April Fools Tips from IT Support

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

Need April Fools ideas for your co-workers?

Look no further than these tips from our IT support team.

We recently asked our IT support team to share their best tech pranks, and boy did they deliver. Not only did they give us some ideas we'd never thought of, they explained how to pull off these April Fools tech pranks in your office. So without further ado, here's the best advice on April Fools pranks from your friendly, neighborhood (and slightly evil?) IT guys.


1. Switch their mouse input.

Did you know you can change the primary mouse button from left to right? Now you do! Here's how to pull it off:

  1. Open Settings
  2. Find the Mouse settings under Bluetooth and Devices > Mouse
  3. Change the primary mouse button from left to right.


And if that's not enough for you (or if it's taking things too far), you can adjust scroll settings and the mouse pointer appearances here, too.


2. Unplug their computer.

This trick might sound old hat, but what if you just *barely* unplug their workstation? Then they won't notice on first glance.


3. Change their screensaver settings.

  1. Open Settings
  2. Find the lock screen settings under Personalization > Lock Screen
  3. Select Screen saver in Related options (Screen timeout gives you similar options.)
  4. Select the desired screen saver from the drop-down list and configure it how you want in settings


Pro tip: If you want to be a real joker, select the check box to the right of the wait time to display the logon screen when resuming.


4. Turn the batteries around in their mouse and keyboard.

The batteries will still be there (sneaky), but they won't do your co-worker any good. [insert evil laugh here]


5. Nicholas Cage their browser.

Did you know that you can turn every photo in a Google search into a picture of Nic Cage? You can. All you have to do is install the nCage+ extension on their browser, and then all they'll see is Nic. Or if you prefer, Anime Girl, rubber ducks, or even Censored Content (but we can neither confirm nor deny this is work-appropriate).


6. Send messages on their behalf.

If your coworker is known for leaving their computer unlocked while they’re away from their desk, be sure to send random (safe for work) images or gifs through teams/slack. Everyone will thank you.


7. Invert their display.

Again, if they are notorious for leaving their computer unlocked, you can leave them a nice surprise upon their return. Just use this keyboard shortcut on a Windows machine: 'Ctrl + Alt + Arrow key.' The left and right arrow keys will rotate their screen to the left or right (how fun is that), and use the up and down arrows to flip the screen view upside down (and back upright).


If you've learned anything from this fun list of pranks, you should now be aware that you need to lock your workstation any time you are away from your desk. Beyond the harmless pranks, you should never leave your accounts open for anyone else to access.


And that's a wrap for this year's April Fools tech prank ideas! We hope we don't regret this— after all, we're the ones who will ultimately be fielding the panicked calls.


Stay safe out there, and Happy April Fools Day from NOC Technology!

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At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
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As a sheltered workshop, you play a crucial role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. However, like any organization, securing funding for technology upgrades can be a challenge. While investing in the right tools can improve efficiency, security, and overall productivity—that’s all only if you can afford the tools in the first place.
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