Raj Agrawal

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End User License Agreements – Do You Care?

June 26, 2012 by Raj Agrawal Leave a Comment

As an end user, I like software that communicate well; we all love flawless communication. While installing a software package, we usually encounter a window with a terribly long and heavily jargoned ‘end-user license agreement’ (EULA). We tend to not bother reading the entire contents at all. A first time computer user might attempt to peek into the contents of the user license agreement out of curiosity or as a challenge, but that attempt doesn’t go far. We try and bail out of the setup wizard by abusing the “I agree”, “Next” or “Continue” button and arrive at a point where we can finally use the software. That’s a regularity for most end users; something we all are used to.

The contents of an EULA convey important messages which aren’t really delivered to the user, due to it’s redundancy and complexity. What’s worse is that plenty of software packages are nowadays equipped with silly mechanisms to force the users read the EULA. I say, why not rather simplify the terms and conditions to a point where the user can understand them?

terms and conditions
WTF!

If the software makers really want the users to read and grasp all the terms and conditions mentioned into the license agreements, they must have them simplified. And I really appreciate the fact that *some* vendors have taken notice of this and have already begun simplifying their agreements, but a major chunk of them are still on with the conventional ways. And ofcourse, with newer ways to simply render the license agreements pointless. Ways like swapping the next button with a cancel button, enforcing timers where the users cannot proceed until the timers runs out and all jazz.

This reminds me of a hilarious 3 minute stand up act by one of my favorite comic artists – Eddie Izzard, who describes his funny endurances while installing the apps and software updates on his Mac computer.

What is your opinion? Do you think the conventional ways of presenting the user license agreements a best way of communicating the legal messages? Do you read them?

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: apple, Fun, mac

Bomgar 11.1 Provides The Very Best In Remote Support Solutions

September 5, 2011 by Raj Agrawal 1 Comment

Bomgar is the world leader when it comes to remote desktop support solutions for computers, servers, smartphones, tablets and other network devices. It uses the network connection of these devices to provide support solutions for the customers. Using Bomgar remote support, the users can control and provide support for the devices using this network connection. This reduces the need for onsite visits, phone support and allows the reps to respond to peak demands effectively. Hence, it can empower your support team to monitor, control and provide solutions for mobile devices and computers in an efficient manner.

bomgar logo
Bombar branding

Bomgar 11.1 is is designed to give companies the leading edge when it comes to providing support solutions for their customers. This makes providing support solutions efficient and cost effective for the investing companies. Some of the brilliant features and enhancements of Bomgar 11.1 are listed below.

Key Features

bomgar mac repconsole
Screen 1

 Representative productivity tools

Reps have the ability to support an unlimited number of unattended devices with the new Jump Client Scalability feature. The Enhanced Multi-Monitor Support increases the reps ability and speed to resolve issues that span multiple monitors.

Mobility tools

The iPad Rep Console extends Bomgar’s suppot solution capabilities to the iPad tablet device. The Bomgar Android Client delivers support to users on smart-phones and tablets with the industry leading Android platform.

bomgar blackberry-remote-control
Screen 2

Support Performance Analytics

Bomgar Analytics optimizes your support operations by speeding up your understanding and resolutions of IT critical support challenges and opportunities. It provides dashboard view for industry standard reports and tracks performance over time. Thus is allows the reps to fine tune their operations and customize reports.

Tighter support for Web based applications

Bomgar allows the user to streamline round – trip integration with critical web based applications such as help desk ticketing systems. Rep Console Scripting enhances the console and API to initiate command from other applications. The Rep Console Custom Link creates a one click shortcut back to the ticketing systems and other web based applications.

Tight focus on Security

Bomgar’s Embassy Authentication feature enables control over trust subject matter experts and maintains security over sessions with your support teams. This feature offers LDAP and RADIUS authentication.

Some key enhancements found in version 11.1 include

  • Silent Support – Sessions can now be started in the users task bar to provide unobtrusive support.
  • Rep Console Notifications – Keeps reps updates about important action points. Provides notifications in the form of pop ups and visual alerts.
  • SMS Session Start – Sessions can now be started via the mobile using SMS facility.
  • Mobile System Info. Logging – Information about remote device can now be captured and used by the support reps to gain a better understanding about the device in order to provide better support.
  • Disable Session Key – Redundant session keys from web based applications can now be disabled by removing the keys at the rep level.
  • Auto-join a Session – The support reps can now automatically connect to active sessions to rapidly provide a higher level of support to the customers and resolve critical issues.
  • Inactive Session Timeout – Inactive sessions will now be timed out automatically.
  • Uninterrupted License Updates – Licenses can now be updated and added without the need to schedule them or restart the Bomgar software.
bombar parallel
Bomgar B100

Bomgar currently is compatible with all the major operating systems for computers as well as mobile phones (mobile remote support) and tablets and supports most of the handheld devices. In order to try Bomgar, you have to request for an evaluation after which a bomgar representative will get back to you shortly.

The evaluation form can be found here.

Filed Under: Consumer Technology Tagged With: Android, linux, mac, windows

Sync And Control Android Phones From Your Computer [Android]

March 2, 2011 by Raj Agrawal 1 Comment

— AndroidPC project has been withdrawn by its author. Hence, this article is no longer valid —

AndroidPC v.2.0 is one of the best mobile managing suits available for Android phones, enabling the users to quickly connect their Android phones with the computer, regardless of the operating system, whether it be linux, mac or windows. The user can easily send and receive SMS, calls, get desktop notifications for incoming calls and messages, sync contacts and messages with the computer.

I’ve been hunting for a mobile managing suite since the day I bought an Android powered HTC Wildfire. Mobile managing suits really help to make things more convenient to control your cell phones without having the need to physically touch them. I recently discovered this tiny app called ‘AndroidPC’ that performs much more than it’s size. It allows the users to connect and take control of Android phones with a computer bearing a Mac, Linux or Windows operating system. It is compatible literally with any operating system.

android green
Android!

In order to use AndroidPC, you need to install AndroidPC app on the phone and a provided Java App on your computer.

  • Make sure you have a Java Runtime Environment install on your computer, or else get it from Java’s website:
  • With that, get AndroidPC for your phone from the Android market or with the QR code:
qrcode androidpc
Scan this QR Code
  • At last, you need a working Wi Fi connection (I know that sucks, but for now this the only connectivity path the app supports) and follow the steps from this link: Installation – How To

To summarize, here are some key facts about AndroidPC,

The Goodness –

  • Runs on all operating system platforms
  • Low on system resources
  • Small size
  • Receive and make a phone call from PC
  • Send and receive files on Android phones
  • Manage contact information and messages
  • Reply to messages from PC without the need of touching the phone
  • View your phone’s information
  • Missed call list

What sucks –

  • With the version 2.0, you can only use the suite with a working Wi Fi connection, the author is working on adding the USB support in the upcoming versions.
  • No support for Bluetooth

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: Android, linux, mac, windows

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