Don't you just sometimes hate living a in world full of acronyms? I do. Not only are they exclusive to all kinds of professions and organizations but they have totally entered into many facets of the world of technology as well. Today's post refers to SMS. Here is what Wikipedia offers about the acronym. If you are not a texter this will not be of much interest unless you work in a Family History Center or Family Search Library.
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For information about text messaging, see Text messaging. Short Message Service(SMS) is a text messaging service component of phone, Web, or mobile communication systems. It uses standardized communications protocols to allow fixed line or mobile phone devices to exchange short text messages.
Now a word from Family Search Blog about this and why we want it and why we might want to have someone use this when they come in as a new patron if they have texting on their devices.
"SMS Text Simplifies FamilySearch Account Access
January 23, 2015 By
Lisa McBride
Password and username recovery can be challenging for FamilySearch users. This is especially true when the user has forgotten or doesn’t have access to the email address associated with their FamilySearch account. FamilySearch now offers SMS text for registration, profile set up, and password recovery. Currently, 56 countries are supported by text messaging for registration and recovery. This feature is also very helpful for users who do not have an email account.
A cell phone with text service is needed to use this feature. For a new user, simply add a mobile number when the account is established. For a returning user the mobile number can be added under Contact in User Settings. Find User Settings by clicking on your name when you are logged into FamilySearch, then choose the Contact tab. Add the cell phone number. It is a simple as that!
Having this service means FamilySearch.org can send a text message if you need to do the following:
- Reset your password
- Recover your username
- Verify your FamilySearch account
The diagrams below show the process of resetting a password using text messaging.
Now that you know how to do it, add your mobile phone number to your current account or as do it as you register, if you’re a new user. By removing login barriers, you can wisely use you precious time looking for family members instead of spending frustrating time trying to recover lost usernames and passwords."
Me again! One last thing while we are talking about settings, etc. Every person that has an account should go into their setting and make sure they have their email listed. There is nothing more frustrating than running into someone making a bunch of changes on the tree involving your shared ancestors and you have no way to get in touch with them.
Email disclosure should be mandatory and they are working on that or an internal system whereby we can contact people privately, directly through Family Search. In the meantime make sure anyone you help register fills that part in.
***Where do you find your account setting? In the drop down menu under your name on the home page, right hand side. The same place you go to add SMS to your account.
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