even more important. But what exactly does cloud security involve?

Think of cloud security as a set of practices and technologies designed to defend your cloud-based resources from various threats. These threats can include hackers trying to steal your data, viruses that can corrupt your files, and even accidental leaks of sensitive information.

One key part of cloud security is making sure only authorized people can access your data. This is done through strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and permissions settings that control who can see and do what with your information.

Also Read: What is an Insider Threat? Definition, Types, and Prevention

What Cloud Security Covers?

Here’s a list of things that come under cloud security:

Physical Networks: This includes routers, electrical power, cabling, and climate controls. It is important to keep these components secure as they are the foundation of cloud security.

Data Storage: Cloud security makes sure that your data is protected by every means possible. Keeping the data safe is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data loss.

Data Servers: These are the core network computing hardware and software. If your cloud servers are secure, you’ll have a smooth and safe operation of your cloud services.

Computer Virtualization Frameworks: This involves the software that creates virtual machines, as well as the host and guest machines. The security measures are crucial here to prevent breaches in virtual environments.

Operating Systems (OS): These are the software that runs on your machines, hosting all other software and applications. If you want to prevent malware, this is where you focus more for additional security. 

Runtime Environments: This involves the execution and maintenance of running programs. You need to ensure these environments are secure to help prevent disruptions and attacks during program execution.

Applications: These include traditional software services such as email, tax software, and productivity suites. All of these must be kept secure to prevent data breaches and ensure safe usage.

End-User Hardware: Lastly, the hardware used by individuals such as computers, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices also have cloud storage. This means it is essential to protect these devices as well to cover up any potential entry points for cyber threats.

Common Cloud Security Challenges

While cloud security can simplify security management and enhance visibility, it also brings about several challenges. These include:

Identity and Access Control

Cloud providers are constantly expanding their services, resulting in an average of over 5,000 distinct entitlements per service. Managing this volume with traditional identity and access management (IAM) approaches can be overwhelming and complex.

Logging, Monitoring, and Incident Response

Effective incident response relies on comprehensive and accurate logs. Many organizations struggle to handle the large volume of data generated by cloud computing. Due to this companies usually feel their existing solutions are inadequate for collecting reliable logs, which is actually true.

Storage and Encryption

Queueing and notification services often temporarily store sensitive information before security measures can be applied. This step is frequently overlooked, and many services lack essential server-side encryption, which means the data being transferred is left vulnerable.

Cloud Ransomware

Cloud environments are most susceptible to cyberattacks because they are hosted online. Attackers typically exploit misconfigurations or weak security practices, such as excessive permissions or weak passwords to infiltrate these environments.

Supply Chain Attacks in the Cloud

Sharing data and access with third parties, like suppliers and contractors, increases the risk of supply chain attacks. This makes it crucial for security teams to prioritize the monitoring and management of third-party access to protect cloud environments effectively.

9 Cloud Security Best Practices in 2024

Here are the 9 best practices for cloud security which you might have been waiting for to read.

#1. Understand Your Shared Responsibility Model

Firstly, it is important to clearly define which security tasks are managed by your cloud provider and which tasks are to be handled by you. This understanding will help you implement effective security measures for your data, applications, and configurations. 

Having well-defined roles ensures that all aspects of cloud security are covered. It also reduces the risk of security breaches due to overlooked responsibilities.

#2. Ask Detailed Security Questions

You need to ask all the right questions. Make sure to regularly check in with your cloud provider and update yourself about their security protocols, disaster recovery plans, and compliance measures. This ensures their security processes align with your organization’s requirements and helps identify any potential weaknesses in their system. 

Asking these questions provides clarity on the provider’s capabilities and readiness to handle security incidents, enabling you to make informed decisions about your cloud security strategy.

#3. Train Your Staff

Employees are the backbone for any company that wants to do well in the market. So, it is important to provide comprehensive cybersecurity training to all employees. Educate them on identifying threats, using strong passwords, recognizing phishing attacks, and understanding the importance of following security policies. 

Well-trained staff are essential for maintaining a secure cloud environment, as human error is a common cause of security breaches. Continuous training keeps employees updated on the latest threats and best practices.

#4. Establish and Enforce Cloud Security Policies

Now, you need to have clear cloud security policies outlining who can use cloud services, how they should be used, and what data can be stored. Also, ensure all employees adhere to these guidelines to maintain consistent security practices across the organization. 

Effective policies reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access by providing clear instructions and standards for handling cloud resources securely.

#5. Integrate Additional Cloud Security Tools

You can’t manually strengthen your cloud security. For that you need to use additional tools like Identity and Access Management (IAM), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS), and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB). These tools will help enhance your security posture and defend against various threats. 

These tools provide additional layers of protection by managing access, detecting malicious activities, and enforcing security policies. Which means they are more than capable of strengthening your cloud environment’s overall security framework.

#6. Conduct Penetration Testing and Audits

Now, if you want to check how strong your defenses are you’ll need to perform penetration testing and security audits on a regular basis. This proactive approach helps strengthen your defenses and ensures your security measures are effective. 

Penetration testing simulates cyberattacks to find weaknesses, while audits evaluate your overall security posture. Both of these provide insights and action plans to mitigate risks and enhance protection.

#7. Enable and Monitor Security Logs

It is critical to have a detailed log of all the activities happening on the cloud environment. By doing so, you can quickly detect any security issues and respond to them before anything bad happens. 

Effective logging and monitoring provides visibility into your cloud operations. It also enables you to identify anomalies, track user actions, and ensure compliance with security policies.

#8. Understand and Mitigate Misconfigurations

One of the most necessary practices to improve cloud security is to regularly review and correct configuration settings in your cloud environment. Misconfigurations can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, so make sure your system configurations are on-point. 

Automated tools can help detect and fix misconfigurations. They assist in reducing the risk of human error and enhancing the security of your cloud infrastructure by maintaining optimal configuration standards.

#9. Manage Unnecessary and Unauthorized Access

Last but not the least, implement strict access controls and regularly review user permissions. When you limit the access to only those who need it, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data. 

Access management includes using role-based access control (RBAC) and the principle of least privilege. This ensures that users have the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks, thereby minimizing security risks.

Also Read: How to Implement AI-Powered Fraud Detection in Financial Services

Conclusion

It is important to secure your cloud environment to keep your data safe and maintain trust. When you understand your responsibilities, ask all the right questions, train your staff, and use effective security tools, you can reduce any potential risks and keep your information safe. If you don’t know how to keep your cloud security top-notch, just read the best practices again and you’ll know what to do.

Are you tired of writing text from images into Word files using a keyboard? What a difficult and tricky task it is! Do you ever wonder if there is an AI tool that can make this task easier for you? Yes, there are many image to word converters that can do this tricky task in no time.

The image to word converters utilize OCR technology to perform their specific task. These tools integrate AI with their basic technology to further enhance their efficiency and accuracy. AI is now advancing day by day. The machine learning and natural language processing algorithms of AI have greatly enhanced the efficiency of these image to word converters. Let’s have a deep look into it.

Also Read: How to Train an AI Model with Simple Learning Algorithms

What is an AI image to Word Converters?

AI image to word converters are advanced OCR tools. These tools use artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze and read text data from images. Then they convert it into machine readable text and give output in the form of a Word document. These tools are more advanced than simple OCR tools. 

AI image to word converters use deep learning to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Also, the AI enhances the accuracy of OCR tools to a great extent. This helps them convert images with low resolution or difficult writing into Word documents.

These tools can also efficiently convert handwritten notes and documents into Word documents with greater accuracy. This makes them useful for tasks like adding captions to images, making websites accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, and extracting text from scanned documents.

Difficulties in Converting an Image to a Word Document

Converting an image to a Word document using OCR software can be difficult due to a variety of factors. Some common issues are:

The conversion process can be difficult due to issues such as low-resolution images, handwritten text, complex layouts, and language barriers.

Visual obstacles and handwritten or cursive text can make the OCR process harder.

Recognizing and transcribing multilingual text images can be hard for OCR tools. 

OCR software may not be able to correctly recognize text if the images are not organized or are too complicated, or if there is noise or clutter in the background. For the best conversion, the area must be clear, well-lit, and free of any marks.

Some Best AI Tools to Convert Images into Editable Word Documents

There are plenty of online image to word converters but only a few of them have integrated AI with them. Here, I will tell you about some of the best AI image to word converters. 

1. JPG To Word By HiPDF

HiPDF is the best free AI tool to convert jpg to Word files. It produces high-quality results and is easy to use. It can be used on every browser, including mobile and iPhone. The tool converts JPG files to Word files using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. 

The files you upload to HiPDF are safe because they are deleted from the database after 60 minutes. This means that no one else can get to them without your permission. The user-friendly layout makes it easy for everyone to convert their files, even those who aren’t very good with technology.

Pros:

Access can be gained through various means.

Very good user experience

Comments and annotations are kept.

Cons:

Only paid subscribers can use the HiPDF JPG to Word translator.

Prices:

2. Image to Word Converter By jpgtotext

This tool is an efficient image to word converter. It uses advanced AI algorithms, including machine learning and natural language processing. This allows it to accurately convert JPG images into editable Word documents. Users only need to upload their JPG files, and the converter will quickly look at the text and images to make a Word file that can be edited by anyone. This tool makes it very easy and quick to turn scanned documents or pictures into text that can be changed and edited in Microsoft Word.

Pros:

It works on many devices, like desktops, phones, and tablets.

 It can get text out of images, even ones with low resolution.

It is useful, especially  for students and businesses 

COns:

Their website does not clearly mention their privacy and security practices.

Prices:

3. Microsoft OneNote

OneNote is a good option to consider if you are already using Microsoft and are looking for a free alternative. The text contained within images can be recognized by this note-taking app, which can be accessed with a Microsoft account, and it can convert the text directly within the app itself. After the text has been converted, it can be easily exported to a Word document, at which point it can undergo additional editing and formatting. 

Pros

Completely free with a Microsoft account.

User-friendly interface for capturing images and extracting text.

It works well with other Microsoft Office programs.

Cons

It is possible that OCR will not be as accurate as full-on OCR tools.

Editing options are limited compared to a full-fledged word processor.

Prices

If you have a Microsoft account, it is completely free to use.

Benefits of AI Powered Image to Text Converters

Image to word AI converters have many advantages. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and usability of work in many fields. Here are some key advantages:

Increased Efficiency

The AI image to text converters make it easier to extract data from pictures, which saves time and effort. They can also speed up the scanning of paper documents like business cards, receipts, and writing notes. It makes it easier to handle and organise documents. A lot of tools also allow batch processing, so you can convert multiple files into.

Improved Accuracy

AI powered OCR tools can correctly extract text. It makes it less likely to do mistakes as compared to writing by hand, especially for important documents. It can also read different kinds of text, tables, and complicated patterns better than simple OCR tools.

Enhanced Accessibility

The text can be turned into speech or Braille for people who are blind or have low vision. There are many tools that can translate the extracted text into different languages. This helps people from different countries share information and talk to each other.

Also Read: Can We Learn Generative AI Without Knowing Machine Learning and Deep Learning?

Conclusion

When compared to conventional OCR tools, image-to-word converters that are powered by artificial intelligence offer a significant improvement. These artificial intelligence tools are able to achieve greater accuracy and efficiency in the process of converting images into editable Word documents since they make use of machine learning and natural language processing. This technology provides a wide range of advantages, some of which include increased productivity, improved accuracy, and enhanced accessibility. AI is always getting better, which means that image to word conversion will soon be even more useful for many tasks.

Life throws us countless chances to lead. Sometimes we’re out in front; other times, we’re the silent force behind a success. Each moment, each challenge, teaches us. Who are we? How do we shape our world?

Here are ten life lessons for those who lead—or aspire to. They touch every slice of life, from quiet moments alone to the triumphs we share with a team. They offer advice on riding the highs and handling the lows.

The first six of these lessons have been circulating online. I’m not sure where they originated but appreciate the simple wisdom. I decided to add some of my own thoughts about the six, and then add four more that came to mind.

1. When you are alone, mind your thoughts

When we’re alone, our thoughts can be loud. If we don’t steer our thoughts positively, we might drift into negativity or worse. Our goal should be to cultivate a mindset that promotes growth and strength. If a gardener carefully tends to his plants, ensuring they grow healthy and strong, shouldn’t we take equal care of our thoughts?

2. When you are with friends, mind your tongue

Conversations with friends are almost like playing an instrument. Each note must be played with care and consideration. The wrong word can be like a sour note, jarring, disruptive, out of place. Always aim to harmonize with the group, adding value and warmth to the conversation.

3. When you are angry, mind your temper

Anger can ignite like a spark in dry grass. The damage can spread quickly and destructively. Controlling your temper is like using a firebreak to stop the spread of wildfire. It protects you and others from the destructive forces of unchecked emotions. Most of us can look back at the times we lost it, and feel a twinge of regret for the resulting damage.

4. When you are in a group, mind your behavior

In a group, your behavior is like a mirror reflecting your character to others. Act as the person you aspire to be seen as. This consistency is what builds trust and respect within the group. Your behavior influences others in powerful ways.

5. When you are in trouble, mind your emotion

During turbulent times, managing your emotions can be a challenge. You’re in a storm, and it’s rough. Staying calm can help keep the boat steady, even when the waves are high. Emotional steadiness in crises can inspire and stabilize those around you.

6. When God starts blessing you, mind your ego

When success and blessings come your way, think of them like rain nourishing the earth. Just as rain benefits the humblest plants, let your success nourish your humility. This way, your growth remains grounded and fruitful, benefiting not just yourself but those around you. The egotistical way to manage blessings is to focus on self. This leads to pride and arrogance.

7. When you are successful, mind your gratitude

Success often brings joy and satisfaction. Regularly acknowledge those who have supported you and the fortunate turns that have come your way. This not only keeps you grounded but also enhances your relationships and sets a positive example for others to follow. It also allows more blessings to flow your way.

8. When you are learning, mind your openness

The process of learning is continuous. It touches every aspect of our lives. Embrace new ideas and different perspectives with an open mind and heart. This expands your knowledge but also enhances your ability to connect with others.

9. When you face failure, mind your resilience

Facing failure is an inevitable part of life and leadership. Minding your resilience in these moments is like using a compass to help you find your way back. Learn from each setback and use these lessons to build a stronger, more adaptable approach. Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning how to recover and move forward.

10. When you are the leader, mind your influence

As a leader, every action and decision has ripple effects. Minding your influence is like steering a ship in calm waters—it’s essential to maintain a steady course that others can follow confidently. Embrace the responsibility that comes with your role, understanding that your words, decisions, and even your demeanor set the tone for the entire team. Effective leadership is about more than just guiding—it’s about inspiring others to achieve their best.

Every day, I learn more about resilience, gratitude, and how to handle negative emotions or anger. Each challenge, every stumble, and every victory adds another layer to my understanding. This isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about growing alongside you.

Remember, we’re all continuously growing. We’re all students in the grand classroom of life, and the lessons never end.

Image Credit: Mohammad Nohassi

]]> https://playprizeland.com/10-essential-life-lessons-for-aspiring-leaders/feed/ 0 https://playprizeland.com/appreciating-greatness-catlin-clark/ https://playprizeland.com/appreciating-greatness-catlin-clark/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:33:41 +0000 https://playprizeland.com/?p=72383

Caitlin Clark is a phenomenon. She is a senior at the University of Iowa. This year she has broken too many records to list here. However, the big one is that she became the leading scorer in men’s and women’s college basketball history.  She currently has 3,685 points. In her career, she has averaged 32.8 points per game. She also has more assists than anyone else this year, which tells you a lot about her game. She also has more three pointers this year than any other player. In short, she has a lot of great components to her game.

Joe’s Perspective: Before Magic Johnson and Larry Bird entered the NBA (1979), playoff games were aired on tape delay. The NBA was not that big of a deal. However, Magic and Larry brought excitement and pizzaz to the game. Game attendance and TV coverage soon followed. I believe Caitlin has done the same for women’s college basketball and soon, she will dramatically impact the WNBA. Caitlin is probably the second most known female in America (after Taylor Swift). She has brought women’s basketball into the mainstream. People who have never watched the women’s game are tuning in to see the show. Wherever she plays, the arenas are sold out, including the Big 10 tournament this weekend. The TV ratings for her games are off the charts. Caitlin has shifted the culture.

Before Tiger Woods joined the PGA Tour, the purses of each tournament were a fraction of what they are today. After he joined the tour, he made golf cool. The crowds at tournaments grew exponentially and TV revenue exploded. I predict Caitlin will do the same for the WNBA. Right now, the salaries are relatively low ($147,000) for WNBA players, especially compared to the average salary of an NBA player ($9.7 million). The discrepancy has everything to do with ticket sales, TV contracts and merchandise. I predict that “the Caitlin effect” will begin to close that gap in the upcoming years. Every female athlete will benefit from her stardom.

For now, we should all just appreciate her greatness. She will be playing in the NCAA tournament in the coming weeks. I don’t think her team will win it all, but it will be fun to watch Caitlin and Iowa try to win a national championship.

Your Turn: What are your thoughts about Caitlin Clark and her success this year?

]]> https://playprizeland.com/appreciating-greatness-catlin-clark/feed/ 0 https://playprizeland.com/boost-your-clients-search-rankings-with-these-3-tips/ https://playprizeland.com/boost-your-clients-search-rankings-with-these-3-tips/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:29:49 +0000 https://playprizeland.com/?p=72380

In the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Chad Baker-Mazara, an Auburn player, deliberately elbowed a player from Yale. Chad lost his cool. For his actions, the official assessed a Flagrant 2 Technical Foul and ejected Chad from the game. Auburn, the heavy favorite, lost that game to Yale.  Here is the play.

Now, the part that caught my eye, was a subsequent interview with a coach from a team that was not playing. A reporter asked the head coach of Alabama what he and his players could learn from this incident. In essence, Coach Oats said, “We’re trying to win on the scoreboard. We are not trying to win a backyard brawl or a trash-talking contest. Anything that gives the opposing team an advantage, we don’t want it.” This is a great message for his team and it is a great message for you.  So, take a minute to listen to the words of wisdom from Coach Oats below:

]]> https://playprizeland.com/auburn-player-gets-ejected-which-contributes-to-1st-round-loss-in-ncaa-tournament/feed/ 0 https://playprizeland.com/how-to-achieve-sustainable-success/ https://playprizeland.com/how-to-achieve-sustainable-success/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:23:34 +0000 https://playprizeland.com/?p=72374 Is success ever a “one time event?”

When we think of successful people, companies, and even sports teams, we don’t think of people who had one great idea, one excellent product, or a single outstanding game. We think of people who have made a difference over the entire course of their lives. We think of companies that bring new products to market year-after-year. We think about the sports franchises that created winning dynasties across decades or even a century of play.

And yet, in our daily lives as workers and managers and leaders, we are often way too willing to define success based on this quarter’s earnings, one project’s outcome, or one product’s sales figures.

On this episode of “Aim Higher,” we discuss what it truly means to be a leader with a sustained success mindset. Why does this matter? Because research shows, again and again, that the companies who create sustained success do so by focusing on a healthy tension between adhering to some important core values while also embracing change.

In other words, you need to understand both how you got to where you are and have a strong vision of where you’re leading your team to, as well.

During our discussion, Drew Bordas made a great comment about how direct interactions with customers can really help in this way. Listening to what’s going wrong—and right—with the people who use your products and services can give you some great, short-term ideas about things that you’re doing well and ways to improve. But if you listen long enough and to enough customers? You’ll start to see patterns. And those will lead to systemic changes that can improve the lives of all your customers.

How do you do that in your work and for your teams? How do you, as a leader, balance getting the “worries of the day” taken care of while remembering to look up at the horizon? My guests, as always, have some great ideas. Listen in and start thinking, today, about what success will look like for you when you look back in ten or twenty or even fifty years.

Image Credit: Edu Lauton

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