We’ve got some news about our UNI/UniForce product line, and while it might not be the easiest thing to share, we wanted to be upfront and personal with you all about it.
Here’s the deal: we’ve decided to sunset UNI/UniForce. What does that mean exactly?
November 1st, 2024: This is the day we’re putting a pause on active development.
November 1st, 2025: This is the official end-of-life date for UNI/UniForce. After this point, we won’t be able to provide technical support for it anymore.
We know this might come as a surprise, and we truly appreciate you sticking with us and using UNI/UniForce. This wasn’t a decision we made lightly. Sometimes, in the tech world, we have to make choices about where to focus our energy to build the best possible future.
What happens next?
We understand that you might be looking for a replacement solution. Great news! CleanTalk offers a robust set of APIs that can be integrated into a wide variety of applications. You can find out more about CleanTalk’s API options and how they can help protect your projects here: https://cleantalk.org/help/api-cleantalk-all
CleanTalk also provides a powerful blacklist checking tool that allows you to instantly verify if an IP address, email address, subnet, or domain is listed on any major blacklists. This can be a valuable resource for maintaining your security and reputation. Give it a try here: https://cleantalk.org/blacklists
If you have any questions about this transition or need help exploring alternatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. They’re always happy to help!
Bots are among us all over the internet. They visit websites, gather information, and write comments and reviews. So how do you distinguish such a bot from a real comment or review author? That’s where The Real Person appears.
The Real Person is a benchmark system for WordPress that separates real users from bots. It shows a special badge for the author of a comment or review, that the author passed all Anti-Spam filters and acts as a real person. As well as his email is also confirmed to exist.
Here’s an example of what The Real Person badge looks like on a WordPress website. You can also see the live badge in the comments below the post.
The Real Person is free and is a part of the Anti-Spam protection cloud service.
CleanTalk added spam protection for Kadence Blocks Advanced Platform using direct form integration. So in case, you prefer using this platform be sure to use the most effective Anti-Spam plugin. Read the guide below and learn 4 steps to protect all your contact forms from spam.
Once the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin is installed it starts to protect all of the existing forms on your WordPress website. It may not only be Kadence Blocks Advanced but also many others.
To install the Anti-Spam plugin, go to your WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Add New.
Then enter «CleanTalk» in the search box and click the Install button for «Spam protection, Anti-Spam, FireWall by CleanTalk».
After installing the plugin, click the «Activate» button.
After it is done go to the plugin settings and click the «Get Access Key Automatically» button. Then just click the «Save Settings» button.
That’s it! From now you How to completely protect your Contact Forms from spam.
How to check Kadence Blocks Advanced Spam Protection
You can test the work of Anti-Spam protection for your Contact Forms by using a test email s @ cleantalk.org (without spaces). First, open the form in an Incognito browser tab. Fill in all the required form fields and send a form. After submitting the form, you will see a block message about the block on the form submission.
kadence forms
If you have any questions, add a comment and we will be happy to help you.
Create your CleanTalk account – Register now and protect your Contact Forms from spam in 5 minutes
Update
The protection works only for website visitors, not for website admins. Be sure to test the form protection using Incognito mode.
Additional features
CleanTalk protects all forms at once: comments, registrations, feedbacks, contacts, reviews.
Installation takes about 1-2 minutes.
Smart 99% protection against spambots.
Always online – 24/7 technical support.
Logs, SpamFireWall, personal lists, country filters, stop-words, and many others.
Discover the complete list of CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin features here.
CleanTalk added spam protection for Flamingo plugin using direct form integration. So in case, you prefer using Flamingo to store submitted messages be sure to use the most effective Anti-Spam plugin to protect it. Read the guide below and learn 4 steps to protect all your contact forms from spam.
Once the CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin is installed it starts to protect all of the existing forms on your WordPress website. It may not only be Contact Form 7 forms but also many others.
To install the Anti-Spam plugin, go to your WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Add New.
Then enter «CleanTalk» in the search box and click the Install button for «Spam protection, Anti-Spam, FireWall by CleanTalk».
After installing the plugin, click the «Activate» button.
After it is done go to the plugin settings and click the «Get Access Key Automatically» button. Then just click the «Save Settings» button.
That’s it! From now you How to completely protect your Flamingo from spam.
How to check Flamingo Spam Protection
You can test the work of Anti-Spam protection for Flamingo by using a test email s @ cleantalk.org (without spaces). First, open the form in an Incognito browser tab. Fill in all the required form fields and send a form. After submitting the form, you will see a block message about the block on the form submission.
2
If you have any questions, add a comment and we will be happy to help you.
Create your CleanTalk account – Register now and protect your Flamingo messages from spam in 5 minutes
Update
The protection works only for website visitors, not for website admins. Be sure to test the form protection using Incognito mode.
Additional features
CleanTalk protects all forms at once: comments, registrations, feedbacks, contacts, reviews.
Installation takes about 1-2 minutes.
Smart 99% protection against spambots.
Always online – 24/7 technical support.
Logs, SpamFireWall, personal lists, country filters, stop-words, and many others.
Discover the complete list of CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin features here.
A few months ago I’ve got a great chance to visit Stripe Sessions 2024 at SF, CA. Here are my notes from this,
Stripe uses machine learning to protect merchants against fraud, as data they look through completed transactions. They identify two types of fraud – card testing and card caching. The false positive rate is 0.05%, meaning 5 false transaction per 1,000. Here is our solution against fraud for Stripe’s merchants https://blog.cleantalk.org/preventing-stripe-fraudulent-payments/
Stripe offers around one hundred payment methods (besides cards) and recommends enabling these methods either manually with country linkage or conducting payment in the buyer’s local currency. In this case, Stripe automatically shows to buyers their local payment methods. In my opinion, payments in local currency brings losses on conversion to USD, but in return a merchant improves payment conversion rates.
Stripe recommends using an embedded payment form on the seller’s website instead of redirecting the user to the Stripe site. This increases conversion by up to 11% due to fewer clicks for the buyer. We are going to implement such feature on our payment page as well, p.cleantalk.org. Here is a draft of the new design.
For clients from the US and Europe, it makes sense to offer credit/installment options at checkout. A representative from affirm.com (online credits/installments) mentioned that they work with payments starting at $50, and adding such a payment method can increase conversion by up to 60%, as well as increase the average check (typical buyer behavior when purchasing on credit).
Stripe measures the reliability of its infrastructure by the number of seconds of downtime. Currently, their downtime is 26 seconds per month, which they consider a key product feature.
There was an interesting session with the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen. He said, We are currently experiencing a new industrial revolution, comparable to the time when humans transformed the energy of fire into steam, and then steam into electrons. Now electrons are being transformed into tokens (GPU computational cycles), and the number of these tokens will change the economy and industry. He is driving the AI industry towards solving real human problems, namely building multi-stage processes and using external (to AI) ways of solving problems. For example, AI should independently write an email or call a third party to provide the correct solution to the user who requested it. We use own AI to design new chips. Nvidia employees would never have started doing what AI is currently doing in chip design.
There were also several sessions on product design (Figma, Linear) and pricing systems (Adobe, Stripe). I didn’t learn anything new here; we are doing what the experts recommend.
Stripe has launched Usage-Based Billing, which is similar to our Pay-as-you-go model (that we have launched in the end of 2023). Interestingly, it features a simple API for interacting with Stripe’s billing system, and it provides real-time tracking of consumed resources and costs. In CleanTalk we considered using Stripe before starting work on our universal page but decided against it because Stripe didn’t support cross-selling. Otherwise, it’s a good solution if you don’t have the desire or capability to develop your own system.
At the developer session, about 80% of the audience (approximately 1000 developers) use GitHub Copilot (https://github.com/features/copilot), which is GitHub’s AI language model that assists with coding. From what I quickly gathered, this tool:
Writes documentation.
Writes unit tests.
Provides clear descriptions for pull requests and commits.
And, of course, writes code.
The head of development at GitHub explained that the system is designed so that the developer must oversee the AI-written code to avoid issues similar to Tesla’s self-driving problems. Overall, we should try it out.
Stripe is very focused on code documentation. They have many in-house developments to keep their documentation up to date, which they consider a strong point and a reason why they are widely used (which I think is true, as their documentation was among the best during my time as a developer).
To enter the corporate market, besides complying with ISO standards, it would be good to implement Bring Your Own Key (BYOK). This feature allows users to encrypt their cloud data with their own key.
Stripe sees a reduction in payment processing costs by offering users the least expensive payment methods for the seller (Surcharge). However, it’s unclear whether Stripe plans to launch this feature for everyone or if they are suggesting users consider this option themselves.
In the summer of 2024, Stripe is launching cryptocurrency payment acceptance. They had previously tried accepting such payments but abandoned it in 2018 because the process took up to 30 minutes (due to insufficient computing power on buyers’ devices). Now, thanks to the increased performance of client devices, they have reduced this process to 15 seconds.
We should look into Linear, as they have ideas regarding project management and tracking. As well as Mindbody, which provides software (SaaS) around fitness, including financial services for their clients.
Bonus
In San Francisco, self-driving taxis are already fairly common. White cars with sensors are seen in the photos. Subjectively, 2 out of 10 cars are on autopilot. It’s a bit eerie to imagine that such a car will come to pick you up and take you somewhere, it immediately reminds me of Skynet.
Patrick and JensenFidji Simo, Patrick and JohnJohn and LawrenceDesign talksPayments featuresMe, morning of the first dayDriver less taxi
Hey there, Opencart store owners! Are spammers giving you a headache? Let us put a smile on your face. CleanTalk Anti-Spam plugin for Opencart 4 is your new best friend in the fight against online nuisances!
Imagine a world where your Opencart checkout form is protected from spam and fraudulent orders. Well, guess what? That world is here! Our clever little plugin works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your store safe and your customers happy.
Here’s why you’ll love CleanTalk:
Spam-Be-Gone: Watch those annoying spam attempts bounce right off your checkout form. It’s like having a bouncer for your online store!
Fraud Fighter: Say “not today” to those sneaky fraud orders. CleanTalk’s got your back, 24/7.
Easy-Peasy Integration: No tech wizardry required! CleanTalk plays nice with Opencart 4, making setup a breeze.
Happy Customers, Happy You: With a smooth, spam-free checkout, your real customers will love shopping with you even more.
Time-Saver Extraordinaire: Less time cleaning up spam means more time growing your business. Who doesn’t want that?
But don’t just take our word for it! Give CleanTalk a spin and see the difference for yourself. Your Opencart store deserves the best protection from checkout form spam and fraud orders, and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Ready to kick spam to the curb and give your store the shield it deserves? Hop on board with CleanTalk today – because a happy checkout is a protected checkout!
Choosing the right task management tool can significantly enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve team collaboration. Here are the top 7 features your task manager tool should have:
1. User-Friendly Interface
A task manager tool should offer an intuitive and user-friendly interface. This ensures that users can easily navigate through the service dashboard and manage their tasks without spending too much time learning how to use it. Drag-and-drop tasks between boards, minimize the sidebar or other panels to give yourself more space.
A user-friendly interface is essential for any task management tool because it ensures quick adoption, increases productivity, enhances user engagement, and supports effective collaboration. By reducing errors, boosting morale, and encouraging regular use, a user-friendly interface helps teams manage their tasks and projects more efficiently and effectively. Investing in a task management tool with a user-friendly interface ultimately leads to better project outcomes and a more productive and satisfied team.
Key points:
Reduces the learning curve for new users.
Enhances user experience and productivity.
Saves time on training and onboarding.
2. Collaboration and Communication
Effective collaboration is essential for successful project management. Your task manager tool should support seamless communication and collaboration among team members. Assign tasks, observe your team, view your colleague’s current tasks, share files, and feel free to comment and react on tasks and boards.
Among other things, transparency of tasks and centralized information are key features of a project management tool: all project-related information is stored in one place, making it easy for team members to find the information they need, and.everyone on the team can see the status of various tasks, which helps in understanding the overall progress of a project.
Key points:
Keeps everyone on the same page.
Facilitates quick decision-making.
Enhances team productivity and accountability.
3. Task Prioritization and Scheduling
Managing tasks efficiently requires robust prioritization and scheduling capabilities. The tool should allow users to set priorities and deadlines for tasks. It is also important because it directly impacts how effectively and efficiently a team can manage its workload and achieve project goals.
A proper task management tool should have customizable labels for setting task priorities, and a due date so you don’t miss any deadlines and can concentrate on the most important tasks at the current time.
Key points:
Helps manage deadlines and avoid procrastination.
Ensures important tasks receive the required attention.
Improves time management and efficiency.
4. Progress Tracking and Reporting
To ensure projects stay on track, the task manager tool should offer comprehensive progress tracking and reporting features. Plan time for boards and track estimated time for certain tasks. Observe your colleague’s activity to be aware of the current load.
Proper progress tracking and reporting tool helps you in early detection of potential risks and issues, allowing teams to mitigate them before they escalate. It is no less important for teams that practice agile methods.
Key points:
Provides visibility into project status and progress.
Identifies bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
Facilitates data-driven decision-making.
6. Mobile Accessibility
In today’s mobile-driven world, having access to your task manager tool on the go is crucial. The tool should offer a mobile view that allows users to manage tasks, collaborate with team members, and receive updates from anywhere.
Mobile accessibility is not just a convenient feature; it’s a necessity in today’s fast-paced, digital work environment. It empowers users with the flexibility to manage their tasks and collaborate with their teams effectively, no matter where they are. By ensuring real-time updates, enhancing collaboration, and supporting a balanced work-life integration, mobile accessibility significantly boosts productivity and efficiency in task management.
Key points:
Increases flexibility and productivity.
Ensures that tasks can be managed anytime, anywhere.
Keeps team members connected and informed, even when they’re on the move.
7. Flexible plans
A popular problem with modern task managers is that if you use the service with your team, you have to pay for each employee, which is usually quite expensive.
In order to avoid this difficulty, use services with an unlimited number of employees. Also, choose a plan for the number of projects that is relevant to you – so you will avoid unnecessary costs. And you can always expand the plan later.
Extended 45-day trial might be a good bonus for you, because it, at least, saves you 1,5 months of free use, while giving you enough time to make the right decision.
Key points:
Extended trial
Flexible plans
Unlimited users
Conclusion
Many services for task management are now available that contain many of the effective tools we have listed. And many of them are quite effective.
We see the main efficiency in finding a product that contains them all at once so that you don’t have to be torn between two services. That’s why we use doBoard in our projects for our team and can vouch for it.
Welcome aboard the WordPress express! Today, we’re rolling up our sleeves to install WordPress from scratch. Don’t worry if tech stuff seems like a foreign language; I’ll guide you through each step with crystal clarity.
1. Pick Your Host
Selecting the right hosting provider sets the foundation for your website’s success. It’s akin to choosing the perfect spot for your dream home. Take into account crucial aspects like pricing plans, available storage, customer support responsiveness, and server uptime reliability.
With a plethora of hosting options out there, ranging from big names to smaller, niche providers, you’re spoiled for choice. Some offer user-friendly interfaces, while others prioritize lightning-fast servers or round-the-clock support. It’s like browsing through a buffet—each option has its unique flavors, catering to different preferences.
So, take your time to explore the offerings, read reviews, and consider your priorities. Once you’ve found the host that ticks all your boxes, it’s time to make it official. Sign up, secure your digital plot, and get ready to build your online empire with WordPress!
2. Launch One-Click Install
Once you’ve got hosting sorted, log into your hosting account. Look for the “WordPress Installer” or a similar tool. Click it, follow the instructions, and boom! WordPress is now installed on your hosting server.
3. Installing WordPress Without One-Click
If your hosting provider doesn’t offer a one-click WordPress installation option, fear not! You can still install WordPress manually, and it’s simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Download WordPress: Visit the official WordPress website and download the latest version of WordPress. It will be a zip file, so make sure to extract its contents to a folder on your computer.
Create a Database: Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (usually accessed through a link provided by your hosting provider). Look for the “Database” section and create a new MySQL database. Note down the database name, username, and password—you’ll need these later.
Upload WordPress Files: Using an FTP client like FileZilla, connect to your hosting account. Navigate to the directory where you want to install WordPress (usually the “public_html” folder) and upload all the extracted WordPress files.
Configure wp-config.php: In the WordPress folder on your hosting account, you’ll find a file named “wp-config-sample.php.” Rename this file to “wp-config.php” and open it in a text editor. Enter your database details (database name, username, and password) where indicated, and save the file.
Run the Installation Script: Now, open your web browser and navigate to your domain name (e.g., www.yourdomain.com). You should see the WordPress installation wizard. Select your language and click “Continue.” Enter your site details (title, username, password, email) and click “Install WordPress.”
Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a success message. You can then log in to your WordPress dashboard using the username and password you set during installation.
4. Choose a Theme
It’s time to spruce up your site with a theme. Head to “Appearance” > “Themes” in the dashboard. Browse the free themes or consider purchasing a premium one for extra features. Click “Install” and “Activate” to apply your chosen theme.
5. Customize Your Site
Personalize your site’s appearance by tweaking settings in the WordPress Customizer. Change colors, fonts, and layouts to match your style. No coding is required—just click, preview, and save your changes.
6. Add Essential Plugins
Plugins are like apps for your website, adding extra functionality with a few clicks. From your dashboard, go to “Plugins” > “Add New.” Search for plugins like Yoast SEO for better search engine visibility or Contact Form 7 for creating forms. It’s a good idea to shield your website from spambots—they’ll know about it in the blink of an eye, and you’ll be attacked by virtual armies in no time. Also, you might want to exclude the possibility of your work being ruined by malware programs. For both of these problems, a good solution is Anti-Spam and Security plugins by CleanTalk.
Click “Install” and then “Activate” to start using them.
7. Start Creating Content
Time to unleash your creativity! Click on “Posts” or “Pages” in the dashboard to write articles or create new pages. Use the intuitive editor to format text, add images, and publish your content. Don’t worry about making it perfect—editing is your friend!
There you have seven straightforward steps to install WordPress and kickstart your online journey. No tech wizardry required, just a little patience and a willingness to explore. So go ahead, dive in, and start building your dream website!
