Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Best Secure Messaging Apps.

   

Encrypted messages can't be read by anyone but the intended 
Managing your email inbox is an important part of running a business, but email exchanges can be slow and fragmented. For quick and easy communication, instant messaging is more convenient than email, and more secure than SMS text messaging at least if you have the right app. A secure messaging application will let you safely exchange private information with employees, clients and co-workers, without worrying that your data could be compromised.


But what does it mean for messaging to be secure? Usually, it means that your messages are encrypted before they even leave your device. Encrypted messages can't be read by anyone other than the intended recipient, even if they're intercepted during the exchange. Some apps even offer self-destruct functionality, letting you send messages that are automatically deleted after they're read. No messaging app is totally foolproof, but business users with privacy concerns would be wise to check out these five secure messengers for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices.

Signal Private Messenger (Free) – Android, iOS
Secure, free and easy to use, Signal Private Messenger (available on iOS and Android) is our favorite secure texting app overall. The app features end-to-end encryption to keep all of your private correspondences secure. And while it’s simpler than some of the other options on this list, it has plenty of features that power users will appreciate. That includes the ability to set up encrypted groups for private conversations with your entire work team. And while most secure messaging apps require both parties to be using the same application for encryption to work, Signal Private Messenger sets itself apart by working with standard SMS text messages, as well as SMS picture messages. That means business users can use the app to add an extra layer of security to regular texting, even if the client or colleague you're messaging isn't on board.

BlackBerry Messenger (Free) – iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has broader compatibility than most messaging apps; it's the obvious pick for BlackBerry users, and it's also available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone devices. Instead of connecting with others using phone numbers or email addresses, each user is identified by a unique personal identification number (PIN). That keeps the service private and gives you more control over who contacts you. All messages are encrypted during transmission, and pass through a firewall before they hit BlackBerry's servers, so they can only be decrypted by a private key on the intended receiver's device. Individual businesses can also obtain a unique encryption key for an extra layer of security.

Gliph (Free) – Android, iOS
Gliph is a secure messaging service that you can use on all of your computing devices. When you're on the go, use the iOS or Android app on your smartphone. When you're at the office, use the Gliph desktop app so you can send and receive messages using a mouse and keyboard. Another key feature is "Real Delete," which lets you permanently delete a message from both the sending and receiving device, as well as the Gliph server, whenever you choose. You can also attach a pseudonym to your main account at any time, so you can use a screen name for personal chatting and switch back to your real name for professional communications.

Wickr (Free) – Android, iOS
Wickr (available for Android and iOS) is a secure messaging app that lets you set an "expiration date" for every message you send; just select a date and time for your media to expire, and it will automatically be deleted at that time. That way, you don't have to worry about a third party inadvertently reading private communications that are left on a contact's smartphone. Meanwhile, the app features end-to-end encryption for all messages, and it lets you remove metadata from individual messages, such as the time it was sent, as well as geo-location data. Another handy feature gives you the ability to completely clear away message files that have been manually deleted but still reside on your smartphone's memory. Wickr also has standard messaging features, like the ability to chat with groups of up to 10 people at once.

Telegram – Android, iOS, Windows Phone
Telegram (available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone) is a messaging app that features end-to-end encryption so your messages can only be read by the intended recipients, with no data logged on Telegram's servers. Like Wickr, Telegram lets you program your messages to self-destruct from both devices at a particular time so there's no record of it. It's also a solid app for everyday messaging, letting you create group chats with up to 200 people so you can stay connected with everyone in your company at once. Regular messages are stored in the cloud so you can easily access them from any device running the Telegram app. Support for Windows Phone also helps this app stand out, making it one of the few good alternatives to BlackBerry Messenger on the platform.

What are the Reasons for Wi-Fi is slow and how to fix it...

   

If your WiFi at home is really slow all of a sudden, then there’s a problem somewhere that you can most likely fix yourself. Here’s how to fix slow WiFi.We discussed earlier how you can deal with a slow WiFi connection that you can’t exactly fix, but what if your internet at home is experiencing performance problems? You can usually fix that since you have access to the router.


There are many reasons why your internet connection might be slow. Perhaps another user in the house is streaming Netflix or your router is clogged up a bit and just needs a simple reboot. There’s even the chance that your internet service provider could be experiencing problems of their own, in which case you’re pretty much out of luck. No matter the cause, slow WiFi can be more frustrating than not having WiFi at all.


With slow WiFi, loading websites can take forever, YouTube videos will lag and freeze, and forget about streaming any media. Slow WiFi is something that you never want to come across, especially if you’re working on something important or timely.


1. Internet thieves

One of the best things about Wi-Fi is the easy access it provides to the internet. But, if your network password is too simple, there could be more people tapping into it than you originally bargained for.Obviously, this isn’t something you want. Networks with weak passwords or no passwords can be accessed by almost anyone. Use a free program called Wi-Fi History View to review each device that has connected to your network, and look for IP addresses you don’t recognize.


Prevent this by first changing the password for your router. If you don’t know where to find it, a site called RouterPasswords can help you locate the manufacturer’s default password. From there, create a password that is complex and difficult to guess. Click here to see a simple formula for creating secure passwords you can actually remember.

2. Congestion

This is a problem in crowded neighborhoods or apartments. When too many people try to connect at the same time on the same Wi-Fi channel, connection speed is significantly impacted.
When your connection slows during peak hours, usually in the evening when everyone gets off work or on Sunday night when The Walking Dead is airing, that’s a sure sign of congestion.

Fix this by selecting a different channel for your router. If you have a 2.4 gigahertz frequency router, there are usually 11 channels to choose from. Channels 1, 6 and 11 are recommended but try other channels to find a faster connection. Or buy a new 5 gigahertz router.

3. Outdated equipment

Wi-Fi routers are not all created equal. “AC” routers are a step up from the older “B” and “G” models and even "N" models. They have more features and offer better performance. If you’re shopping for a new router, that’s what you want to look for.
AC routers have a maximum spectral bandwidth of around 8 x 160MHz, compared to the 4 x 40MHz standard of N routers. In other words, the increased bandwidth allows more data to be transmitted without slowing down.

4. Your router’s security settings

Aside from protecting your network from unauthorized bandwidth usage, which could slow down your network without your knowledge, did you know that the type of wireless security you use could impact your overall speeds too?
If your network is Open (no security) or is using WEP, change the security setting immediately! Obviously, an open network will make it easy for someone to steal your Wi-Fi, and the older WEP security is easily hacked, so avoid it at all costs.


Also See: Steps to Maximize your Wireless Network Security


This leaves you with WPA, WPA2 with TKIP or WPA2 with AES.
WPA and TKIP are what you want to avoid. Not only are these protocols older and insecure, they can actually slow down your network.
The best option is WPA2 with AES. AES is a newer and more secure setting that lets you achieve higher speeds. Click here for additional tweaks you can make to get more out of your router.

5. You’re too far out of range

Sometimes the easiest fixes are right there under our noses. Routers are not designed to transmit signals over long distances, so there may be hot spots and dead zones in your home.
To map out your network, use a tool called HeatMapper. It helps you see where Wi-Fi signals are strongest in your home or office. HeatMapper is a free download for Windows users. NetSpot is a good alternative for Mac users.

Once you’ve identified the problem areas in your home, you have a few options available. One option is to purchase a Wi-Fi extender that can boost the range of your router’s transmission. Wi-Fi extenders range in price from around $20-$120, depending on the features included in the model. However, a mid-range extender should work just fine. Click here for a full breakdown of Wi-Fi extender options.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Gmail Shortcuts To Save Work Time.

   

Gmail has become the most popular email service provider. It provides 15 GB of storage, controls less spam (having spam filtering capabilities), and is available on the mobile device. Gmail makes working with e-mails an effortless and pleasant experience.
There are many Gmail shortcuts which most of us hardly use, but if we use them, it can make the Google Mail experience better. Here are the ones I find really effective.

1. Keyboard shortcuts

These work on the fundamental rule – “working with the keyboard is always faster than working with mouse”.
For using these shortcuts one has to turn the Keyboard Shortcuts Option ON, available in Gmail settings.
Numerous shortcuts are available. Let’s have a look at a few:
ShortcutsExecution
cComposing a new mail
eArchiving mails
rReplying
fForwarding
shift + uMarking emails as unread
shift + iMarking all the selected mails as read
*nDeselecting all emails
j/kMoving to new or older emails
lLabelling
g aGo to all mail
g dGo to drafts
g iGo to inbox
[enter]Go into the thread pointed to by the cursor
xSelect/deselect the current thread pointed to by the cursor

2. Search operation shortcuts for easy and faster searching

Gmail supports refined searches making search process fast and precise. A few tricks can help you search for almost anything (mails, attachments, drafts etc.)
from : [e-mail of the sender] – will get you a list of all emails from that particular sender.
filename : pdf – it helps to find emails with pdf attachments
has : [attachment] – it gets you an email with a particular attachment
is : unread – it gets a list of all the emails marked as unread
larger : [size of email] – it finds all the emails that are larger than the size stated
“[text]” – it finds the emails with text that match exactly the stated text
after : [date] – it finds the emails sent or received after the particular date.
The above stated search operators, when combined together, works wonderfully to make your search more specific, for instance,
from : [e-mail of the sender] larger : [size of email] – finds all the emails from that particular sender with a size larger than specified.
“[text]” after : [date] – it finds the emails with text that match exactly the stated text sent / received after the particular date.

3. Adding signatures

Gmail provides with the option of adding a signature automatically to all the outgoing mails. It thus helps saving time consumed in adding a signature to each mail individually.
One can add a signature by going to Settings > General and scroll down the Signature section. A formatting window will appear with tools for formatting signature. Signature can be created with images, links, bullets, etc.
Tip – Though HTML codes cannot be used as signature, but one can copy- paste HTML content directly in the Gmail Signature area provided and it will be automatically appended at the end of all the outgoing messages.

4. Right-click menu box

When one right-clicks on a message in the inbox, a drop down menu appears. One can archive, delete, or mark a message as read/unread.

5. Canned responses option

The “canned responses” feature available on Gmail gives the option of saving e-mail templates, thus saving our time of composing the same message again.
One has to go to Settings > Labs and enable “Canned Responses” and the messages can be saved as a template. Gmail provides the option of overwriting these saved templates. The saved template can be inserted into a new compose email window with one-click.

6. Preview Pane option

This feature of Gmail allows you to read all your messages in a new preview pane. One does not have to open message to read its content which helps in saving a lot of time. This feature is extremely useful for the users working on large screen. With small screen available reading space becomes small making it a little difficult to read the text.
One has to go to Settings > Labs and enable “Preview Pane” and a new button will appear to change the layout of the inbox, allowing to split the inbox horizontally / vertically.

7. Quick links

As the name suggests, it helps to get to links in just a few clicks. Quick links add a new widget in the inbox providing one-click access to any Gmail URL.
One has to go to Settings > Labs and enable “Quick links”. A new box will get added to the left sidebar and you can add any Gmail URL (specific message, advanced search result, label, etc.) as quick links.

8. Setting default reply to all

If one has to send a reply to all the e-mail address available, he / she should immediately change setting to “Reply to all”. It prevents you from selecting each recipient manually, one by one. And you do not miss any of them.
One has to go to Settings > General and scroll down to “Default reply behavior” section to enable “Reply all”. Gmail will make it a point that “Reply to all” option is automatically selected when one tries to reply message to multiple recipients.

9. Selecting all email in a label/page

One can select all the emails under a label/page with one click (you do not have to select them one by one manually). Selecting the checkbox at the top will help you select all the emails on that page.

10. Switching multiple Gmail accounts

Often working and switching to multiple accounts is time taking. One has to log out from one account and login to the other. Gmail provides a shortcut to this.
If one has multiple Gmail accounts, switching to another account can be done directly, without logging out of the current account. One has to click profile picture at the top right corner and click “Add Account” button to login to another Gmail account.
The Gmail inbox URLs for your accounts will look like as below:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/#inbox

11. Undo a sent email

It does happen that after clicking the send option, you realize that you need to make some changes in the email / the mail was not to be sent. Gmail provides you with the option of “undo” the mail sent.
One has to go to Settings > General and enable “Undo Send”. An option is available providing the option of up to 30 seconds to undo the last sent mail. One can also adjust the cancellation period from Settings > General.

Social Media Management Applications Online

   


Social media is one of the most effective ways for you and your business to get more traffic and generate new leads. Having the right social media management tools and a presence on all the major networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn is a necessity these days for any business. Social Media factor is quite important for every businessman and web-developer/blogger. 
There are millions of people attached to different social media platforms like Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn and more. Business persons build their stable position over these social media platforms and introduce their business to the people connected from all over the world, deal with their clients and share all the essential updates relevant to their business. Bloggers/web-developers use that platforms to introduce their services to the millions of people.

But, there are several different social media platforms, not only a single one. So, sharing of even a single update on these different platforms by logging in every site individually is the time-consuming task.

That was considered as an issue and was resolved by the development of Social Media Management Applications. These tools help us in sharing time to time updates on all added social media platforms at the same time or according to schedule. Add your social media sites' accounts and all you have to do is create a single post about whatever you want to share, that assisting tool will share the post on all your added social media accounts. You are able to add even more than one account of different social media sites using the premium services of that tools. Now, with that tools, there is no need to waste your time in logging in and out on all your social media accounts.

Engage your accounts with "Top 10 Social Media Management Applications" enlisted below and focus on writing articles and promoting business services. we suggest the use of Premium versions to avail complete features like collaboration, analytic reports, schedule messages, real-time content promotion experience and much more.

No.1: Buffer
buffer app social media management tool

Buffer is the top rated social media management app with its extraordinary features. You are able to add all your leading social media sites' accounts such as Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ using it's free version. Premium version is also available with lot more features. You can add Facebook groups and Pinterest using premium version.
Rating: 9/10

No.2: Hootsuite
top hootsuite social media management tool

Hootsuite is another awesome social media management tool, provides free and premium both. You are able to connect three of your social media accounts using the free version but the premium one provides the feature to add 50+ accounts. Manage your all contents with an awesome and simple dashboard.
Rating: 9/10

No.3: Social Scheduler
top social scheduler social media management app

Social Scheduler provides some more features that make it shining. Using free version, you are able to connect two social media accounts. You may schedule private messages using Social Scheduler. It provides the most reliable and clear dashboard as well. Premium version is quite kind too.
Rating: 8.8/10

No.4: AgoraPulse
agorapulse social media top tool

Want to analyze the audience alongside the content sharing? AgoraPulse will make it easy for you. Enjoy the one-month free trial (no credit card required). Reply to direct inbox messages and review the comments. Daily reports and "help desk" availability. Most affordable prices with lot more features.
Rating: 8.5/10

No.5: SproutSocial
sproutsocial top media management tool

Want to built team-work? SproutSocial is going to help you. Stay updated with its real-time trigger on all social media conversations. Enjoy one-month free trial (no credit card required) with a wide range of features.

sproutsocial features

Choose one of the best suitable plans with the quite affordable price and make your business leading.
Rating: 9/10

No.6: Oktopost
oktopost social media sharing app

Are you a Professional blogger or Business person? Oktopost may lead you towards the better ranking. One month free trial included (no credit card required). All the essential features are defined by Oktopost.
Rating: 9/10

No.7: Viralheat
new social media management tool viralheat

Viralheat is another social media manager/publisher and analyzer. Have a deep look at what the people are saying about your services or products over social. Target the keywords and engage your contents with trending affairs.
Rating: 9/10

No.8: Komfo
top media tool komfo

Komfo social media management tool helps in analyzing the contents. Stay updated with latest trends and promote your content respectively using Komfo. Listen what your clients are reviewing about your services over social media and get stand upon competitors. Schedule your messages across social media platforms with easy to use interface.
Rating: 9/10
No.9: Sendible
sendible media management tool

Sendible provides the deep analytic reports for each content you publish on engaged social media platforms. Automatic sentiment analysis tool raises your interaction with the discussions that your clients make over social media, blogs, news and commenting. Enjoy the one-month free trial (no credit card required) and make your social media experience favorable.
Rating: 9/10

No.10: Crowdbooster
crowdbooster social media management tool top

Crowdbooster provides you the real content promotion and management experience. Schedule the posts for your clients using social media marketing service and stay in contact with them all the time. Choose your affordable plan and take a step towards the leading social media management and promotion experience. One month free trial without the credit card is included.
Rating: 8.8/10

Some Important URLs you should know as a Google User

   


Google stores everything privately and here are the 10 important links (URLs) that will unlock everything Google knows about you. They are hidden somewhere deep inside your Google Account dashboard and they may reveal interesting details about you that are otherwise only known to Google. Let’s dive in.

# FIRST URL
The First and the Basic URL to start with Google Experience is :
https://accounts.google.com/SignUpWithoutGmail
By going through this Link you will be able to Sign Up with Google (Gmail) or can create a new Account using your any existing mail Id.
# SECOND URL
https://www.google.com/ads/preferences
By going through this link you will come to know Google keeps track you and it shows more relevant ads to your interests without asking your age, gender and preferences. Google creates a profile which is based on the sites you visit by your Google+ account and other signals. Use this URL to know how Google sees you on the web. You can also View and edit your profile within Google’s system.

# THIRD URL

https://www.google.com/takeout
By this Third URL you can export all your data from Google. Google lets you download your data from its products which includes contacts, Gmail messages, +1s, Google+ circles, Bookmarks, contacts, Gmail messages, Google photos and even your YouTube videos. Grab your data from Google as soon as possible.
# FOURTH URL
https://support.google.com/legal
This URL will let you file a complaint in the event you find your content being used or copied without permission on a Google website. A Blogger, Adsense, Google+ or YouTube – you can file a DMCA complaint with Google against that site for that content. By this we can also remove websites from Google search results.
# FIFTH URL
https://maps.google.com/locationhistory
By the Above URL you can Track the Location of your Android device or the Google Now iOS app, you can also find the Recent location data and on what velocity you are moving and if yes, how fast are you moving this will back to Google servers. You also have the option to export this data as KML files that can be viewed in Google Earth or even Google Drive.
# SIXTH URL
https://history.google.com
As you can see HISTORY on URL itself, this Url lets you know your entire SEARCH HISTORY at one place. It records every search term that you have ever typed into their search box. They even keep a log of every ad that you have clicked on various Google websites.

# SEVENTH URL

https://www.google.com/settings/account/inactive
If you haven’t used Gmail accounts, use this URL to ensure that Google doesn’t delete them after extended periods of inactivity. You need to login to your Gmail account at least once every 9 months otherwise Google will delete your account according to their policies. You can set up your main Gmail account as the trusted content for your secondary accounts. By this, Google will keep sending you reminders every few months to login to your other accounts. However, it is not available for Google Apps.
# EIGHTH URL

https://security.google.com/settings/security/activity

If you are worried that someone else is using your Google account. Then don’t worry go through the above link you can see the activity report to see a log of every device that has recently been used to log into your Google account. You also get to know the I.P. Address and their approximate geographic location as well.
# NINTH URL

https://security.google.com/settings/security/permissions

Sometimes we sign up browser extensions, mobile apps and Google scripts using our Google Account. If the permission level says “access to basic account info”, it basically means that you have used your Google account to sign-in to that app. You can get this long list by visiting the above url.
# TENTH URL
https://admin.google.com/domain.com/VerifyAdminAccountPasswordReset
This is an important URL for Google Apps users. If your Google Account ever gets hacked, use this secret link to reset your admin password. You’ll be asked to verify your domain name by creating a CNAME record in your DNS.
NOTE : In the About URL Replace domain.com in the above URL with your own web domain name.

Best Free Email Client Software for Windows.

   

If you are looking for an alternative to Windows Mail or Outlook, or if you just bought Windows 7 and are now sans email management software, there are a plethora of email client options available for free.


An email client is, quite simply, a software program that enables you to effectively manage your email. Effective email management means you can improve and automate your lead management. This is especially important for people who have multiple email accounts or want multiple user access.

The email client doesn't replace your current email software, but it does help you to manage your emails and save them in ways that make them easy to access and search. You may need to try a few of these to find one that matches your requirements and provides the day to day lead management functionality you need.


Also Read: Why do we use the '@' symbol in email addresses?

Mozilla Thunderbird

This is a powerful email client tool for managing email and content. It allows you to work both online and offline so that lead management doesn’t have to stop when you don’t have internet access.
One of the best Mozilla Thunderbird features is its speed. It loads quickly even when contending with multiple RSS feeds and folders. Mozilla Thunderbird has excellent HTML support, junk mail filters and virus protection. Additional features include:
  • Tabbed e-mail
  • New search tools and indexing
  • Smart folders
  • Support for Firefox’s Personas
  • Simplified setup wizard
You can rest assured your email is secure with the S/MIME, message encryption, digital signing and phishing filters. Speed is also a positive Thunderbird feature and the comprehensive search tool is able to sync with results on desktop searches. Lead management is improved with the fast and powerful search tool. Find a list of features here.

Opera

Still a leading contender, although not as innovative as it once was, Opera is a solid email client with exceptional functionality.  Opera has an excellent search function with a customizable search bar, tab browsing and advanced bookmarking tools so you can remember all your favorite sites.
Opera integrates easily with chat and email and installation will only take a couple of minutes. Emails are stored on your hard drive, so you can continue with lead management tasks even when you are not online.
Get a full list of the Opera features here.

DreamMail

DreamMail is specifically designed for the user who has multiple email accounts which they need to access simultaneously. DreamMail supports POP3, eSMTP, Yahoo, Google SMTP, and even RSS feeds. You can customize your email templates and utilize the email signature management function. Advanced spam and message filtering helps you to manage your email effectively.
Additional features include:
  • Multiple users
  • Auto detection of server settings
  • Messages filtering
  • Filtering, sorting and searching
DreamMail has some drawbacks; it doesn’t support Thunderbird or IMAP which makes it unsuitable for many users who want to utilize it for effective lead management. 
Find a full list of features here.

Postbox Express

This is a feature-limited free version of Postbox’s emailing software. Postbox Express has the unique ability to import settings from any other mail client you currently employ. This makes setup a breeze as Postbox Express will sync with your current email seamlessly.

One of Postbox Express’ most handsome features is the search function; the speedy search engine will help you find what you are looking for in record time. It also organizes folders and messages in tabs (much like a web browser) which makes for a far more efficient workspace.

Postbox Express has extended social media functionality which adds a new dimension to your CRM. You can easily post things to your social media platforms, import profile photos and address books or update your status directly to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Use add-ons to extend the functionality or make use of the community-translated language packs. Postbox Express is a functional, customizable email client that is definitely on the first-class mail client list. 
Have a look at a comprehensive list of all the Postbox Express features here.

Windows Live Mail

Compact and functional, Windows Live Mail offers users some nifty features. Installation takes some time and effort and you will have to enter your account server names, details and ports manually and importing your account details and emails from your other email programs may take a little fancy footwork. Once it’s up and running though, Windows Live Mail is impressive and easy to use. Some additional features include:
  • POP3 and IMAP support
  • Excellent junk mail filter
  • Accessible interface
  • Support for RSS feeds
  • Calendar
  • News groups
  • Excellent integration with other Microsoft programs
Get a full list of Windows Live Mail features here.

eM Client

The best thing about eM Client is its extensive features list. The free version gives users access to these fantastic features, but does limit you to 2 accounts. This makes it unsuitable for effective lead management of multiple accounts, but the free version is a good way to sample the goods.  Take eM Client for a test drive and, if you don’t have a ton of email accounts, you will really be able to take advantage of the extensive features list. You can import all your files from just about everywhere (including Outlook, Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Windows Mail etc.) Other attractive features include:
  • Import contacts from Facebook, Google or even CSV and vCard files
  • Support got S/MIME, SMTP, IMAP, POP3, SSL/TLS
  • Import messages from .eml files
  • Customize signatures
  • Templates
  • Calendar
  • Customizable contacts database
  • Skype integration
  • Google maps for address location
Get a full list of the extensive features here.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the email client programs available for free use. However, it is a comprehensive collection of the most notable players and the ones that have the best functionality and widest range of features. You can utilize the free software for personal mail and to try out each email client until you find your perfect fit.

Most of the programs offer widgets and add-ons that you can choose to pay for to improve lead management functionality.