Is your email really secure?

Use 2 step verification to secure your Gmail account.

Most of us use free email services like yahoo, live, gmail, hotmail, etc. Among these, Gmail seems to be the most popular. This may be because of the fact that Google is a trusted company and their email is easy to use. Another reason to consider using gmail is its security features. Some time back, Google added a new security measure called 2-step verification. This is a great security feature and it makes your account almost impossible to hack.('almost impossible' because nothing is really “hack proof”)

Well, what is this 2-step verification? It is a very simple and efficient way to secure your email account with the help of your mobile phone. You register your mobile number with Google, and whenever you login to your Google account, a text message or a voice automated call will send a unique verification code to your mobile phone. You then enter this code when it is prompted to you during login. You will be prompted for this randomly generated code everytime you login to your account.This system ensures that even if someone knows your password, he will not be able to login to your account. This will also let you know immediately if someone tried to login to your account.

Security is reassuring, but what about convinience? Some might find it irritating to receive a text message or a call everytime he wants to check his email. To overcome this hurdle, there is an option for remembering or “trusting” a device or computer that you frequently use to login. This will make sure your are 'remembered' until your cookies are cleared.

The best part of this is that it is absolutely free. And it is very easy to setup. You can find the setup instructions here. As of writing this, yahoo and dropbox, among others, are also providing this feature

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Earn Money Online through Freelance Writing

             There are many ways to earn money from the internet. You can take surveys, do data entry jobs, or even view ads. However, the most foolproof and profitable job is freelancing.  Freelancing may be in the form of writing, programming, admin support etc. Here, I will discuss about freelance writing and also give tips to get you started.

If you have a passion for writing, the freelancing is the perfect job for you.  If not, you can still take up freelancing but you will need commitment to be successful in it. Writing articles may sound easy at first, but the fact is that it involves a lot more effort and determination to come up with a good article.  Freelance writing may be profitable for some, while it is not so for others. This is because successful freelance writing depends on one’s writing skills, ability to meet deadlines and most of all, dedication. You have to write quality articles and deliver what the customer wants.

In many freelancing sites, clients will post their job requirements and you, as a contractor will have to bid for the job by submitting your proposal. The client will then review all the proposals received and select the contractor best suited for the job. Here, it is important for you as a contractor to submit your proposal and bid wisely. The best thing about freelancing is that you are your own boss. You can choose what jobs you would like to undertake.

To get you started, here I will give you an insight on two of the most popular freelancing websites. You may read the reviews and choose the one you would like to start with.

1.       Elance.com

Elance is a very good platform for beginners. You need to pass an entrance test. The syllabus is basically the Elance rules and regulations. You will also have to verify your mobile number. Basic membership is free and you can start submitting proposals once you are ready with your profile. Your profile reflects the jobs you have done, your earnings, ratings and comments given by your clients. Payments are guaranteed with Escrow. Once you start the job, you are funded by the client using Escrow. The client will release payment once the work is done.  You can use bank transfer or PayPal for receiving payments.

You can sign up for Elance here.

2.       Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is considered to be largest freelancing site in the world. Here also, basic membership is free, but you will have to pay (around Rs. 250) for taking ‘Exams’ which will be an added bonus for your profile. Phone verification is required, but there is no entrance exam.  Here too, the client will fund you as soon as you start the job; however the money will be released only when the job is completed to the client’s satisfaction.

You can sign up for Freelancer here.

All in all, whichever sites you choose, hard work and dedication to your work will count the most in the long run, enabling you to earn more money.

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