What kind of information can I get?
DeskPort’s function is based on the fact that about 95% of all Internet use is repetitive retrievals from the same categories of information. These include:
search
maps & driving directions
weather
general reference
travel research and purchase
stock market info
frequent flyer program status
a few others
People routinely and repetitively do the same things, so we decided to build a faster way of accessing the best known brands in each of these categories.
How does it work?
DeskPort is downloaded to your computer just like other applications. It works like a typical browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape), but it is pre-loaded with the specific reference sites you use the most.
Every time you turn on your computer the DeskPort logo is placed in your computer system tray right next to your clock. By being there it is always active and opens instantly when double-clicked, as opposed to you having to wait for a browser to open, type in a Web address (URL) for each individual site, wait for the page to load, and then request your data. You might compare this to how a dial up modem works compared to broadband connectivity, which is “always on.”
DeskPort saves you seconds to minutes up to 95% of the times you access the Internet. This makes your Internet experience faster, easier and more enjoyable.
Why should I use it?
DeskPort saves you huge amounts of time, making your Internet experience faster and more enjoyable. DeskPort forms combine the "most-requested" items from each category Web site, avoiding the necessity of scrolling through multiple Web pages to get to what you want.
Does the application access any web site I want?
No. It is pre-programmed to gather specific information from specific web sites. This includes those sites that research has shown the vast majority of people use on a repetitive basis. These include the "best of brand" sites for search, maps & driving directions, weather, travel, financials, TV & movie schedules, etc.
Future features will further expand the selections, but DeskPort is not trying to be "everything to everyone." Instead, it provides top-line access to the 95% of data people use the most often.
New categories that users let us know would be of value.
User-friendly functions like address book, last maps, etc.
Mobile DeskPort for PDA or other wireless access.
Consolidation of your financial information from different web sites, similar to the MileTracker functionality.
Many others!
Can I use the application on more than one computer?
Yes. DeskPort can be downloaded to any of your computers that satisfy the system requirements listed below. You will need to re-enter your profile data into each computer. Or, to avoid re-entering your information, you can copy the DeskPort data file into each computer by using Windows Explorer.
Detailed instructions follow:
First, exit MileTracker (if it is open) on the
computer on which you have already entered your
account data, the HOST computer.
Open "Windows Explorer" and locate the "MileTracker.settings"
and "MileTracker.history" files on your HOST computer
in the MileTracker folder. (These are most likely at
C:\Program Files\DeskPort\ MileTracker. (However, if
when you first installed MileTracker you told your
computer to install it to a different directory than
C:\Program Files\DeskPort\MileTracker, you will need
to locate the folder.)
Copy "MileTracker.settings" and "MileTracker.history"
from the MileTracker folder onto a floppy disk or
CD-ROM.
Insert the disk or CD into your other computer and
save the two files to the C:\Program
Files\DeskPort\MileTracker folder.
When you re-launch MileTracker on your new (or
second) computer all your frequency program account
data should already be entered and balances
retrievable.
How does MileTracker work?
MileTracker uses the profile to maintain all your frequent flyer program account information. Once it has been entered in MileTracker you will never need to do so again. Then when you update MileTracker, it will go to all the different Web sites involved, automatically insert you account numbers, usernames, passwords and/or PINs, and retrieve your current account data.
If I am a previous MileTracker user, will I have to re-enter all my account data?
No, you should not have to re-enter your account numbers, passwords, etc. The first time you select MileTracker within DeskPort, it will ask if you have used MileTracker before. If you select "yes," it will automatically look for your account data from the MileTracker files, and import them directly into DeskPort. If DeskPort does not automatically find your MileTracker account files, follow the instructions below.
Exit DeskPort by right-clicking its logo in the system tray
Open "Windows Explorer" and locate your MileTracker and DeskPort folders. (These are most likely at C:/Program Files/MileTracker and C:/Program Files/DeskPort. However, if when you first installed MileTracker you told your computer to install it to a different directory than C:/Program Files/MileTracker, you will need to locate the folder.)
As a precaution, make a backup copy of the files MileTracker.settings and MileTracker.history in the MileTracker folder
Copy MileTracker.settings and MileTracker.history FROM the MileTracker folder INTO the DeskPort folder (make sure not to do it the other way around)
Double-click DeskPort on your computer desktop to re-launch it.
If you still experience a problem, please contact us at information@deskport.biz. We will respond quickly.
Downloading and Installation:
What are the system requirements?
MilePro is compatible with Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows NT, and Windows XP. It is not yet compatible with Macintosh OS. The application is just over 4 megabytes.
DeskPort requires the following:
Operating System: Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows XP, Windows ME
Processor Speed: 166Mhz Pentium or equivalent
RAM: 128MB of system RAM for Windows 98 or 64MB of system RAM for Win 2000, ME, XP, or NT
Hard Drive Space: 15MB available
Monitor: High Color (16 bit)
Screen Resolution: 1024x768 or higher
Internet Explorer: IE 5.0 or later
Internet Connection: An active Internet connection is required for information retrievals. DeskPort is optimized for broadband. It will perform at 56kbps or faster, but you may notice some system slowdown during updates.
Screen resolution - what can/should I do if DeskPort is filling my entire screen?
DeskPort was designed to be viewed on a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels, since by far the majority of computer screens are this size or larger. If your screen resolution is smaller than this and cannot be increased, DeskPort will take up all your screen when open. You can still use it, but you must scroll to see some data.
You can probably increase your screen resolution by doing the following:
Right-click on the DeskPort icon in your system tray and left-click "Exit" to close the DeskPort.
Minimize or close any other applications you are running so that you can see your computer desktop. (You can leave this browser page open so you can still read these instructions. Just move the page around your desktop enough to see an open area of the desktop.)
Right-click on any open area on the desktop. This will open a small dialogue box with the word "Properties" at the bottom. Left-click on "Properties."
The "Display Properties" dialogue box will open with some tabs across the top. Left-click on the "Settings" tab.
Below the picture of the computer you will see "Screen Area" with a down-facing arrow. Put your cursor on that arrow, hold your left mouse-button down and move the arrow to the right until it is at least 1024x768. (The further right you push the arrow, the higher your screen resolution and the smaller the amount of desktop space DeskPort will require.) Click "Okay."
Another box will come up telling you that the screen may flicker while it changes size. Click "Okay" in this box.
The screen resolution will change and you will be asked if you wish to keep it at this resolution. Click "Yes" and your screen will now be at the larger size.
Double-click the DeskPort icon on your computer desktop to re-open DeskPort.
Using the Windows Explorer or similar file viewer, locate the folder where you've stored "DeskPort.exe". If you installed the application to your computer desktop, look for the DeskPort icon on the desktop.
Double-click the file or DeskPort icon. This initiates the installation wizard.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install DeskPort.
The application will automatically place the DeskPort icon on your computer desktop. Just double-click the icon to run DeskPort. Thereafter, DeskPort will go into your system tray next to the computer clock each time you start your computer.
Click on the "start" button at the bottom left of your computer.
Select "programs".
Scroll down the list of your various programs until you find "DeskPort," and place your cursor over this.
Select "remove DeskPort".
2. To remove the application using the Control Panel, take the following actions:
Click on the "start" button at the bottom left of your computer.
Select "settings".
Select "control panel".
Double-click "add/remove programs".
Scroll down the list to "DeskPort" and select it.
Click "add/remove" button.
Preferences / Profile: Click the button on the DeskPort menu.
What does the profile do?
The profile personalizes your DeskPort in order for the application to further speed your interaction with the web sites that provide your data. It stores your personal information securely on your own computer and then automatically inserts this information as required by the application when you request it to retrieve information from various sources.
How much of the profile do I have to complete?
You only complete the portions of the profile required for the features you wish to use. This may be only the default location for weather or account numbers and/or passwords for the MileTracker programs you wish to access. The more you complete, the more personalized each category becomes and the more time you save.
Why do I need usernames, passwords, or personal identification numbers (PINs) to access my MileTracker loyalty account summary?
Each loyalty program requires specific proof of identity as a security measure before allowing you access to your account online. Since MileTracker retrieves this information from your personal profile and automatically inserts it into the proper place on the related web site to complete your retrieval, you must have previously obtained your username, password, and/or personal identification number from the host site (i.e. Delta, Hilton, e-Rewards, etc.).
While connected to the Internet, click the Profile button in MileTracker.
Click the "Programs" tab.
Select the program name in the list of programs.
Click the "Link to Traveler Program Web Site" link.
A browser window will open with the Program personal identification access requirements for that program.
After obtaining that information, enter it into the MileTracker profile for quick and easy future retrievals of your account summaries.
NOTE: Some programs, like Continental and United require that you receive your PIN or Password by mail. This may take up to a week. But once it is entered into MileTracker, it is permanently stored in one convenient place with all other frequency program data.
Do you collect usage statistics by users of the DeskPort, and if so, what is done with this information?
Yes, but only anonymously. DeskPort collects anonymous usage statistics. We use these statistics to improve our software products and services. These statistics are limited to direct usage of the DeskPort only, such as how many people installed the DeskPort this month, how many web searches were performed through the DeskPort, which Web search terms were the most popular, or how many times users requested dictionary definitions in a day. We never collect information on where DeskPort users go on the Web, what they do on the Web, or any other information that is not directly linked to usage of the DeskPort.
Do you sell or share my personal information with anyone?
Because DeskPort functions as an online communications mechanism, we are required by Federal law to receive your permission on an opt-in basis and to maintain your e-mail address. Absolutely no other personally identifiable information is collected, sold, bartered, or shared. Nor is it maintained on DeskPort servers or those of any other third party. For further details, take a look at our Privacy Policy.
Is my profile information secure?
Yes. All information resides securely on your own computer and is never sent to any third-party server, except during the process of retrieving the data you have requested via the application.
Security:
How secure is my data?
Your data resides on your own laptop or PC. We recommend you exercise caution when allowing others to access DeskPort via your computer.
Is the data on my computer encrypted?
DeskPort uses 56-bit encryption to store preferences and the latest standard security protocols to execute transactions over the Internet.
DeskPort uses your Profile information to automatically insert in the appropriate web sites during data retrieval. Otherwise, it remains securely on your own computer. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
Who has access to my profile?
Your Profile is stored on your PC or laptop. Only you or someone you allow to use your computer may have access to this information.
Will I have to re-install the application for future updates?
No. DeskPort updates itself automatically as new features become available. For larger updates that may require more download time, we will ask your permission so the download does not interrupt your work.
How do future updates work?
Each time DeskPort is opened, it automatically communicates with DeskPort servers via the Internet to check for application updates, such as bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, and new versions. Your DeskPort automatically updates as needed. For larger updates that may require more download time, we will ask your permission so the download does not interrupt your work.
Original content Copyright 2005 by DeskPort; sourced material copyrighted by individual holders.
