Web Development and How To Get Started In This New Career

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 28, 2019       

Behind every website that you visit and browse today is a web developer. This is the person and the brains behind every website. The job of these web developers has to do with the building, creating, designing, and running web sites. When added together as a whole, this comprises everything that you experience on the World Wide Web.

Working as a web developer allows you to move in a very dynamic, fast, and ever-changing career. As it's moving at a very competitive pace with technology, there are regular changes in this line of work. As challenging as the job will be, it's also an exciting and rewarding one.

If you're interested in starting a career in this field, read more below.

1. Complete Your Research And Education

As you enter into web development, it's important that you equip yourself with the necessary education and research apt for the industry. Because of all the constant upgrades in technology, it's essential that you don't let yourself get behind.

As a web developer, getting an education doesn't always have to mean formal, sit-down education. There are now numerous ways of how quality education can be attained. For instance, there are seminars, online schools, training, and other certifications. The bottom line is to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and background on web development.

2. Choose A Field Of Specialization

In web development, there are areas and fields of specializations. When you study a website, you'll see that there's so much that goes into it – it's a profound subject that’s composed of different parts. There are elements and other factors that come into play as you create a site, and it takes a lot of cooperation with different fields to successfully build a website.

As you start a career along this line, it also helps if you have a field of specialization. That way, you know your niche or your focus. Choosing a field of specialization also makes it easy for you to streamline your efforts and focus on what to learn.

3. Build A Strong Resume

When you're applying as a web developer, you can be sure that there are hundreds of others who might also be applying for the same job. Thus, it's important that you have to stand out.

After obtaining a strong education and further training, you can now start building a strong resume. One way of doing this is for you to include samples of your work. Because you're applying for a job in the digital industry, it's fitting that you create a digital portfolio, as well. Your portfolio can make or break an employer's decision to hire you.

Give your prospective employers a chance to browse through all the websites that you've previously made. That way, they'll have an overall idea as to the extent of the work that you've done, and the level of your programming skills. Especially when you've done some pretty fantastic job as a part of your studies or apprenticeship, don't pass up the chance to show these off.

4. Strengthen Your Technical Skills

It's obvious that the web development industry is a highly technical one. If you want to excel here, you also need to equip yourself with the necessary technical skills. Else, you won't be as competitive as others.

Some of the technical skills that'll get you involved as a web developer are the following:

● Proficiency in back-end languages, such as JAVA and Ruby

● Expertise in the three major programming concepts, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

● Proficiency in tools, such as Oracle

● Knowledge in frameworks, such as Foundation and Backbone

5. Deepen Your Web Design Skills

Web design comprises a huge chunk of the job that a web developer does. Here, you're not only talking about the design, per se. It also refers to other technical factors, such as navigability, SEO, and even the content.

Web design isn't only about creating a website that looks aesthetically pleasing. This website should also convert traffic, haul in customers, and increase a business's profit.

When you know a lot about web design, your flexibility in the field of web development is better appreciated. This also increases your chances of getting hired quickly. In today's digital era, having the skills to effectively create and manipulate a website can be very attractive through an employer's eyes.

Conclusion

Web development is a very flexible career field. Even as you've already started your professional career, there's still so much room for you to improve and get better.

There are numerous ways for you to have the necessary training and education that you need to jumpstart your career. Given the fast pace at which this industry is moving, all the more critical it is for you to have all the guidance you need to start as a web developer.

Church Text To Give: How Can Mobile Giving For Churches Help Increase Donations

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 28, 2019       

Non-profit organizations like churches rely on the goodness of their congregation for support, especially for their finances. If you work in a religious institution, you should consider providing alternatives to the traditional offering plate that’s distributed each week. 

A Text-to-Give Church software can help you collect more donations for your organization. It takes advantage of SMS technology and allows your church members to send in their tithes and offering without hassle.

Here are the ways that mobile giving can help increase donations for your church:

1. Convenience

The primary advantage of the Text-to-Give option is that it makes the donation process more straightforward for your congregation. Today, most people always have their phones in hand. That’s why it’s sensible for churches to cater to people who prefer this method of giving.

Convenience is a driving factor in encouraging people to donate to your church. The widespread use of texting can aid your cause and allow church members to send in funds without difficulty.

Additionally, offering other payment options like credit cards and checks can help boost your donations because some people prefer these methods. You can even set up a website and have members donate through that platform.

2. Accessibility

The fact that the Text-to-Give option is always available for your congregation can help motivate them into giving consistently; thus, increasing the donations that come your way. Accessibility is another factor that can facilitate the growth of your funds.

Your congregation is made up of people from all walks of life. Some of them aren’t always present during the services because of career obligations. Their jobs may require them to travel a lot.

Setting up a Text-to-Give alternative enables them to continue supporting the church even while they aren’t around to drop their tithes personally. They can just send in the funds digitally and fulfill their responsibilities as part of the community.

3. Recurring Donations You can also increase donations with text giving, specifically through recurring contributions. While Text-to-Give makes the process more convenient for first-time givers, it also gives them the option to donate again automatically.

While most people who do recurring donations often give in smaller amounts each month or week, they actually end up making a significant, long-term impact through their regular contributions. Encouraging habitual tithing also helps your church by stabilizing its budget.

In knowing the precise amount of donations that will be going into the church account each month, you can allocate the appropriate funds for each ministry and mission work without worrying about sustainability in the long run.

Set up the recurring donations option intuitively by:

● Keep Donation Forms Concise – Asking donors to fill-up a lot of fields increases the likelihood that they’ll abandon the process and you end up without any funds at all. Minimize the questions that they have to answer down to the basics like name, contact information, and payment details.


● Provide Several Payment Choices – With Text-to-Give, the carrier processes the donation and the amount is charged to the donor’s phone bill. However, you should also offer alternatives and accept payments through credit or debit cards to boost the chances of recurring gifts. If you can’t provide other options, state it upfront; right on your donation landing page, not on the last part of the transaction.


● Send a Thank-You Note – Even if people opt not to be recurring donors just yet, there’s still hope that they’ll change their minds and become regular givers in the future. Cultivate your relationship with them by sending a simple Thank-You note and letting them know that their contribution makes a significant difference.


● Offer Non-Monetary Incentives – To encourage first-time givers to set up recurring donations, you can offer incentives when they do. It doesn’t even have to be in the form of cash. You can give them an exclusive tour of your church or special promotional items. You can even show your appreciation to them through social media shout-outs.


● Suggest Donation Amounts – Make the process more straightforward for donors by creating pre-determined donation amounts that they can click. It eliminates the worry of having to guess how much they should give. The preset can be as low as one dollar to as high as 50 USD.


● Use Other Forms of Authentication – A significant issue with mobile giving is with the account creation because most people tend to forget their passwords. To avoid this problem and simplify the process, you can set up other ways to verify the identity of the user every time they log in, such as through email or social media authentication.

4. Mobility

It’s great how technology allows people to execute tasks on-the-go. The same goes for Text-to-Give. Your church members can donate money right when divine inspiration strikes. They just need to send a message to your organization’s short code or shortened phone number containing the keyword, whether they’re waiting in line at a coffee shop or taking a break at the park.

This aspect is complemented by your donation landing page, which is a web page that’s designed to accept the giver’s personal and payment details. Plus, because people will be opening it through their smartphones, its layout should be mobile-friendly.

These are the components of a mobile-friendly donation page:

● Intuitive – The page should make the giving process straightforward for donors. As mentioned above, there should be minimal fields for the user to fill-up. Moreover, eliminate distracting design elements that provide clutter to the web page.



● Responsive – Responsive web design is the practice of ensuring that your web page looks excellent regardless of whether the donor is accessing the web page through their computers or mobile phones. While the sizes may differ, the layout shouldn’t look considerably different from your website.



● Complete – The elements found in your website and in the donation web page must be similar. Make sure that all payment options work regardless of the device that the donor is using.



● In-Theme – Your donation landing page should feel part of your organization’s website. It shouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb. Incorporate your church colors and other design elements into the page for consistency.

5. Safety

Today’s SMS technology has become more sophisticated. It’s safer than it was during its early years. Text messages are encrypted as they’re carried over to the cell tower. It’s then decrypted and sent to the mobile carrier’s database before the recipient gets the message.

Fortunately, some apps specialize in encrypting text messages. iPhone users can enjoy this feature through iMessage while there are lots of options available on the Play Store for those with Android phones.

Moreover, most Text-to-Give platforms already have security measures in place to protect your donor’s information so your congregation won’t have to worry about breaches.

You can also do your part to ensure the safety of your donor’s data through:

● Creating a Privacy Policy – Craft a privacy policy and disseminate the information internally. Your team must understand the importance of protecting the giver’s data in earning their trust and being excellent stewards of the church funds. You should clearly communicate what data can and can’t be disclosed under various circumstances.



● Conducting PCI Compliance Audits – The Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards must be met by your Text-to-Give service provider as well as your organization’s processes to hold credit card information. You can assign time each month or quarter to evaluate your payment practices and always update your systems to patch up vulnerabilities.



● Using Password Alternatives – Eliminating the need for lengthy passwords will not only aid the convenience of the donation process for your supporters, but the alternatives will also make their accounts more secure. Two-factor authentication will only require a few clicks while adding an extra layer of protection for church-givers.



Meanwhile, these are the processes that your Text-to-Give service provider should have for protecting your donor’s data: 

● Implementing Tokenization – The company should practice tokenization, which is the system of converting sensitive data into something that has no exploitable value. With this, the software automatically translates credit card and CVV numbers into a language that only legitimate financial institutions have the tool to interpret.



● Utilizing Fraud Detection Tactics – They must also be proficient in spotting fraud red flags. There must be filters that sift through each message and transaction. These algorithms can distinguish and prevent scams from damaging your reputation as well as destroying your donor’s trust in the organization.



● Practicing Proper Data Storage – You should consider asking your service provider their data storage practices. Determine what type of servers they have and inquire whether the communication between devices and carriers are encrypted.

6. Flexibility

A Text-to-Give campaign can be conducted simultaneously with other marketing strategies. Its versatility allows you to either focus on collecting funds through this method or using it to complement your other plans.

This fundraising strategy works well with:

● Email Campaigns – Your e-newsletter is an excellent donor engagement tool. Make sure to add your Text-to-Give shortcode, keyword, and even a QR code for your donation page to all your email correspondences, except for Thank-You notes to those who’ve already given their support because it may appear as if their offering was insufficient for the cause.



● Direct Mail Appeals – For church members on the older side, you may be able to reach and connect to them more through direct mail. If so, you should also include the shortcode and keyword for your campaign. You may also want to provide a concise walkthrough to guide them through the process as they may not be as tech-savvy as the younger generation of givers.



● Programs and Events – The Text-to-Give campaign can also complement your church’s fundraising programs and events. It can be an alternative to other donation methods like cash and credit cards to make it convenient for donors to support the organization financially.



● Social Media Movements – Take advantage of the power and reach of social media to blast your Text-to-Give process to your followers. You never know when divine inspiration may strike, so it pays to make the importance of giving stay on top of your church member’s minds by boosting your digital presence.

7. Affordability

While purchasing a shortcode is expensive, most Text-to-Give service providers allow you to use their universal shortened phone number. You just have to choose a unique keyword to make sure that the funds intended for your organization are directed to the church’s bank account.

This method of giving can be affordable for donors as well because they have the power to choose their gifts according to their budget. It’s all a matter of using appropriate wording in your appeals.

For example, you can make the task of sending money more manageable by asking for “a small 5 USD fee” rather than the commandeering and direct sound of “a 5 USD fee.” While it’s technically the same amount, the first way of phrasing it gives it a reasonable perception.

Other words you should incorporate in your donation appeal to boost its effectiveness are:

● Immediately – In this age of instant gratification, people want to witness an impact in real-time. While the return is less concrete when it comes to church donations, you can give givers the same sensation by emphasizing how they can make a difference right now as well as sending a Thank-You note immediately after the transaction has been completed.



● You – Personalize your call-to-action by using the word you. Focus on how the donor’s actions can have a significant impact on the mission work or ministry you’re funding. Instead of saying, “We need to raise 5,000 USD for our brother’s mission in Asia,” it’s better to send this message “You can help send our missionary brother to reach unbelievers in Asia by donating here.”



● Because – Another crucial factor in ensuring more donations is to provide a valid reason as to why supporters should give their money to the church. It’s not enough to inform them of the amount you need to raise. You should tell them why you’re doing it.

Conclusion

Text-to-Give campaigns can help you boost the number of donations you receive from donors by making the process more convenient and accessible for them. This fundraising method also enables them to give when they feel like it, even while waiting in line at a coffee shop.

Moreover, most platforms allow users to set up recurring contributions, which can have a significant financial impact in your church in the long run. The tool is secure, too, so you don’t have to worry about data breaches.

Lastly, the software can be used with other fundraising tactics like email campaigns, direct mail appeals, events, and social media movements without co

OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro Gets OxygenOS Open Beta 4

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 23, 2019       

OnePlus is now rolling out another Software update to the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro users in the form of OxygenOS Open Beta 4 which is based on Android 10.0 Q.

With Android 10.0 Q, you'll get new Raise the Smartphone to lower the ringtone. It also fixes screen flashing issue, and accidental muting of a vehicle navigation system while in connection with a Bluetooth device.

• System
• Fixed the screen flashing issue with setup while adding the fingerprint
• Fixed the issue of the accidental muting of a vehicle navigation system with a Bluetooth connection
• Fixed the disabling of mobile data after an upgrade
• Optimized visual effects of the permission's pop-up window
• Optimized the black and white screen issues with some apps
• Improved system stability and fixed other known issues
• Phone
• Added the "Raise to lower the ringtone" feature in Sounds & Vibration for incoming calls
• Enabled efficient addition of unknown numbers to contacts
• Optimized the description for the features
• Expanded the dial pad area to avoid mis-touches
• Messages
• Optimized the message sorting feature by verification code
• Calculator
• Optimized UI and interactive experience
• OnePlus Switch
• Supported transfer of iPhone data through iCloud
• Weather
• Added The Weather Channel as a data source for accurate weather data

You'll need to do is flash the Open Beta firmware on your OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro. Once you migrate to the Beta path, you will continue to receive Open Beta OTAs. You will NO LONGER receive the regular Official Stable OTAs.

Stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram to get the first News.

Get Pixel 4 Features on any Android Device

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 16, 2019       

Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL Comes with some cool exclusive features, but you can get them on your Android device. Pixel 4 comes with new Pixel Launcher, Google Camera 7.1 Astrophotography, and Motion Sense Hands Free Control via Soli Radar.

Here's how you can get the Pixel 4 Features on your Android Smartphone -



Downloads

Pixel 4 Launcher

Pixel 4 Live Wallpaper | Slice Application

Pixel 4 Google Camera 7.1

Hands-Free Control Gesture 

Google Recorder

About Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL

Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL comes with 5.7 inches and 6.3" Display with 90hz Refresh Rate. Both these phones are having a huge forehead and small chin. The Forehead is having Soli Motion Sensor and Face ID which is amazing.

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL features Snapdragon 855 CPU, 6GB RAM, and 64/128GB Internal Storage.

Home Security: Wired vs Wireless Camera Systems

 By Vaibhav Jain on October 09, 2019       

There's a lot to consider when installing a home security camera system. Sites like DD Counter Measures offer recommendations on the best camera systems for home use. However, before you start going through the review lists, you need to decide whether to opt for a wired or wireless system. Knowing the pros and cons of each one will help you choose the right solution for your property.

Wired Security Systems

Used mostly on larger properties, wired security systems rely on cables from the video camera to a recorder, which connects to the router. There are two power options: a separate power cord or a Power Over the Ethernet (POE) cable. With a POE-enabled system, one cable provides the power and internet connection. 

Key Benefits

Wired security systems aren't vulnerable to wireless signal interference, so they tend to be more reliable. For large properties covering a wide area, you'll probably want a wired security system with comprehensive coverage rather than focusing on certain key locations.

Wired systems support between 4 to 16 cameras all linked together. Remember that you will need a DVR or NVR recorder to store the security footage.

Potential Drawbacks

Installing a wired security system entails running multiple cables. Unless you're confident about doing this yourself or want to pay for an engineer, this may not be the right solution for you.

Also, you need to consider what would happen in a power outage - your wired security system would go down, too. Live in the back of beyond where power sources are an issue? Invest in a backup generator.

The Final Word on Wired

A wired security system works better for properties that are there long-term, due to the installation process. Your camera and recorder location will depend on access to power outlets. Be prepared to run cables between devices. Want to move cameras around once installed? This will entail re-running cables. However, once installed, you have a reliable security system with the ability to link more cameras if required.

Wireless Security Systems

Wireless systems connect to your home WiFi network, either with a cable or wirelessly. With these systems, security footage wirelessly transmits from the camera to the recorder. 

The Plus Points

Installation is easy as there's no need for cables between the cameras and the recorder. This gives more flexibility about the location of wireless security cameras, providing there's access to a power source.

Live in an area without wireless coverage? Simply run a cable from the camera to the recorder. If you're renting, or just there for the short-term, wireless is easy to take down, move and set up.

Possible Downsides

Wireless security systems cater to up to four cameras. If you live in a mansion or large property that requires extensive coverage, a wired system is more appropriate.

Wireless can be vulnerable to power outages, too. Interference can be another issue, due to countless other wireless signals and broadcasts in the area. The signal of your router and other routers on the same bandwidth range could overlap if you live in an apartment block.

The strength of your wireless strength is affected by your router, the amount of interference and the route the signal takes to reach the cameras. You'll need to locate all wireless cameras within the WiFi range. Any metal or buildings between the cameras and the router may cause connection problems. The answer is to extend your wireless coverage with repeaters.

The Final Word on Wireless

Wireless is ideal if you rent or live in a small to medium property. It guarantees flexibility and is convenient to install. If a wireless signal is an issue, repeaters will strengthen the signal and ease the connection between more distant cameras.