6 ms·

Yes, but that's not really what concerns me. It's that my workflow runs through those services. To clarify, email (basically your identity online), calendars,

by amirmc 15y ago

Yes, but that's not really what concerns me. It's that my workflow runs through those services. To clarify, email (basically your identity online), calendars, device syncing, now file-sharing can be run through Google (and I'm sure a whole lot of other things too). If these were to disappear* I'd basically be left with a nice shiny box, where I could 'work' but in a much more limited way. It would feel like being on a digital desert island (e.g. I do this now by working in places that don't have wireless and letting things 'sync' when I'm back online). I guess I'm just wondering how few companies are in a position to offer services like these, resulting in Google getting all my stuff. It's not bad per se but it is making me wonder what my options really are. (edits for clarity) *I'm referring to the odd story of people getting locked out of google accounts. I know it's rare.

Jebus 15y ago
You can have some degree of peace of mind by using your own domain (it's very easy to set up in gmail). This way, if google ever decides to f*ck you, at least you can set up your own mail server (better than having your life ruined, depending on how important your email address is for you) and move on.
jedc 15y ago
People get hacked and/or locked out of accounts surprisingly often. A good (and tech-savvy friend) was recently hacked, and managed to get thousands of dollars transferred before found it. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you have a Gmail account please follow Jeff Atwood's directions below. Turn on two-factor authentication, make sure you've verified a phone number and recovery email address account. http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2012/04/make-your-email-hacker-proof.html http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2012/04/make-your-email-hac... It eliminates virtually all of the easiest "threat vectors" to your Gmail account.
- rwallace 15y ago
  Suppose you turn on two factor authentication, and then something happens to the phone number you used for it. Does that mean you've effectively lost your Gmail account? (Not a rhetorical question. I don't know how or whether you can lose a cell phone number - as opposed to just the physical phone, which presumably shouldn't be a problem - but that doesn't necessarily mean it can't happen.)
  - andrewaylett 15y ago
    In regular use, you enter a code from an app, rather than using any network features of the phone. You can also set up (either as default or as backup) a phone number to text with a code -- as backup, they recommend sending to someone else's phone. Lastly, they will give you a list of ten one-time-use codes which you can write down or print out and put in your wallet/safe. If all the above fail, I believe there's an account recovery procedure, which takes a couple of days and involves sending proof of ID. So you're not relying on a single device, and certainly not on a single phone number, to be able to retain your account.
  - ajanuary 15y ago
    You can set up an alternative number, and can also print out a bunch of one-time use codes. One of these methods should be enough to log in and change the settings.
  - mryan 15y ago
    The two-factor auth system does not use the phone as a phone, just as a hardware token. Google displays a token on the login screen, you enter this in your phone and type the code it gives you in to the login page (similar to RSA's SecurID, but your phone is the device).
    - lobster_johnson 15y ago
      You seem to be referring to some othet Google auth system. The two-factor system used for Google accounts sends a code via SMS that you need to enter on the web page. It does not make you enter something on your phone.
      - Bjartr 15y ago
        There is an google authenticator app for android that you can register with your two factor auth so you can just open the app rather than wait for the text message.
        15y ago
niels_olson 15y ago
> digital desert island Welcome to the Navy-Marine Corps Internet!

by amirmc 15y ago

Jebus 15y ago

You can have some degree of peace of mind by using your own domain (it's very easy to set up in gmail). This way, if google ever decides to f*ck you, at least you can set up your own mail server (better than having your life ruined, depending on how important your email address is for you) and move on.

jedc 15y ago

People get hacked and/or locked out of accounts surprisingly often. A good (and tech-savvy friend) was recently hacked, and managed to get thousands of dollars transferred before found it. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you have a Gmail account please follow Jeff Atwood's directions below. Turn on two-factor authentication, make sure you've verified a phone number and recovery email address account. http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2012/04/make-your-email-hacker-proof.html http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2012/04/make-your-email-hac... It eliminates virtually all of the easiest "threat vectors" to your Gmail account.

rwallace 15y ago
Suppose you turn on two factor authentication, and then something happens to the phone number you used for it. Does that mean you've effectively lost your Gmail account? (Not a rhetorical question. I don't know how or whether you can lose a cell phone number - as opposed to just the physical phone, which presumably shouldn't be a problem - but that doesn't necessarily mean it can't happen.)
- andrewaylett 15y ago
  In regular use, you enter a code from an app, rather than using any network features of the phone. You can also set up (either as default or as backup) a phone number to text with a code -- as backup, they recommend sending to someone else's phone. Lastly, they will give you a list of ten one-time-use codes which you can write down or print out and put in your wallet/safe. If all the above fail, I believe there's an account recovery procedure, which takes a couple of days and involves sending proof of ID. So you're not relying on a single device, and certainly not on a single phone number, to be able to retain your account.
- ajanuary 15y ago
  You can set up an alternative number, and can also print out a bunch of one-time use codes. One of these methods should be enough to log in and change the settings.
- mryan 15y ago
  The two-factor auth system does not use the phone as a phone, just as a hardware token. Google displays a token on the login screen, you enter this in your phone and type the code it gives you in to the login page (similar to RSA's SecurID, but your phone is the device).
  - lobster_johnson 15y ago
    You seem to be referring to some othet Google auth system. The two-factor system used for Google accounts sends a code via SMS that you need to enter on the web page. It does not make you enter something on your phone.
    - Bjartr 15y ago
      There is an google authenticator app for android that you can register with your two factor auth so you can just open the app rather than wait for the text message.
      - 15y ago

niels_olson 15y ago

> digital desert island Welcome to the Navy-Marine Corps Internet!