12 Apps of Christmas, Day 6: Evernote

Some TechRepublic editors and bloggers highlight their favorite app in this 12 Apps of Christmas series. The sixth app, recommended by Will Kelly, is Evernote. 

 

The 6th app of Christmas Will Kelly gave to you is the champion app called Evernote.

In the spirit of the holidays, we thought we’d create a smartphone series based on a popular Christmas song. The 12 Days of Christmas starts on Christmas Day, but our 12 Apps of Christmas begins today, and we'll continue to post one app per day, leading all the way up to the holiday. However you celebrate this season, and whatever device you own (or platform that it runs on), we hope that you find some gems over the next 12 days -- as these are the apps that the TechRepublic’s editorial staff and bloggers actually use and feel passionate enough to write about. Here's what Will Kelly had to say about one of his favorite apps called Evernote.

Evernote is a very popular app that's available for Android, the iPhone, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. They offer both a free version and a Premium product that costs $5.00 a month/$45.00 a year. I’ve been using Evernote since the early days, and I've watched it transform from just a note-taking app into a product line tailored to help people collect and remember information. 

Since getting my first PC, I’ve always been better organized electronically than with hardcopy, so I truly fit the Evernote user demographic. Evernote is where I keep ideas, notes, and research for my TechRepublic posts, corporate client work, and my personal projects. 

The Evernote Web Clipper and Clearly make it easy for me to capture articles and blog posts for later reference. I especially like being able to drag-and-drop Word documents and Adobe PDF files (Figure A) into Evernote.

Figure A

A PDF saved in Evernote for later reference.

Because I’m a Premium user, I can search inside PDFs, Word documents, and even screen images I save in Evernote. Another bonus is being able to create offline notebooks so I can refer to information on my iPhone or iPad on the rare times I’m not on Wi-Fi.

Evernote lets you set up notebooks to better organize your notes. I use synchronized notebooks for client work, so I can access the information in the cloud and across my devices. I create notebooks to organize notes for particular projects. I then use notebook stacks (an Evernote feature for grouping notebooks) across various parts of my professional and personal life.

Recently, I’ve been relying more on tagging to organize the content I capture and my notes (Figure B), because I found myself creating too many notebooks over time. 

Figure B

Tags in Evernote.

The Evernote app is running on all of my Macs, PCs, iPhone, iPads, and Android tablets to ensure that my notes and research are always accessible. I regularly take notes using Evernote on the Mac during client meetings. My preference is to keep the formatting in my notes simple. However, Evernote lets me format notes using bold, italics, and other options you’d expect to find in a word processor. Using Evernote on my iPhone lets me take pictures of white board drawings and save them directly into Evernote for later reference. Evernote has allowed me be a paperless note taker after years of jotting down meeting and interview notes on yellow legal pads.

I highly recommend Evernote if you have project notes spread out across folders, cloud accounts, and apps, and you want to centralize all of your note-taking for sanity sake and easy reference.

Do you use Evernote, or are you partial to another note-taking app? Share your opinion in the discussion thread below.

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OmniOutliner 2 can change your mind about creating outlines

If you hated creating outlines in college, Will Kelly says you may still find a lot to like about OmniOutliner 2 on your iPad.

After college, I went on a rebellion against outlines for a number of years. The outlines the professors made us create never seemed to fit with my thought process. However, the first version of OmniOutliner changed my mind about creating outlines. Using it on my iPad brought outlining back to my writing workflow. Now, OmniOutliner 2, which is the iOS 7 update from The Omni Group, is available for $29.99 (USD) and sets a new a standard for outlining apps on the iPad.

Creating outlines

Creating an outline on an iPad using OmniOutliner 2 can be done from scratch or through a template. When you tap the plus sign [+] from the main screen, the Choose a Template screen will appear (Figure A).

Figure A

Choose a Template screen.

I highly recommend using one of these templates (at least initially) to start out your first outlines and learn about the features, styles, and themes that you can use to compose your own outline. Figure B shows the Level Styles template, which is an ideal starter template for creating your first outline.

Figure B

Level Styles template.

Starting an outline from scratch uses the default template. When you tap on the outline title, you can then rename the outline to something more meaningful. It’s easy to build out a detailed outline using just the touch screen to type in text and the virtual keyboard to add new rows. The app is quick and responsive and makes use of the iOS 7 user interface and performance improvements. There’s a wide range of styles available that you can use to format selected text in your outlines.

OmniOutliner 2 creates hypertext links automatically from any URL you place in an outline. Another nice feature is the ability to copy and paste images into your outline. Figure C shows a screen capture that I copied and pasted into an outline.

Figure C

Using an image as part of an outline.

One feature that I expect to use a lot more in the future is Notes, which enables you to attach a note to an outline row. You can hide or reveal all notes in your document with a tap or two. You can use the Notes feature to backup points in an outline and then export your outline into *.docx format for importing into a new document or for starting a new document.

The Contents option that controls some of the higher-end formatting features is where the app gets a bit too complex in my opinion. However, it’s nothing you can’t figure out with some trial and error. Contents tabs include:

• Columns where you can setup headers with formatting
• Styles include template themes, structural styles, and named styles (Figure D shows the Text Style option)
• Document where you can specify background color and alternative row colors

Figure D

Text Style option.

OmniOutliner 2 includes external keyboard support if you use a Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad. If you're already an OmniOutliner for Mac user, you can use the same keyboard shortcuts. 

Audio notes

One element of OmniOutliner that I’ve never gotten is audio notes. I tried testing them again in OmniOutliner 2. All you have to do is click the bubble at the bottom of the outline to record an audio note, but the iPad microphone doesn’t pick up much sound. I've tried to use this feature to record interview calls, but I just can’t find the use case for this feature in my own workflow.

Export options

Your outline won't be very helpful if you can’t get it off your iPad. As such, OmniOutliner 2 supports export to DOCX and CSV format, depending on your needs.

Cloud option

OmniOutliner 2 also enables you to add a cloud account. This is useful if you want to share outlines with other OmniOutliner 2 users or back to OmniOutliner for Mac. My one bit of advice is to enter your OmniSync Server credentials, because copying my OmniSync Server password from 1Password led to WebDav server errors.

Final thoughts

OmniOutliner 2 might be a bit pricey as iPad apps go, but it can be worth it if you currently use (or want to use) your iPad for composing ideas for personal and professional projects. I found some elements of the app complex, both as a user and reviewer, but those features are all higher-end formatting options that anyone can learn if they want to create more format-rich outlines.

Are you currently using OmniOutliner 2 for iPad? Share your experience in the discussion thread below.

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Five free Android job search apps

Jack Wallen highlights five free Android apps that just might help you find your next job.

Let's face it -- at some point, you're going to have the unlikely task of searching for a new job. When this reality rears its ugly head, you'll want to be able to search while you're at your desktop and while you're on the go. In order to do that, you need the right apps for your smartphone. The Android platform has plenty of apps for that purpose. But which ones are the cream of the crop? I've gone through the list of available apps to find out which jobs search apps offer a superior user experience. Here are my results.

1. Job Search, Indeed Jobs

The Job Search app has an incredibly easy-to-use mobile front end for the Indeed.com job search engine. With this handy app, you can search any job field in any country. Just type in a search string, enter a location (Figure A), and tap the Search button.

Figure A

 

Job Search running on a Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy S4.

With the results of the search, you can either email the job to yourself (or a friend), view the job (Figure B), or save the job. In order to save the job, you have to have a free Indeed.com account.

Figure B

Acting on a job search is simple.

To log into your account, tap the My Jobs button (after you run a search) or tap the Sign in button from the main window. Once you've authenticated, you can save searches, post your resume (via file upload), or post a new resume. 

2. LinkedIn

The LinkedIn app is not only a great way to search for jobs on your Android phone, it's also one of the best job networking tools you'll ever use. While you're sharing your status updates with your LinkedIn followers (Figure C), you can search for, save, and apply for jobs -- plus get insights from industry leaders.

Figure C

The main LinkedIn page on the Android platform.

The method of job application will depend on the job you're applying for. Some jobs will require you to apply on the company web site, whereas others offer an easier “Apply” button directly from the job listing.

The LinkedIn interface is quite easy to use. It has a handy dashboard panel (Figure D) where you can gain quick access to groups, people, jobs, companies, news, and more.

Figure D

Slide the screen to the right to view your LinkedIn dashboard.

3. Job Search, Simply Hired

The Job Search app by Simply Hired, Inc. claims to have the world's largest job search engine (a claim made by many). Even if it isn't the world's largest, it does have quite a collection of available jobs -- and the Simply Hired app is the best means of accessing these jobs.

From the app's main window (Figure E), enter your search string plus the city and tap the Search all US Jobs button.

Figure E

The Simply Hired Job Search main window.

Once you've found a listing you like, you can save, email, or apply (Figure F). The Apply button will open up a web browser and take you to either the Simply Hired job page or the company job application page.

Figure F

If you'd rather apply for the job on your desktop, email the job to yourself.

The one caveat to Job Search by Simply Hired is that you can't apply for jobs in-app. Outside of that one issue, the application has an incredibly simple interface and works quite well to help you locate possible employment opportunities.

4. Jobs

The Jobs app by CareerBuilder also makes the claim to have the largest job data base in the United States. From my experience, the CareerBuilder app does have one of the slickest interfaces of all the job apps you'll find (Figure G). With this tool, you can search jobs, search recommended jobs, save jobs, apply for jobs, post multiple resumes, get notifications, and sign up for a CareerBuilder account.

Figure G

The Jobs app main window.

Once you've done a search, you can then apply for a job with a single tap (Figure H).

Figure H

You can also save a job to your CareerBuilder account.

Naturally, you can't apply for a job with the app unless you have a resume uploaded to your account. You can't create a resume from within the app, but you can upload a resume either from a file on your device or from a Dropbox account. One very nice feature of the CareerBuilder app resume section is the ability to post multiple resumes to different job titles.

5. Proven Job Search - Craigslist

The Proven Job Search - Craigslist app is actually a front-end for the Craigslist, Simply Hired, and Beyond Jobs job search services. Don't let the stigma of Craigslist fool you, Proven Job Search is a great way of finding location-based jobs from more than one job site. With this app, you can search for jobs, filter jobs, get expert advice, search for tips, add favorites, view your “Applied to” jobs, and manage resumes/cover letters (Figure I).

Figure I

The Proven “dashboard” in action.

This particular entry in the job search category does allow you to create a new resume in-app (Figure J). You can even export your resume when you're done.

Figure J

Creating a resume with Proven is quite easy.

The Proven Job Search app has one of the easiest resume creators of all the apps on this list. Although you're typing on a smartphone keyboard, you can still have a resume up and posted in no time.

The search for your next job doesn't have to be an insufferable pain. Mobilize your search with any one of these handy Android smartphone apps. Hopefully, your search won't take long, and you'll be working your dream job in no time.

What other job search apps do you recommend? Share your experience in the discussion thread below.

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Five mostly free mass mailing applications

Reaching large numbers of customers, clients, or members takes special tools. Here are five applications that can facilitate mass mailings.

Although I would never condone spamming, there are plenty of legal and ethical uses for mass mailing applications. Mass mailing applications are commonly used for opt-in advertising, communicating with group members (clubs, churches, etc.), or for newsletter or blog post distribution. This article lists five applications that can facilitate mass mailings.

Five Apps

1. Bigg Mass Mailer

Bigg Mass Mailer is a free tool for generating mass mailings. The best thing about this tool (aside from the price) is probably its simplicity. Bigg Mass Mailer has a very clean and straightforward interface that allows you to specify your mail server’s credentials, compose your message, import your mailing list, and click Send. This utility could not be any simpler to use.

2. e-Campaign

e-Campaign is a full featured mass E-mail tool that is a good fit for those who wish to create and monitor an E-mail marketing campaign. The software allows you to create a series of mailing jobs, and messages can be sent in HTML or plain text. More importantly, the tool has rich reporting features and offers tracking capabilities so that you know who has opened your message and who has unsubscribed.

e-Campaign sells for $149.95, but a free trial version is available for download.

3. MailList Controller Free

MailList Controller Free is a free tool for generating mass mailings. The initial setup process walks you through setting up your SMTP server and setting up your first mailing list, but you can create additional lists later on. It is worth noting however, that the free version only allows for a single list with up to 100 recipients. The professional edition allows for ten lists with up to 10,000 recipients, while the extreme edition is unlimited.

The software seems to have all of the basics covered. It allows you to import list members or add members manually. There is also a very rich interface for composing messages. You can also keep track of outgoing messages and previously sent messages.

4. GroupMail Free Edition

GroupMail Free Edition is a free tool for sending out bulk E-mail messages. This application has all of the basics covered, but it also has a few nice extras. For example, the software can use its own internal database, but it can also connect to an existing external database or pull recipients directly from your address book. There is also a scheduler feature, but to use it you have to upgrade to the paid version. My personal favorite feature is that even if you decide to use the internal database, you can create and modify database fields so that you can create rich, personalized messages.

5. Sendblaster Free Edition

Sendblaster Free Edition is a free tool for mass messaging. The tool is full featured and provides a very nice reporting and tracking engine. The software is also designed to work with Google Analytics so that you can track which of your recipients actually made a purchase after receiving your E-mail. Another nice thing about this application is that it includes a number of different message templates that you can use, although some of the templates are only available in the paid version.

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10 strategies to follow when launching apps to the enterprise

These 10 strategies will bring a tailored approach to managing business apps in an increasingly mobile-driven world.

By Patrick Welch

Most IT managers have a good understanding of how apps are being implemented and used in their company. However, many struggle with ways to enable the full extent of productivity benefits, particularly when it comes to managing massive influxes of apps. Below are the ten must-have strategies for your checklist before launching apps to the enterprise.

1. App security

App security encompasses the measures taken pre-launch and throughout the application's lifecycle to tighten security and prevent hiccups in the policies of an app. Flaws in the design, development, deployment, upgrade or maintenance of the application come as a result of faulty security policies.

2. Encryption

Furthermore, companies need to choose apps with advanced encryption, just as we see with PCs. IT needs full control over how and where employees are using the app in order to ensure enterprise network safety.

3. Compliance

Compliance with major regulatory initiatives is necessary to help keep information shared via the app safe.

4. Device compatibility

With a wide range of devices—including diverse operating systems and form factors—entering enterprise networks, applications compatible across multiple computing platforms are ideal.  Its significance revolves around the web of BYOD and company-owned devices. For instance, if an employee is issued a company-owned smartphone, but wishes to use a personal tablet of a different operating system additionally, all mobile apps must allow for cross-device compatibility and functionality. Today, most enterprise apps are available across operating systems, and compatibility is correlated with employee productivity.

5. Consumer-like experience

The consumerization of IT is here—yesterday! Investing in apps with a consumer-like user experience provides a number of benefits, including an easier transition, less time and investment spent on training, and natural encouragement of higher adoption rates.

6. Test-drive

For IT, a test-drive speaks volumes to the success rate of new apps. Deploy prospective apps to a select group of employees and follow through by working out any obstacles before the entire staff is involved.  

7. Integration

An app’s ability to integrate with tools employees need throughout the lifecycle of their business content is essential, which might include abilities not just to deliver that content, but to manipulate it and share it.

8. Social capabilities

Additionally, social networks like Twitter and Facebook are increasingly prominent professional tools (think HR or marketing).  When it comes to choosing an app, some have solid capabilities built-in for integration. Eliminating the need to tirelessly toggle between business apps provides a favorable productivity return.

9. Ability to work offline

Working offline is a capability recently gaining growth and attention. Mobility promises real-time access to content on-the-go, and apps need to reflect that. Plane, train or automobile—unplugging is a typical part of the work flow, and offline access to apps is critical in enabling constant work-flow.    

10. Measurement and tracking

By implementing a check-list for each mobile app, companies can save time, money and headaches. However, once apps are on the enterprise network, the job doesn’t end. These apps need to be continuously measured and tracked to be sure they deliver ongoing benefits to the business. As processes and initiatives change, technology must also evolve, and an efficient enterprise mobile app strategy is key to staying ahead of the curve.

Patrick Welch is President & COO at bigtincan, a provider of mobile content management technology for smartphones and tablets

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Four tablet apps for enterprise social networks

Willy Kelly provides a roundup of mobile apps that can extend enterprise social networks to iPads and Android tablets.

Extending your enterprise social network to iPads and Android tablets is a great way to give your mobile workers or a geographically dispersed project team always-on access to your organizational communications.

One of the key selling points for taking your enterprise social network mobile is to give users a powerful tool to stay on top of team conversations, files, and projects from their mobile devices. In the end, such apps are about knowledge sharing.

The apps I highlight in the post are free, but some of them have additional business pricing plans. Mobile users should be sure to get setup with an account on their organization’s enterprise social network platform.

Here's my roundup of mobile enterprise social apps for tablets:

Yammer

Vendor: Yammer
Cost: Basic app is free (iOS/Android); Additional pricing plans

While Microsoft’s acquisition of Yammer was controversial in some corners, the Yammer iOS app shows it did give Microsoft an injection of much-needed mobile app talent. Personally, I’m still waiting for a full version of Microsoft Office for iOS, but testing the Yammer app on my iPad gives me hope for a more mobile platform agnostic future for Microsoft. Equipping an iPad user with the Yammer app means they can spend less time sorting through the email inbox. Some important features of the Yammer iOS app include:

• Push notifications, which are ideal for busy mobile users who need a reminder or alert for discussions and activities that might be taking place on their organization’s Yammer social network
• Mobile inbox that enables mobile workers to see the most important Yammer conversations in one view
• Access to documents

On my mobility wish list is harmon.ie or Colligo bringing Yammer access to their iOS SharePoint clients for enterprises running Office 365 and Yammer together.

Figure A shows the main page of the Yammer iOS app on an iPad.

Figure A

Yammer on an iPad.

Jive

Vendor: Jive Software
Cost: Basic app is free (iOS/Android); Additional pricing plans

I recently wrote a post about collaborating social with Jive and came to really appreciate the Jive social platform. While testing the Jive Mobile app on my iPad and iPhone, I found it to be very well thought out and designed (Figure B). Mobile appears to be a part of the Jive Software strategy, not an afterthought.

Figure B

Testing the Jive app.

The Jive mobile app includes the following features:

• Receive announcements from Jive communities in your mobile inbox
• Support for pictures in social stream updates
• Search across people (via rich user profiles), places, and content directly from the mobile app
• Browse through your followed activity stream, reply to discussions, comment on documents and blog posts, and use the Like button

Tibbr

Vendor: TIBCO Software Inc
Pricing: Basic app is free (iOS/Android); Contact sales about additional pricing

The surprising contender for me in mobile enterprise social tools is Tibbr. If you haven’t heard of Tibbr, you’ve probably heard of their parent company TIBCO Software (a middleware vendor). Despite my initial skepticism of Tibbr, I’ve come to see them as a very focused business network that pays attention to user needs to filter out information.

Here are some notable features of Tibbr for mobile users:

• Integration with business apps that extend to mobile devices
• Ability to follow subjects, including projects, discussions, and teams (while this goes against some of the prevailing thoughts about social tools, this business focus is going to appear to certain users, especially those on mobile devices)

While Tibbr is seen as a challenger to Yammer, I personally see it more as an integration play, because its integration with back office apps like Oracle and Salesforce is such a selling point for the platform. On the plus side, Tibbr integration with back office applications means some interesting options for executives and the mobile sales force who are always on the road, since both executives and sales are voracious consumers of back office data. On the negative side, gaining the full benefits of Tibbr for your mobile users may require more strategy and setup when compared to the other platforms I've highlighted in this particular post.

Figure C shows an example of the Tibbr iOS app.

Figure C

Tibbr on iOS.

My Bloomfire

Vendor: Bloomfire
Cost: Basic app is free (iOS); Additional pricing plans

Opening the My Bloomfire mobile app on a Retina iPad brings me back to 1995 America Online. My first inclination was to start deleting things from the screen. The interface seems to lack order and fluidity. 

Bloomfire needs to decide whether My Bloomfire is a mobile presentation app (like I covered in my post about tapping into the cloud for iPad presentations) or a mobile client for an enterprise social network. They do seem to have the media part down pat. 

Bloomfire is either contemplating a pivot for their platform or has fallen into the trap of trying to be everything to everybody, a malady inflicting startups and established companies alike, so I’m hesitant to recommend it for mobile users. Figure D shows an example of Bloomfire on the iPad.

Figure D

Bloomfire on an iPad.

Final thoughts

If mobile access to an enterprise social network is important to your mobile workforce, you need to put mobile access at the top of your requirements list. Then, I encourage you to take advantage of the free trials these platforms and others offer. 

What enterprise social apps do you use on your tablet or other mobile device? Share you experience in the discussion thread below.

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Manage your timesheet on your iPhone with Replicon Mobile

Will Kelly takes a look at Replicon, a SaaS-based timesheet platform that lets users and their managers handle timesheets from their iPhones.

Many business users fill out timesheets on a daily basis for employers or clients. These people will certainly benefit from Replicon, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) time and attendance management platform, which includes Replicon Mobile, an app that lets you manage your timesheet directly from your iPhone.

I recently spent some time testing Replicon Mobile on my iPhone 5 and can say it’s a world of improvement from the paper timesheets and internally-built timesheet packages I’ve seen during my IT contracting career. The Replicon Mobile app has the following requirements:

• Internet connection (Cellular/Wi-Fi)
• iOS devices running 5.1+
• Gen 3 version of Replicon timesheet and/or WebExpense software
• Company name, user ID, and password for each employee

Figure A shows the main page of a manager’s account in Replicon Mobile.

Figure A

Replicon Mobile main screen.

Tracking time with Replicon Mobile

The immediate benefit I see of moving timesheet input to an iPhone is being able to do it while you're on the go, when you don’t have access to a PC. The second benefit is push alerts for timesheet due dates and when a timesheet is late for processing.

Replicon Mobile gets past one big issue I’ve seen repeatedly with internally-built timesheet management platforms, and that’s ready-access to project data. The Replicon Mobile search feels quick and efficient when searching for projects, tasks, or activities and recording your time against them.

When you tap on Timesheets, Replicon Mobile presents a list of your timesheets (Figure B).

Figure B

Timesheets available in Replicon Mobile.

 

Simply tap on a timesheet from the list to fill it out. Figure C shows an example of an in-progress timesheet.

Figure C

A timesheet in progress.

I’ve been an IT contractor for long enough to know that timesheets can be done in haste or while multitasking. If your first instinct is like mine, you’ll tap on the date where you want to record your time, but you'll only see fields for personal leave and vacation. You have to take an extra step and tap the Add Entry button (top far-right button), which can be easy to miss because the icon isn’t very intuitive. However, the well-designed Add Entry screen (Figure D) certainly makes up for the poor Add Entry icon button choice. 

Figure D

Add Entry screen.

The Add Entry screen puts the typical time entry options on one screen. This is particularly helpful for professional services firms that need to be precise on time entry for billing purposes.

Expense management

Another area where Replicon Mobile does an excellent job of exhibiting how mobility can change a task is expense management. Frequent business travellers all seem to have their own pet methods for wrangling receipts and expense reports. Replicon Mobile can make personal or corporate mandated expense reporting much easier by enabling users to enter their expense reports directly into the Replicon Mobile app and then take a snapshot of their expense receipts to attach to the expense report. Figure E shows an example of a rejected expense report.

Figure E

Rejected expense report.

Figure F shows an example of an accepted expense report.

Figure F

Accepted expense report.

The status of the expense report appears on the Expense Sheet page, but it would also be helpful if the status appeared on the actual expense reports in the employee’s Replicon Mobile account.

Personally, I would like to see the receipts you submit with your expense report be more readily available throughout the process. Right now, you have to tap on Receipt Photo under Detail on the Add Expense Entry or Edit Expense Entry pages. It can easily be missed, and I think it would be more helpful if Replicon Mobile used a more visual analogy for receipts.

Managing approval processes with Replicon Mobile

Managers can approve timesheets and expense reports directly from the Replicon Mobile app. Managers can also set automatic reminders for their employees. Figure G shows the Approvals screen with timesheets, expenses, and time off pending approval.

Figure G

Pending approvals in the Approvals screen.

When you're logged in as a manager, approvals are as easy as tapping the circle beside the timesheet, expenses, and time off requests that you want to approve for your employees.

Final thoughts

While I didn’t like how Replicon Mobile requires you to open the Add Entry screen, I still found enough to like in this app  to recommend it for organizations -- especially those in professional services who want to mobilize their timesheet, expense reporting, and time off requests for their employees. Have you used Replicon Mobile? Share your experience in the discussion thread below.

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Backup nearly everything on your Android phone with Super Backup

Jack Wallen takes a look at Super Backup, a free Android app that allows you to backup SMS, call logs, bookmarks, non-Google calendars, and more.

Backups are a critical aspect of today's business world. We spend thousands of dollars ensuring our servers are backed up. Hundreds of dollars should also be spent to make sure our personal desktops are backed up (of course, we all know how that goes). As for mobile devices, many users don't even both or consider it.

Thankfully, with the Android platform, you get an automatic backup of contacts and apps (if you associate the device with your Gmail account). But what about SMS, call logs, bookmarks, non-Google calendars, and more? When you need to back those items up, it's time to look beyond the built-in Android backup. For that, you should turn to an app like Super Backup.

Features

Here are some features you can expect to see with Super Backup:

• Backup apps to SD card
• Backup contacts, SMS, call logs, bookmarks, and calendars to SD card
• Restore contacts, SMS, call logs, bookmarks, and calendars from SD card
• Can select SMS conversations to backup
• Delete the backup data on SD card
• Schedule automatic backups
• Auto upload scheduled backup files to your Gmail
• Show last backup count and time
• User can change backup folder path in Settings

Any mobile business user would be remiss to turn their backs on a free app with that feature list. But first, let's see how Super Backup is used before you decide to jump right in and start backing up.

Installation

The installation of Super Backup is super easy (you knew that was coming). Just follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone
2. Search for “super backup” (no quotes)
3. Locate the entry for Super Backup : SMS & Contacts
4. Tap Install
5. Tap Accept

Once the installation is complete, you'll find the launcher for Super Backup in your app drawer and/or your home screen. Tap it to launch the application.

Usage

One of the first steps you must take is to set up the location of your backup. Hopefully, you have an SD card in your phone to back up to. In order to set this option, tap on the wrench icon on the main page (Figure A). Tap the backup path entry, select External Storage Card, and then tap OK. Super Backup will now be set to backup to your external memory (this is much safer than backing up to the internal memory, should the phone die).

Figure A

Super Backup running on a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto X.

The next step is to begin backing up the various components. Each section allows you to run different tasks. For example:

• Apps Backup allows you to pick which apps to backup (Figure B)
• SMS Backup allows you to backup/restore conversations, view the backups, send the backups to email, delete backups, and delete all messages
• Contacts Backup allows you to backup, restore, view, send to email, and delete backups/all contacts
• Call Logs Backup allows you to backup, restore, view, send to email, and delete backups/all call logs
• Calendars Backup allows you to backup, restore, send to email, delete backups/all calendars
• Bookmarks Backup allows you to backup, restore, view backups, send to email, delete backups/all bookmarks

Figure B

Backing up apps with Super Backup.

The backup process is quite simple. You select what you want to backup and then tap the backup button associated with that item. In the case of apps, of course, you'll have to select which apps to backup. After you tap the backup button, you'll be prompted to give the backup file a name. By default, the name will look like:

item_date.vcf

 where item is either apps, SMS, call logs, etc and date is a string of characters representing the date. 

After you've given the backup a name (or are okay with the default), tap OK to begin the backup process. Depending on how large your backup is, this can take some time. When the backup completes, you'll be asked if you want to send the backup via email. You can either do that now or skip it (and do it later or not at all).

One of the really nice features of Super Backup is the ability to set up regularly scheduled backups for SMS, contacts, and call logs. Here's how:

1. From the main window, tap the wrench icon
2. Tap Schedule Settings
3. Tap the item you want to set the schedule for
4. Select the frequency of the scheduled backup (Figure C)

Figure C

Select how often you want the scheduled backup to run.

That's it. The scheduled backup will automatically run. You can also set up a maximum number of backup files to keep, plus auto-upload the backups to your Gmail account. When you select to auto-upload to Gmail, you'll be prompted to allow Super Backup access to your Gmail account. 

If you're looking for an easy way to back up various aspects of your Android phone, look no further than Super Backup. Between the built-in tool and this free app, you can rest assured that your smartphone data will be backed up.

What backup tool(s) do you use on your mobile device? Share you experience in the discussion thread below.

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