3 Best Ways to Sync Outlook Calendar with iPhone

Posted on by Amit Chauhan
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Outlook is Microsoft’s very own e-mail service. It comes bundled as an integral part of the Microsoft work suite, a platform that enables Microsoft users to efficiently manage the calendar, emails, and contacts. Although Apple is known for exclusivity (from the open-source point of view), still Outlook happens to be hugely popular with iOS users. And what is interesting is that Outlook allows iPhone users to sync their calendar events to other devices. This little boon of a functionality is unknown to many iPhone users, while others seem to be in the dark regarding how set it up and use it. If you are an active iPhone user and the topic at hand interests you, read on to know how to sync outlook calendar with iphone. We present here the top three ways of doing so and additionally, we also let you know an alternative to these three ways. So, let’s get started.

1. Add Outlook Calendar to iPhone with iTunes

If you use iTunes to manage your iPhone, this method is meant for you.

Step 1 – Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB cable.

Step 2 – Launch iTunes if it doesn’t automatically pop up.

Step 3 – On the left pane, click the device icon of your iPhone and then click the “Info” tab.

Step 4 – Tick on the “Sync calendars with” option and from the drop down menu, select Outlook.

Step 5 – Next you may choose to either sync “All Calendars” or only “Selected Calendars”.

Step 6 – Click “Apply” and you’re done

2. Add Outlook Calendar to iPhone with iCloud

If the previous option didn’t work for you and you’re still wondering as to how to sync outlook calendar with iphone, you could try your hand at Apple’s web-based cloud storage i.e. iCloud which allows users to back up their iPhone data. Let’s see how.

Step 1 – If you don’t already have iCloud installed on your PC, just download and install it from Apple’s official site.

Step 2 – Convert your entire Outlook folder into an iCloud folder. iCloud uses it’s own unique folder system.

Step 3 – Check mark all the items that you’d like to sync (including calendars).

Step 4 – Click “Apply” and that is it.

3. Add Exchange Calendar to iPhone with iPhone Mail App

This option allows you to make use of your iPhone to add your Office 365 account to it. Note: This only works if you use Office 365 Exchange folders on your PC. This will not work with IMAP or Pop3 Accounts. Here’s how.

Step 1 – Open Settings on your iPhone.

Step 2 – Click on Password & Accounts.

Step 3 – Next click on Add Account and tap outlook.com.

Step 4 – Enter your Office 365 account credentials.

Step – Grant the app the permission to sync your data when prompted.

Step 5 – In the list of accounts, tap Outlook.

Step 6 – Choose what you want to sync with your Outlook account (ensure to enable Calendars).

4. Choose direct sync Outlook with iPhone

Finally, here’s the best alternative regarding how to sync outlook calendar with iphone in case none of these ways is fit for you. CompanionLink’s iPhone Outlook sync software allows for fast, easy and direct syncing from Outlook to iPhone. Probably the best tool to sync Outlook data to your iPhone, CompanionLink is safe, secure and trusted by numerous iPhone users.

Do give it a try and enjoy hassle-free syncing of your Outlook calendar with your iPhone. If none of the above options help you resolve the issue with syncing to Outlook, you may have a problem with the functionality of your phone. In this case, we advise you to contact the local phone technicians immediately.

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How to Securely Sync Your Phone Calendar and Contacts

Posted on by Amit Chauhan
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Smartphones: Indispensable tools but beware of data loss

Our phones have become more like e-wallets or, let’s say, e-storage devices, akin to a vault where we have an ocean of all our important as well as ‘not-so-important’ data stored. In face of such a scenario, could you imagine losing either your phone or your data? That would be nothing short of a nightmare, wouldn’t it? Well, not anymore! With the option to synchronize all your data across devices, the potential loss of valuable data is increasingly becoming a prospect least likely. But wait, that’s not reason enough to snub the possibility of losing your precious data because syncing usually requires a third-party tool and that’s what the catch is. Not all third-party tools and software available out there for syncing your phone data and contacts do what they claim to. What you therefore need is a reliable tool that can sync your data across devices with entirety.

Sync Android with Outlook without sharing your data with Google, iCloud or Microsoft.

CompanionLink: Providing trusted syncing solutions for a range of devices

With a swarm of third-party tools available for syncing data, finding out the best one could be a major hassle. The hassle magnifies if you are looking to sync your outlook data and contacts wherein you need to use Exchange in order to send your valuable contacts’ data and calendar data securely to your phone. What then is the solution? Well, CompanionLink Software Inc. is a US based software firm that aims to bridge all gaps that exist between third-party sync tools and a seamless data syncing experience. CompanionLink’s Android sync software is perhaps the best tool out there to sync outlook contacts with android and the best part of the story is that with CompanionLink’s software, you do not have to use Exchange when you sync outlook contacts with android; just USB or WiFi or Bluetooth or DejaCloud is all that you need as CompanionLink offers direct sync using these options. Now that’s what is called ‘delivering what is promised’.

Secure syncing: That’s what CompanionLink stands for

Whether you are an iPhone an Android lover, what ought to concern you is the fact that you are constantly sharing your data with either Apple or Google or Microsoft. Does that ring a bell in your mind regarding the security of your data? If it does, you have another strong reason to try CompanionLink as it offers fast and secure sync from your PC to your Phone. Another problem faced by users of licensed tools for effectively syncing data over devices is that the license of the tool belongs to the PC. When one buys a new computer, a new license of the tool needs to be purchased. Thankfully, that’s not the case with CompanionLink. The license for any of CompanionLink’s tools is for you and not for your PC. CompanionLink uses your email address to register the software on a new computer. Now that’s pretty smart, isn’t it?

So, that brings us to the conclusion that in order to do away with a multitude of hassles associated with third party sync software, CompanionLink is the answer. With CompanionLink and the seamless experience it offers, you no longer have to depend on just any untrusted application to sync outlook contacts with android.

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How to Sync Outlook Contacts with Your Brand New Google Pixel 3a/3aXL

Posted on by Amit Chauhan
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DejaOffice App on the Pixel works like Outlook on the PC

To sync Outlook to Pixel 3a, and have Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes all one one spot, you can use the DejaOffice App.

  1. From Google Play Store, install DejaOffice on your Pixel 3a or Pixel 3a XL
  2. On your PC, download CompanionLink for Outlook on your PC.
  3. Configure both for DejaCloud Sync
  4. Watch your Outlook Contacts and Calendar appear on your phone.

DejaOffice is Free.  CompanionLink runs on a two-week trial.

Samsung Pixel 3a is the latest flagship from the world leader of Smartphones. There’s nothing faster or more effective.  Here I have an argument with Apple.  With iPhone there is no Widgets, and Widgets are so useful, you’ll never catch me using a phone without them.

What is a widget?  A widget shows App information on the phone desktop.  A widget allows me to quickly see my day view, and my contact list – without opening an app.  I can quickly tap on the location and get to my next appointment.  No search, no scroll.  Just one tap and I’m in maps.  One tap and I can call or sms.  Automatically updated all day.

Special features of DejaOffice:

  • Time zone management, so when you land your Calendar doesn’t go wonky
  • Calendar Colors that match Outlook
  • Templates that save time entering new Appointments and Tasks
  • Persistent alarms to be sure I don’t miss anything.
  • Recurring tasks compatible with Outlook
  • Optional:  Franklin Covey task priorities  A1, B2, C99
  • Works same on Android and iPhone, Phones and Tablets.

How to Sync Outlook Contacts with Android: Use CompanionLink for easy and secure sync from Outlook to your Pixel 3a phone. This is a better system than Google, who sells your data, or Microsoft who hosts your data on their exchange server. Here are some setup guides for CompanionLink sync:

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CompanionLink Express updated for Salesforce Outlook Sync

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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CompanionLink has updated CompanionLink Express for to better support Outlook Sync with Salesforce. Salesforce recently discontinued Salesforce for Outlook Sync. CompanionLink Express is a drop-in replacement for the discontinued product. The new solution from Salesforce is to use their Office 365 and Lightning Integration, which is not an option for people who use POP3, IMAP, or Standalone Outlook folders or who use a private Exchange server that cannot connect to Salesforce.

CompanionLink Express – Sync Salesforce with Outlook on your PC

CompanionLink has long supported Outlook to Salesforce Sync using our CompanionLink Professional product. Today we are moving this capability to our lower priced CompanionLink Express product, and re-launching our landing page for this product.

CompanionLink Express can synchronize Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and Office 365 with Salesforce. Contacts, Calendar and Tasks are synchronized. CompanionLink also synchronizes Salesforce Accounts to the Outlook Contact list (with the notation “Acct”) and Salesforce Opportunities to the Outlook Task list (with the notation “Oppt”). More information can be found in the setup guide.

This product is needed by people who use Outlook folders that are on Exchange, like POP3 and IMAP folders, or where the Exchange permissions on the folder are such that Salesforce cannot access it. In these cases, a PC side program is required.

CompanionLink Express costs $79.95 for a one-time purchase, or if you like a recurring charge $19.95 once every three months. You can download a 14 day trial from this page: https://www.companionlink.com/salesforce/outlook/

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What Your Remote Employees Can do to Protect Your Network

Posted on by Alex Mitchell
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6 Tips for Remote Employees

Thanks to increased use of technology in work, it has enabled a lot of persons to work less and less from the office. What this means is that we now have more persons working from the comfort of their homes, a coffee shop, hotel or some other remote location of their choosing.

Despite the many advantages of having employees work remotely, these advantages come at a cost, usually, in the form of data security. Normally, having your employees work in a traditional office space means you can monitor what comes in and goes out of your company’s network – the IT team can catch viruses early, password changes can be forced upon employees using auto-reminders, and regular security checks means you catch issues early and deal with them.

This ability to work from anywhere gives employees the needed flexibility, and for the employers, it means they can enjoy the services of talents from around the world without having to worry about the overhead occasioned from staffing.

However, with remote employees, you lose all of this control, and it leaves your network open to virus attacks, cyber leaks and all other forms of cyber threats. When things like this happen, financial, legal and reputational problems may result. Therefore, you need to have a system in place to protect your network when you have employees working remotely. You employees should follow the things below to protect your network.

• PROTECT THEIR DEVICES AT ALL TIMES

Often, most data-stealing malware that affects devices arrive via the web or email and to reduce the chances of a security breach you have to restrict access to personal web browsing and email. However, enforcing this is costly and can be difficult. Therefore, to protect your network, you have to ensure your employees use the latest versions of all applications and install security patches as soon as they are released. You can also manage things from your end by activating automatic updates from software makers.

• LIMIT THE USE OF PUBLIC WI-FI

Internet on public Wi-Fi is provided from unknown servers, and this means security is not guaranteed. This makes the network susceptible to hackers since anyone can access it; therefore, you should have a standing order which forbids your employees from sending or receiving sensitive information over public Wi-Fi. As with public Wi-Fi, so too is cyber café, your employees should not conduct company business with them.

• EMPLOY CLOUD SERVICES

By employing cloud-based applications in your office tasks, it allows your employees to work from any location and transfers the burden of managing data security to the cloud service providers who usually are more equipped to handle it.

The cloud-based service provider gives you safe virtual storage and working space while your employees manage passwords. You should ensure your employees use strong passwords as this helps keep data secure. In fact, you can employ cloud applications to secure employees access to the web, and there are quite a number of companies which offer these services.

• LIMIT THE USE OF EXTERNAL STORAGE DEVICES

External storage devices like USBs can easily be misplaced so your remote employees should restrict their use and if they must be used to house only non-sensitive information.

Beyond this, USB devices can be used by hackers to install malware on your computer so your remote employees should avoid using a friend or stranger’s USB on their laptop.

• GET EDUCATION ON SECURITY TRAINING

Some companies may be tempted to give employees the benefit of the doubt by assuming they know how to manage security. However, this should not be the case as employees should be mandated to take up basic security courses which would teach them how to handle suspicious emails and links and to understand what a secure password should be like. It is important employees understand that work computers are for the company and not for personal use, therefore, should be treated as such.

• INSTALL ENCRYPTION SOFTWARE

Lost and stolen devices can pose a source of danger in the wrong hands, but you can lessen this risk with encryption software which bars unauthorized users from accessing the device.

Also, you can install remote wipes on your devices so data on them can be erased in case they go missing.

In conclusion, although remote workers can save the company money in terms of expenditure on overhead, they can also pose a risk to the firm especially if they use office devices for personal use. Therefore as a company, you have to put measures in place to handle staff remotely while remote workers should do their bit in adhering with safety measures.

Case Study: Android Outlook USB Sync causing Windows Sockets Error

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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A customer contacted us this week who had been using a competing Android Outlook Sync product. A Windows Update caused the sync to fail with a Windows Sockets error.

We recommended CompanionLink for Outlook, which can synchronize directly from Outlook to Android using a USB Cable. There are a number of Outlook Android sync products, but only a few companies will handle it like old Palm Hotsync from PC to Phone using a USB cable.

The customer was in a hurry, having already spent hours on the problem. So we recommended our RunStart service. With this service a technician logs into the computer to set up the software. The sync needs to match up the Contacts and Calendar items that are already on the phone, so it is helpful for an experienced technician to watch for any problems with duplicate data.

It is not uncommon to see duplicate data when switching from one sync product to another. The reason is that your data is already on both sides of the sync. So if there is any formatting changes, a computer product may not recognize similar contact and calendar data. CompanionLink 8 contains a dedupe utility that can quickly clear duplicates from Outlook and your Phone. There is no extra charge for this function.

CompanionLink offers a competitive upgrade for anyone who has purchased a product from one of our competitors. You can purchase the “Upgrade” price, even if you are buying from CompanionLink for the first time. Here is a link for a Competitive Upgrade to CompanionLink for Outlook.

Here is a link with added RunStart service, and an additional $10 off your purchase – total $78.95. With this service, you will be on a fresh new solution in just a few minutes, and ready to carry on your normal day’s business.

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WSJ Shockingly Good Phone article features Nokia 7.1

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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The Wall Street Journal published a great article this week called: Shockingly Good Smartphones You Can Get for $350 or Less (WSJ -Paywall).

It makes a point that we tend to think of first-run phones as being $1000. But that there is a variety of Mid-Priced phones that are pretty effective.

The main recommendation is Nokia 7.1 which happens to be one of my favorite phones. As the Article points out, it is a good modern phone running Android Oreo 8.1, with a nice screen, good camera and is pretty free of the bloatware that comes on Android devices.

The other featured phones in the article are the Lenovo Moto G7, and the Xiaomi Pocophone F1.

For all the mid-range phones, you can download DejaOffice from the Android App Store, and easily set up CompanionLink for Outlook to synchronize Outlook to the phone. DejaOffice for Android features widgets for the Android home screen to show your calendar, Category colors on Calendar, and integrated Tasks and Contacts so your whole work desktop is in one place on your phone.

It’s great to see Nokia is back to making great main stream phones again!

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Fabulous Ways to Make Money from Your Smartphone

Posted on by James Hunt
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These days people are looking for more convenience as well as plenty more choice when it comes to improving their financial situation. A lot of people are utilising technology in a bid to make money, and there are plenty of side gigs that can be enjoyed in this sense as well. Making money from your smartphone is something that is becoming more and more a reality, and you need to look at what you can do to embrace this.

It is essential that you look at the different avenues available in this regard, and this is something that you need to make sure you get right immediately. There are a lot of different ways in which you can make money using your smartphone, and this is something you need to keep in mind right now – check out these examples to help get you started today.

Day Trading

If you feel like you have a good understanding of the stock market, you might like to consider something like day trading. This is an option that is readily accessible from your phone, but you need to be careful because this can be very volatile, and there is a chance you could lose a lot of money. If you are a skilled day trader, and you set yourself limits, then this is a good way for you to make money using your smartphone.

Business Apps

There are plenty of business apps you can use for your smartphone that will help you to run your company more effectively. In the modern world, running a business has become a popular choice, and this is something you should look into. What better way to make money than by running your own business right now? Make use of the right apps in order to help you make the best possible choice when it comes to making money using your phone.

Surveys

Surveys rank among the best money making apps out there, and they are a great way of generating some extra cash without having to spend a lot of money or work very hard. Sure, you’re not going to earn megabucks by doing this, but you will be able to supplement your earnings with a bit of additional cash, and it’s a pretty easy way of making money as well.

Gaming

There are plenty of things you can do with your smartphone that will help you to earn more money, and gaming is one of the best. Make sure you do as much as possible to understand what it takes to make money from gaming. If you can get this right, you should have no problems being able to earn while you play, and do so on the move as well.

These are just a few of the fabulous tips you need to consider when you are looking at the best ways of making extra money when you use your smartphone. There is a lot that you can do in this regard, and it makes sense to embrace this wherever you can. Have a look at the different ideas and try to use them to get the best out of your phone, and start making more casin in the process.

Case Study: Migrate from Microsoft BCM to DejaOffice PC CRM for Outlook

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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Recently we were approached by a customer who used to use BCM, and wanted a solution that worked with Office 365.

The customer had used Microsoft Business Contact Manager from 2013 to 2018. They had Contacts, Accounts and Communication History. This customer had tried a migration tool to move BCM contacts to Office 365 contacts. This tool was not successful. (CompanionLink Professional can move BCM Contacts to Outlook contacts using a folder-to-folder sync.)

At the time the customer contacted us, they had not used BCM for many months. So the BCM database was out of date.

Our new product DejaOffice PC CRM for Outlook adds certain CRM functions to Office 365 Outlook (Outlook 2019). Among these functions are History Also, DejaOffice can import from older CRM systems like Microsoft BCM which was discontinued in 2016.

The customer also purchased Premium Support, which is a service where our technician could log into his computer and set everything up.

What we did was Sync the old BCM database to DejaCloud. We moved the Accounts, Contacts and Communication History. Then on the new computer, the customer installed DejaOffice PC CRM for Outlook. In addition, the customer uses a Mobile Phone and DejaOffice has the complete database there also.

The entire operation of moving the old database to DejaCloud, and sync to the new PC took our technician about 30 minutes. Most of this time was checking the data each step of the way. The actual sync time was about five minutes for both sync phases.

Now, the customer can make a new contact from an Outlook email. When they look up a Contacts, they an see the communications history imported from the old PC. And they have Caller ID and History on their Phone.

Here is a link to order this same service – DejaOffice PC CRM for Outlook along with Premium installation and one year of support. Give us a call at (503)243-3400 to schedule an installation or talk about your needs.

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7 Best Android Learning Apps

Posted on by Sabrina Goldstein
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As your child grows, they’ll need your help in school less. Part of this is from independence and learning more. The other part is knowing where to find high school and college homework help. One useful tool for students is learning apps, which focus on teaching them how to do problems instead of just providing answers. Here are seven of the best apps for Android users. These are perfect for students, as well as adult learners who want to refresh on something or learn something new.

1. Khan’s Academy

Khan’s Academy has versions for children and adults. It has over 10,000 lessons and is completely free to use. Many of its subjects are more common, which is great for struggling students or adults who want to brush up on lessons. Some of the areas it covers include math, science, physics, English, economics, and others.

2. DuoLingo

DuoLingo is perfect for anyone trying to learn a second (or third) language. The app is full of fun games that make learning vocabulary easy and enjoyable. According to the designers, spending 34 hours on this app teaches as much as a semester in school. Currently, there are over a dozen languages offered such as Spanish, German, Chinese, Japanese, and French.

3. Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle is not just for entertainment reading. It is also full of reference guides and books on any topic students can think of. This can be useful if they are researching a topic or need extra information on a subject. As an added benefit, students can buy textbooks. This means they do not have to lug their book home every night.

4. Coursera

Coursera is its own online school. It is best for older students who need extra help or adult learners. There are more than 1,000 different courses available, each of them with video content, access to reading material, and lectures. At the end of each course, a certificate of completion is given to students.

5.  PhotoMath

PhotoMath works with your phone’s camera. It is useful for students or parents. Simply take a picture of the problem and wait for the explanation and answer. The major benefit comes from the explanation since it walks students through the steps toward a solution.

6. Wolfram Alpha

This is a more advanced app that might benefit high school or college students. It can be used for all types of information and works as a calculator. Some subjects covered include data analysis, physics, mathematics, engineering, geography, weather, astronomy, and more.

7. LinkedIn Learning

While this will not help the average student, this is a great app for adult professional learning. It is free to use and covers job skills. This could even benefit students considering their first job. Some topics covered include office skills and creative skills.

Parents and tutors are not students’ only options for assignment help. Learning apps for Android users are a great alternative for help. The best apps will guide students in finding the answer rather than doing the work for them. This ensures they are prepared come test time while providing the extra help they need to succeed.

DejaOffice responds to Google Disruption

Posted on by Wayland Bruns
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The high tech keyword for our century is Disruption.  Investors seek disruptive partners.

Disruption means an innovative company enters a stable market environment, generally with a low cost service, and knocks the current players out of the market by providing lower prices and better service. In this sense, Google has been disruptive to the Search Engine industry by providing a fast effective tool without visible advertising.  They have also disrupted the Cell Phone OS market, the Internet Browser market, and the Online News market. They have captured a firm lead in all these areas.

There is a second aspect to disruption that investors seek.  Once a company gains ascendancy over the competition, the disruptive company raises their prices to consumers so that the disruptive company becomes highly profitable. Consumers end up being worse off than they were before.

With Google, the profit motive appears to increasingly be made by isolated Silicon Valley based executives, with little feel for how they play out in the real world.  It is a sad truth that where Google once stood for innovation and low cost development tools, now they are nearly a constant headache to fend off their mistaken motivations and increasing prices.

Google Calendar API – Batch Endpoints Change

In March 2018, Google Announced that their Batch Endpoint for many API commands was changing.  The current API URL is to be deprecated March 25th 2019.  Somehow, Google figures that every customer with an API dependent software tool created before March 2018 will update their tool within this year grace period.  Clearly Google Management has no idea how long software cycles are.  We still have customers using Windows XP!  No one likes to change software versions.  More information is available here: https://www.companionlink.com/support/google-batch-endpoint-advisory.html

Google Geocoding API – Whopping Price Increase

In June 2018, Google announced that their website Geocode API was going to increase their pricing.  Geocoding is what is used when we look up an address, and replace it with a Logitude/Latitude value for map purposes.  Google Geocoding also includes location pictures and mini-map.  We use this in DejaOffice for iPhone, DejaOffice for Android and DejaOffice on the PC.

The price for a basic lookup changed from $0.005 per lookup to $0.02 per lookup.  What this means for DejaOffice is that our service in map lookups changed from being under $100, to suddenly becoming a $2000 per month bill.  This is for a free APP on the App store!  We quickly changed our Android and IPhone map lookups to the new Mobile Maps API, which was suggested by Google as an alternative. Customers saw this change go into place in November, and it seems to be a good drop-in replacement.

Google Geocoding API – Whopping Price Increase – Redux

So in February, Google announces that they “improved” the Mobile Maps API.  We have a six month window to switch to the improved version.  The improved version will change $0.02 per lookup.  Just Wow!

First we have a required App change, and second, we get our $2000 bill back.

So in DejaOffice you can count on mapping changes again in the next four months.  It is likely we will add an in-app tool to add funds for people who use a lot of mapping features.  Also we will be adding more location info to our sync, so once you map a contact or calendar event, you do not have to look it up again, thus avoiding a chargeable item.  Isn’t Disruption fun!

Google READ_SMS and READ_CALL_LOG Permissions

In November 2018, Google informed us that they would be removing all apps that used READ_SMS permission on Android.  In DejaOffice, we use these to add SMS text to Contact History.  We also use READ_CALL_LOG to add call followup information, and DejaOffice Caller ID.

Google’s handling of this issue is largely machine based, and heavy handed.  We have requested an exception.  However, DejaOffice does not fit into their set list of apps that are allowed these permissions.  They will remove DejaOffice from the App store if we do not remove these capabilities from the App.  We have applied twice, but can’t get by their machine blocker (probably named HAL – Open the Bay Door, Hal!)

So in February 2019, we have been forced to remove a number of DejaOffice features from our Android product:

  1. Read SMS Text to Contact History
  2. Identify incoming calls using DejaOffice Contact list
  3. Follow up on inbound calls to add a Contact History item

We are seeking another external tool, maybe Whatsapp, which may allow us to restore this functionality through that tool.  But obviously, Google Android is wanting to limit our access, and cannot be flexible because an innovative product does not fit their rigid expectations.

Google is a great technology partner.  But these moves show they clearly are going the path of IBM, then Microsoft, then Apple, then Google.  An innovative Disruptor, upon market dominance, becomes an intractable barrier to innovation.

10 Ways to Secure Your Information Across Your Devices Online

Posted on by Christopher Nichols
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The digital revolution has brought great advances in public access to information. Before the internet, you needed a set of encyclopedias or a visit to the library to find things out. Now, almost any information you desire is at your fingertips, on the computer. But the same technology that permits information access online makes us vulnerable to invasion by others seeking valuable information or resources from us. So it is vital in this digital age to take strong steps to protect yourself and devices.

Here are 10 ways to secure your information across your devices online:

1. Pick Strong Passwords

This is the obvious one, but you’d be amazed how many people choose simple passwords that are easy for sophisticated hackers to hack. Algorithms can go through millions of simple possibilities in seconds. A good password should contain/include alphabetical, symbolic, and numeric characters. It should be of sufficient length, 10-12 characters, and not contain obvious names or words. Acronyms make good passwords because they are easy to remember, yet do not present discernible patterns for hackers. Also, obviously your passwords across different apps should be different, not the same.

2. Protect Your Passwords

They are the keys to your digital kingdom! Do not give your passwords to others. Password manager apps are one great answer for those who have many passwords. If you do use a password manager app, make sure their reputation is excellent and security strong. After all, someone who gains access to that information will pretty much gain access to all that you own, in one form or another. Change your passwords when notified of any security breach

3. Maintain Separate User and Admin Accounts

Maintaining separate user and admin accounts is a common, almost universal, practice in business settings these days. It is a good idea for your home devices as well. Protect your admin account with a password. Use this account only for admin purposes. If your computer is hacked, the hacker will not automatically have access to make administrative changes. It also makes sense to protect your user account with a password. If your computer is stolen, the thief will need to know the password to immediately access any information you keep on file.

4. Keep Software Current

This is done automatically, in large part, these days on many computers. If you don’t have your computer set up to automatically update at specified times, do so. Many updates are security fixes to combat vulnerabilities in programs. There is a continuous race between developers and hackers who wish to exploit these vulnerabilities. If you are not updating, hackers can easily win this race! Back up your files. It is also a good idea to back up all vital information on two flash drives. Store one and keep the other with you when you go places. In the unlikely event of some kind of disaster (fire, hurricane, theft, etc.) you will maintain your vital information.

5. Connect With Care

Connect only to secure sites. Do not use public Wi-Fi to conduct personal or business affairs. If you must connect to sites where security is questionable, use a strong Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Surfshark. Try it here.

6. Practice Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor, or multi-factor, authentication is the use of more than one form of identity verification to gain site access. Passwords are one method. Security questions are another often-used form of authentication. But many times the information commonly used is easily available to identity thieves as well. So, if you are going to use a security question, make sure the information is personal and truly private. Biometrics is another method growing in sophistication and popularity. Facial recognition or iris identification should someday be the norm in all computers. Fingerprints or voice identification are other good examples. Biometrics authentication is the future state of the art, although all methods still face challenges. Some devices have biometric capability now. Passwords will become a thing of the past, although they’re still vital currently! Setting alerts on your online accounts is another good practice.

7. Use Caution with Emails

One of the most common security breaches comes from replying to or opening links in fraudulent emails. This is commonly known as phishing. Never open a link in an email unless you are absolutely certain it is from a trusted source. Don’t even open it then. A common hacker practice is to gain entrance to one account and use that account to send phony messages to all contacts, with requests for money or information. Phishing emails have led to many notorious security breaches. Think of the 2016 elections, when a phishing email led to the massive DNC security breach.

8. Use a Good Security App

This is just good common sense. In this day and age, a good security app is a must. Many decent apps are free, but this is one area where it likely pays to pay. Consumer advocate sites rate the top security apps each year. If you don’t have one, hurry to check these ratings out, then purchase a good app. Visit at least 2 or 3 sites to get a consensus. Then check customer reviews as well.

9. Minimize Physical Access Possibilities

Physical access to any of your devices may be the easiest way for someone to gain vital personal information. Don’t leave your computer up and running in public. Do not leave important applications open anywhere while you are absent. Protect access with a strong password. Although best practice with passwords is to not keep physical copies, in the real world, where you might have 50 passwords, this is often not practical. Keep password information in a secure spot.

10. Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The VPN has become vital to maintain strong internet security. VPNs encrypt information and route your connection through a remote server. Your actual identity and location are masked by that server. VPNs also permit connection to sites that are geographically restricted or forbidden. They protect information when using public Wi-Fi. VPNs can be used to stream video such as Hulu or Netflix. VPNs permit download access without a digital footprint. Business users can log on to their business networks while traveling. One of the highest rated VPNs is Surfshark. Surfshark has more than 500 servers in all parts of the globe to facilitate strength and speed of connection. They were recently named a top VPN newcomer. Surfshark now offers annual plans with decreased cost and 24/7 support. Presently, a no risk trial is available. This is an excellent opportunity to secure a strong VPN network at an unusually low price.