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Why Am I Lagging So Much? 16 Ways to Fix a Slow Computer

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Why Am I Lagging So Much? 16 Ways to Fix a Slow Computer

It’s annoying when your computer lags so much that you can’t even perform simple operations. So, if you’re noticing input lags, slow startup, or even overheating issues, you’re at the right place!

Well, your PC might start lagging due to a corrupted operating system, viruses, or hardware faults. Moreover, you can even face this issue due to excessive use of browser tabs, unwanted background processes, and outdated device drivers.

No matter the cause, this article deals with all the necessary fixes you can apply to speed up your PC. So, without further delay, let’s jump right into why your computer is lagging and its possible solutions.

Table of Contents

Why is My Computer Lagging So Much?

If your computer suddenly lags when playing games or videos, it’s crucial that you identify what’s causing this problem. Well, this could be due to several programs running concurrently or some serious issue within the storage devices.

Apart from that, here are some of the other reasons why your PC is lagging so much:

  • Junk files have piled up on your HDD or SDD
  • Your OS is corrupted with viruses
  • Too many open tabs on your web browser
  • Background programs are taking up memory
  • Low disk space
  • Outdated OS or drivers
  • Problems within graphics card, RAM, HDD, or SDD

Indeed, it’s pretty tricky to determine what’s causing your computer to lag so much. If you’re experiencing this problem for the first time, you can try restarting your PC. Basically, rebooting will remove the unnecessary files that are tampering with your physical memory and can speed up the processes.

However, if your computer lags randomly at startup, in between games, surfing the web, or even while performing simple operations, you can opt for the below-mentioned fixes.

Remove Unwanted and Unused Files and Programs

Undoubtedly, computer storage is the prime reason why your computer is often lagging. This is because if you do not delete old files and programs, the lack of storage space will slow down your OS.

Moreover, if your system is running a heavy application, you will likely experience a PC bottleneck. Indeed, this will significantly slow down your computer, and there’s a high chance it may affect its overall performance in the long run.

Thus, the first thing we recommend is removing all the temporary files that are taking up your memory:

  1. Press Windows + R and run %temp%.
    temp in run
  2. Once you are directed to the file explorer containing temporary files, you can select them all.
    delete temp files
  3. Now, use the Shift + Delete keys to delete them permanently from your computer.

Moreover, we also suggest uninstalling all those applications or programs that you do not use anymore:

  1. Launch Control Panel from the start menu.
  2. Next, select Uninstall a program under Programs.
    uninstall program in control panel
  3. Now, identify the apps that you do not require. Right-click on each of them and select Uninstall.
    uninstall or change app in control panel

Lastly, removing photos and videos from your PC is the best way to save storage and boost PC performance. Well, you can either delete them permanently or keep a backup on USB drives or online file storage programs.

Scan for Viruses

Viruses can corrupt your data, programs, or even the operating system. Basically, it can cause interference with the normal functioning of your computer, and this is probably why you’re lagging so much.

Moreover, most viruses continuously run in the background and hogging up memory and CPU usage, which is also the major reason behind lags. Thus, it’s essential that you eradicate such harmful programs.

Although you can use multiple antivirus programs available online for free, we suggest using the built-in Virus & Threat Protection service to detect and remove threats:

  1. In the Instant Search, search and launch Windows Security.
  2. Now, go to Virus & Threat Protection.
    virus and threat protection in windows security
  3. Next, you can directly click on the Quick scan to check for system folders that are often stacked with threats.
    quick scan button in virus and threat protection
  4. Otherwise, you can select Scan options and any other scan method – Full, Custom, or offline.
    scan options
  5. Finally, click the Scan Now button and wait until your files are scanned thoroughly.
    choose a scan method and choose scan now

Limit the Number of Tabs on Web Browsers

Interestingly, web browsers take up significant memory. Hence, it’s pretty sure that every tab you open will consume some extra amount of RAM, making your computer slow and laggy. Well, you can monitor this yourself from Task Manager:

  1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del keys and choose Task Manager.
  2. In the Processes tab, check for your browser under Apps. You’ll likely witness the web browser taking up the most CPU and memory usage.
    browser cpu and memory usage
  3. Next, you can expand the browser, and you’ll likely notice a significantly large number of tasks.
    total number of browser tasks

Although most web browsers come with a tab sleeping feature, the best solution to reduce this problem is to limit the number of tabs.

End Background Programs 

If removing unwanted apps, scanning for viruses, and even limiting the browser tabs didn’t work, the lagging issue could be due to the programs running in the background. 

Basically, these apps or processes continue to run even if you have closed them. Thus, they take up memory and might slow down your PC.

Below are the necessary steps you need to follow to end those background programs consuming excessive memory:

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Task Manager from the list.
  2. Next, in the Process tab, move to the Background Processes section.
  3. Right-click on those apps that are taking up significantly large CPU and memory usage and choose End task.
    end background task

Disable Fast Startup Feature

Well, fast startup is a good feature if you want to boot Windows faster. While doing so, your PC hibernates instead of shutting down, and the next time you open your computer, you’ll be taken directly to the startup screen.

However, the Fast Startup isn’t always helpful. This is mainly because the PC settings aren’t updated and can potentially slow your PC. Although restarting your computer is an ideal option to get rid of such issue, it’s better if you disable the fast startup and ensure that your PC shuts down each time you press the power button:

  1. Use Windows + R and run the control command to launch Control Panel.
  2. Next, go to System and Security > Power Option.
    power options in system and security
  3. Now, select Choose what the power button does from the left panel.
    choose what the power button does
  4. Then, choose Change settings that are currently unavailable.
    change settings that are currently unavailable
  5. Move to the Shutdown settings section and uncheck the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
    disable fast startup
  6. Finally, click on the Save Changes button and restart your PC. This should update the necessary PC settings and eventually stop the lagging issue.

Disable Startup Apps

Like background apps and the fast startup feature, some startup programs can also cause input lags on your computer. This is mainly because when your PC tries to load several apps simultaneously, it takes up a lot of memory.

Hence, most users face slow Windows startup issues. To get rid of this, we recommend disabling startup programs and services:

  1. Press Windows + I keys to launch the Settings app on your computer directly.
  2. Then, navigate to Apps Startup.
    apps startup
  3. Here, you’ll find all the apps that are started once the PC is powered. Interestingly, these are also classified with the impacts they cause to the system – No, Low, Medium, and High.
    disable startup app
    Well, you can either disable all of them or just those apps with high impact.

Run SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK Commands

Another reason for a slow and laggy computer is corrupted system files. Thus, to fix this issue, we highly recommend running the SFC command:

  1. Launch either Command Prompt or Windows Powershell with admin privilege.
  2. Here, run the below command:
    sfc /scannow
    run sfc command
    Basically, this will troubleshoot all your system files and fix any errors.

Similarly, if the disk image is damaged, this might create problems in your storage devices. So, here’s how you can restore or repair the Windows image:

  1. With the CMD or Powershell opened, copy and paste the below command:
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
  2. Now, hit enter and wait until the restoration is completed.
    run dism command
  3. Finally, you can even run the chkdsk /f /r /x command to scan for any vital errors in your HDD or SDD.run ckhdsk command

Defrag Your HDD

If you use a hard disk drive and the SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK commands don’t help speed up your computer, we recommend defragging it. Basically, this Windows feature allows the rearranging of disordered files on your HDD.

Go through the following guideline to learn how you can defrag in Windows 11:

  1. Press the Windows key and search for Defragment and Optimize Drives.
  2. Launch the utility and select your hard drive.
  3. Now, click the Optimize button and wait until the defragmentation is completed.
    defrag windows
  4. Finally, choose Close and restart your computer. Now, your computer should speed up.

Perform Disk Cleanup

Another way to free up disk space is by performing disk cleanup. This will not just solve the lagging issue but also improve the overall computer performance:

  1. Search for Disk Cleanup utility from the Instant Search icon on the taskbar.
  2. Upon launching the tool, check all the file types you need to delete. The more files you choose, the more space you’ll save for yourself.
  3. Now, press the Ok button.
    disk cleanup
  4. Next, click the Delete files option and wait until these unwanted files are completely removed from your PC.
    delete files in disk cleanup
  5. If you’re still looking to save more space, choose the Clean up system files option under Description.
    clean up system files

Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance

Visual effects on your computer can take up unwanted memory and hardware resources, reducing performance. Thus, you can either customize or adjust these effects for the best performance. Follow the below procedure to learn how you can do so the right way:

  1. Firstly, show your desktop, and right-click on This PC to choose Properties.
  2. This will take you to the Settings window, where you can select Advanced system settings.
    advanced system settings in settings
  3. Under the Performance section, click on the Settings button.
    performance settings in system properties
  4. Now, choose to Adjust for best performance in the Visual Effects tab. This will disable all the features so that your PC speeds up.
    adjust for best performance
  5. Finally, press the Ok button to save changes.
  6. You can now restart your system, and your computer shouldn’t lag anymore.

Configure Page File Settings

Page files are essential for the management of virtual memory on any computer. Basically, they hold all the temporary data in the hard disk and are used as an extension of RAM.

Since page files allow faster access to physical memory, using the correct settings is essential. Otherwise, you may face an incredibly lagging system, triggering the 0x00000050 BSOD error. 

Below are the required instructions that will help you configure this setting depending on the storage device you’re using:

  1. Open Advanced System Settings, as mentioned earlier.
  2. Then, click on the Setting button under the Performance tab.
  3. This time, switch to the Advanced tab.
  4. Next, press the Change button under the Virtual memory block.
    virtual memory change in performance options
  5. Now, uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drivesoption.
  6. Then, choose the System managed size if you’re an SSD user. 
    system managed size
    But if you’re using an HDD, we recommend setting the paging file for each drive to around twice the RAM size.
  7. Hit the Ok button on all three dialogue boxes to make changes to the page file settings.
  8. Finally, reboot your system, and this should solve your problem.

Customize Power Plan for High Performance

Power consumption is another factor that affects the computer’s speed. When your PC consumes more energy, it will likely perform better. So, you can use the unique Windows power feature that lets you increase your computer performance:

  1. Launch Control Panel and move to System and Security > Power Options.
  2. Now, expand the Show additionals plans drop-down.
    show additional plans
  3. Then, choose either Ultimate Performance or High performance, whichever is available, and restart your computer to see the positive changes in speed.
    ultimate performance

Update Windows & Drivers

If nothing above works for you, your computer is probably lagging due to corrupted drivers or the operating system itself. This mainly happens when you open your PC after a long time as the essential feature remains outdated. 

In fact, you may witness a slow startup in this scenario, and the worst case is that your PC won’t even start. So, we highly recommend updating the system drivers and operating system to ensure that your system works smoothly:

  1. Press Windows + R and run devmgmt.msc to launch the Device Manager tool.
    devmgmt msc
  2. Now, right-click on each device driver and select the Update driveroption one by one.
    update driver
  3. Once the Update Drivers dialogue box opens up, click on Search automatically for drivers.
    search automatically for drivers
  4. If your device drivers are not updated, it’s time for you to update your OS. So, press the Search for updated drivers on the Windows Updateoption.
    search for updated drivers on windows update
  5. Once you’re navigated to the Windows Update settings, click the Check for updates option if available.
    check for windows updates
  6. Then, press the Download & Install button.
    download and install
  7. Wait until the update file is installed on your system, and choose the Restart Now button. This should fix the lagging problem.
    restart now windows update

Restore Your PC

Sometimes, things can go the exact opposite. Generally, we update Windows to speed up our computers. However, there are times when some corrupted installation files will deteriorate your PC’s performance.

Indeed, the best option to resolve such an issue is to restore your computerto its previous state. And here’s the right way to do just that:

  1. Press the Windows key and search for Create a restore point. Choose it, and this will take you to the System Properties.
  2. Under the System Restore section, click on the System Restore button.
    system restore from system properties
  3. Once a new dialogue box launches, you can choose either Recommended restore or Choose a different restore point.
    choose recommended restore
  4. Hit Next and move to the next window. Now, press the Finish button and wait for your computer to restart.
    finish button
  5. Finally, follow the on-screen instructions and complete the system restoration process. This will take your system exactly to the point you didn’t experience lag issues.

Perform Factory Reset

If updating or restoring Windows didn’t work for you, some underlying OS issues might be slowing down or causing lagging problems on your computer. So, you can perform a factory reset to remove everything and start using the PC from scratch.

While performing a factory reset, you also get an option to keep some essential files. Nonetheless, we recommend backing them up on USB devices or online storage systems and deleting everything so that your PC doesn’t start lagging again:

  1. Open Settings on your PC and go to System Recovery.
    system recovery
  2. Under Recovery options, you’ll find the Reset this PC option. Simply click on the Reset PC button.
    reset pc from settings
  3. Now, you’ll be directed to a new window. Here, select the second option – Remove everything.
    remove everything
  4. Wait until the reset process starts; this time, tap on Local reinstall.
    local reinstall
  5. Next, your computer restarts, and all you have to do is follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory resetting process.
  6. Finally, install Windows again and start using a lag-free computer.

If you’re a laptop user and still experiencing lag issues, you can try the Google Chrome OS Flex, which is free and easy to install. In fact, here’s a complete guide on how to turn your laptop into a Chromebook.

Replace or Upgrade Hardware Components

If none of the aforementioned fixes solve your lagging issues, there are serious issues within your hardware components. Precisely speaking, your HDD or SDD is not healthy, or your graphics card, RAM, or even CPU needs an upgrade.

Firstly, we highly recommend switching to SSD if you still use an HDD. This provides you with a faster data transfer rate with increased bandwidth. Indeed, this will ensure that your computers run smoothly without any lags.

Although replacing these hardware components is relatively easy, there are still many things to be considered.

Well, you can go through our following guides to learn how to upgrade each component properly:

  • Upgrade laptop’s storage
  • Upgrade your RAM
  • Upgrade graphics card the right way
  • Upgrade CPU on laptop
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Why I Ditched Microsoft Excel for Google Sheets (And Why You Should Too!)

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https://mapplecare.com/

Hey there, fellow spreadsheet enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my journey from being a die-hard Microsoft Excel fan to becoming a Google Sheets official nerd. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision, but after experiencing the wonders of Google Sheets, there’s no turning back.

I’ve done so many other tech reviews, it just felt right to do one on Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets. So, grab your virtual seat, and let’s dive into why you need to stop using Microsoft Excel and start embracing the awesomeness of Google Sheets.

Excel, We Had a Good Run…

I’ve had a long and fruitful relationship with Microsoft Excel. We’ve tackled countless budgets, analyzed heaps of data, and even played the occasional game of spreadsheet Sudoku (admit it, we’ve all been there). But as the years rolled on, it became evident that Excel had its limitations, and it was time for a change.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Excel

Don’t get me wrong; Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to crunching numbers and performing basic calculations. It’s like that trusty old calculator you had in high school. However, when things get complex, Excel can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – frustrating and time-consuming.

Why I Fell Out of Love with Excel:

  1. Collaboration Nightmares: Ever tried collaborating with multiple people on an Excel file? It’s like trying to play a symphony with a broken piano. Google Sheets, on the other hand, offers real-time collaboration. It’s like having a jam session where everyone is in sync.
  2. Formula Frustration: Excel’s formulas are like a secret society’s code. Nested IF statements? Array formulas? It’s a maze. Google Sheets simplifies this with a user-friendly formula bar that guides you, making complex calculations less intimidating.
  3. Data Size Drama: Excel has its limits, and sooner or later, you’ll bump into them. Large datasets can bring Excel to its knees. Google Sheets handles big data gracefully, giving you the freedom to analyze without constraints.
  4. Dated Data Visualization: Creating charts and graphs in Excel is like painting with finger paints. Google Sheets offers sleek, modern data visualization options that can turn your data into works of art.
  5. Mobile Accessibility: In a world where we’re always on the move, Excel’s mobile app falls short. Google Sheets’ mobile app is user-friendly and lets you access your spreadsheets from anywhere, anytime.
  6. Automatic Backup: Excel doesn’t automatically save your work, and one wrong click can erase hours of effort. Google Sheets automatically saves your changes, so you can breathe easy knowing your work is secure.
  7. Free or Affordable: Let’s talk money. Excel can be pricey, especially if you need advanced features. Google Sheets offers a free version and affordable subscription options that won’t break the bank.
  8. Data Security: Sharing sensitive information via Excel can be risky. Google Sheets provides secure, permission-based sharing, ensuring your data stays safe and sound.

Why I Fell in Love with Google Sheets:

Now that you know why I had to part ways with Excel, let me tell you why Google Sheets became my new spreadsheet crush:

  1. Seamless Collaboration: Real-time collaboration is a game-changer. With Google Sheets, my team and I can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously, leaving version control issues in the past.
  2. User-Friendly Formulas: Google Sheets’ formula bar guides you through creating complex formulas, making even the trickiest calculations manageable.
  3. Data Freedom: The freedom to work with large datasets without worry is liberating. No more hitting Excel’s limits and sacrificing data.
  4. Modern Data Visualization: Visualizing data has never been easier. Google Sheets offers sleek chart options that help convey insights effectively.
  5. Mobile Magic: Google Sheets’ mobile app keeps me productive on the go. I can access and edit my spreadsheets from my smartphone or tablet without a hitch.
  6. Automatic Peace of Mind: Knowing that Google Sheets saves my work automatically is a weight off my shoulders. No more “did I save that?” moments.
  7. Budget-Friendly: Google Sheets’ free version has impressive features, and their paid plans are affordable, making it accessible to all budgets.
  8. Top-Notch Security: Secure sharing options ensure my data remains confidential, granting access only to those who need it.

In Conclusion

Breaking up with Microsoft Excel wasn’t easy, but transitioning to Google Sheets was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s more than just a spreadsheet tool; it’s a game-changer for productivity, collaboration, and data analysis. So, my fellow spreadsheet fanatics, it’s time to make the switch. Embrace the future with Google Sheets, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Trust me; your spreadsheets will thank you!

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How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

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How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

The UK’s elections watchdog revealed on Tuesday it had been the victim of a “complex cyber-attack” potentially affecting millions of voters.

It also emerged personal details of police officers in Northern Ireland were published accidentally.

But what can you do if you are concerned your data may have been leaked, and how can you prevent issues?

How safe is my data?

Generally, when public organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) respond to Freedom of Information requests they should remove any identifying data.

But in this case the force published confidential details by accident, leaving some officers and their families with concerns about their safety.

However, an average person affected by a data leak or hack should not panic.

Regarding the cyber-attack affecting UK voters, the Electoral Commission has apologised to those affected but says on its website the data it holds is “limited, and much of it is already in the public domain”.

“According to the risk assessment used by the Information Commissioner’s Office [the data regulator] to assess the harm of data breaches, the personal data held on electoral registers, typically name and address, does not in itself present a high risk to individuals,” it says.

This information could be combined with other bits of data about you, such as what you share on social media, to identify you – but this takes a lot of time and cyber criminals will generally only target prominent individuals like this.

And unless you have opted out of being named on the open electoral register, much of this information will already be publicly available online.

If you are concerned about a different data breach, and are worried your information may have been lost, there are also websites which will tell you if your email was part of a known data breach.

The Electoral Commission specifically recommends people use the free online service Have I Been Pwned (sic) to check this.

What can I do to keep my data safe?

If you believe your password to an account may have been compromised, it makes sense to change it.

But you should be mindful not to respond to any emails recommending this, as they could be attempting to scam you – instead you should visit the website as normal, and change your password there.

This is also why it is important to have different passwords for different accounts.

By always keeping different log-in credentials, a future hack is less likely to affect you seriously as the hackers will not be able to use your data beyond accessing a single service you used.

Another thing people can do is to remain vigilant online to avoid any data loss.

Recent research from Barclays released on Wednesday shows that 87% of all scams take place on tech platforms, such as dating apps, social media and online marketplaces.

It says these scams are on the rise, and it wants tech platforms to shoulder some of the liability.

“Without the joint help of tech organisations, the Government, and regulators, we risk enabling the unchecked growth of what is now the most common crime in the UK, hurting countless individuals, and costing our economy billions each year,” says Barclays CEO Matt Hammerstein.

“Our data shows that tech platforms – particularly social media – are now the source of almost all scams. However, there is no current legislative or regulatory framework obliging the tech sector to support the prevention of these crimes, as there rightly is for banks.”

But there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe online, which can help protect your data – and your wallet.

These include using a strong password for each site you visit, avoiding emails from people you do not know, and being careful when visiting unfamiliar websites.

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The Rising Importance of Managed IT Services with Proficiency in Apple Devices for Today’s Business Landscape

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The Rising Importance of Managed IT Services with Proficiency in Apple Devices for Today's Business Landscape

In the rapidly evolving world of business technology, there’s an undeniably prominent shift toward Apple devices. Their sleek designs, unparalleled security features, and user-friendly interfaces have made them a favored choice among business professionals. Yet, the challenge remains: how do businesses ensure they’re tapping into the full potential of these devices while ensuring security, efficiency, and smooth integration into existing systems? Enter managed IT services companies, particularly those that are Apple aficionados.

If you’re a business owner or decision-maker, you’ve likely encountered the classic dilemma: hiring in-house IT specialists or outsourcing. With the increasing reliance on Apple devices in modern businesses, it’s not just about finding IT support but the right IT support.

Why Apple?
Apple’s ecosystem is unique. It’s not merely about devices but also the secure, interconnected universe they create. An iPhone syncs seamlessly with a MacBook or an iPad, leading to an integrated working experience. However, with this high level of sophistication comes the necessity for specialized knowledge.

“You wouldn’t hire a general handyman to fix a specific issue with your car. Similarly, hiring general IT support might not do the trick for businesses that rely on Apple devices. They need specialists,” points out Aaron Kane of Machero in Chicago.

The Perks of Outsourcing to Apple-Savvy Managed IT Services
The advantage of partnering with a managed IT service familiar with Apple’s world is multi-fold. They bring a deep understanding of Apple’s operating systems, know the best practices for integration, and can troubleshoot issues specific to Apple products. This expertise is often hard to find in generic IT teams.

Furthermore, such companies can help businesses deploy Apple devices in a way that they’re used to their maximum potential. They understand the nuances of iOS, macOS, and other Apple-specific software and can guide businesses in deploying tools and applications best suited to their needs.

Ed Anderson of Dyrand Systems in Vancouver (Visit their website) echoes this sentiment. “Modern business operations demand agility. And in a landscape dominated by Apple devices, you need IT support that speaks Apple’s language fluently. Outsourcing to managed IT services that are Apple specialists is more than a trend; it’s a strategic move.”

The Security Element
Security is one of Apple’s hallmarks. Yet, the best hardware and software security features can be undermined if not handled appropriately. Regular updates, patches, and knowledge of potential threats specific to Apple’s ecosystem are crucial.

Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services emphasizes the security component. “When we talk about Apple devices, we’re looking at a different kind of architecture, both in hardware and software. The threats these devices face, while fewer than others, are unique. A managed IT service team that is well-versed in Apple’s realm is your best bet against potential cyber threats.”

In Conclusion
Today’s business world isn’t just about adopting the best technology and understanding and integrating it seamlessly into one’s operations. With their growing popularity in the corporate world, Apple devices come with their own demands and intricacies. While these devices offer many advantages, leveraging them requires specific skills and expertise.

The choice is clear for businesses keen on not just surviving but thriving in today’s tech-centric environment. Partner with a managed IT service that knows Apple inside out. It’s an investment that promises smooth operations and a competitive edge in a landscape where technology is the game-changer.

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