Online Volunteering Technology, Tools, and Tips by Randy Tyler

Only Google's Web-Based E-mail Service, Gmail, Retains a Secure Connection After Log-in

Of the three major free Web-based e-mail services (Yahoo, Windows Live/Hotmail and Gmail), only Gmail retains an encrypted (secure) connection after log-in. Each mail service's secure Web site connection is identified by https (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) and verified by a Certificate Authority: VeriSign (Windows Live), Thawte (Gmail) and Equifax (Yahoo).

Yahoo mail provides an SSL (secure) connection by default but reverts back to a unencrypted http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) connection after log-in. Windows Live, by default, is not an encrypted connection.Windows Live Mail requires a user to click on the "Enhanced Security" link (before logging-in) to connect via an https connection. After log-in, Windows Live reverts back to an unencrypted (http) connection. Gmail (Google Mail) has now enabled an encrypted (https) connection by default and remains secure while the user is logged in.

Do you use one of these free Web-based e-mail services? Do you use a public, unencrypted wireless network? If you sign in to a Web-based e-mail service via a non-secure (http) Internet connection, such as a public wireless or a non-encrypted network, you are more vulnerable to unauthorized people viewing your account information.

For further information about how a non profit organization can develop a productive virtual volunteering program through the use of appropriate technology, please visit this Online Volunteering Resource.

CBC TV Newsworld Interviews Randy Tyler About Online Volunteering

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CBC-TV-Interviews-Randy-Tyler-About-Online-Volunteering.flv (15401 KB)

As part of a day long special about volunteering in Canada called the "The Kindness of Strangers", CBC TV Newsworld Interviewed Randy Tyler About Online Volunteering.

For further information www.mys.ca/volunter or contact Randy Tyler directly via pioneering online volunteer program developer and presenter or e-mail RandyTyler@gmail.com

How to Use iTunes to Play Podcasts - An Instructional Video for Non-Profits

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How-to-Use-iTunes.wmv (17973 KB)

MYS announces the release of an iTunes instructional video entitled "How to Subscribe to and Play Podcasts Using Apple's iTunes". Podcasts, which are downloadable audio or video files, are a productive way to learn about trends and issues that impact online volunteering within non-profit organizations.  iTunes, the dominant free podcatcher available for both Windows or Macs, allows the non-profit user to easily subscribe to a podcast publisher's feed and then have the episodes delivered automatically to their desktop-based podcatcher (iTunes) where they can be played when released. Whether the consideration or concern is, for example, Internet security or the use of an application, free podcasts are available to assist a non-profit organization develop their online volunteer program.

MYS extends their thanks to Ireland-based Online Volunteer Becky Heaman for  producing the video and to Alberta-based online volunteer Gail Drinnan for video distribution.

Download the "How to Use iTunes Instructional Video" from the above link, now.

For further information, please contact Tandy Tyler www.mys.ca/volunter or directly via Online Volunteer Program Developer, Trainer and Presenter or RandyTyler@gmail.com

Five Ways to Use Video Mail with Online Volunteers

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Using-Video-Mail-with-Online-Volunteers.mp3 (6843 KB)

How to Use Skype with Online Volunteers - An Instructional Video

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How-to-Use-Skype.wmv (6814 KB)

Although Skype states their VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) application is relatively "easy to download, install and use", a visual tutorial may help those with installing and using this program for the first time. As apart of the best practises publication about Online Volunteering being developed by Randy Tyler, MYS has facilitated the creation of many how-to videos.

MYS is pleased to share a video tutorial that provides an overview of how to download, install, configure and use Skype for Windows. MYS extends their thanks to online volunteer Yu Cheng, who now lives in China, for creating the approximate nine minute video.

Download the "How to Use Skype with Virtual Volunteers" instructional video from the link above, now.

For further information, please contact RandyTyler www.mys.ca/volunter or directly by visiting Online Volunteering or e-mail RandyTyler@gmail.com.

CTV Canada AM Interviews Randy Tyler About Online Volunteering

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CTV-Interviews-Randy-Tyler-About-Online-Volunteering.flv (11512 KB)