Category: Computers and Internet
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Revisiting issues related to online content management
What I learned from plagiarists Yesterday morning I learned that some of my blog posts and articles and even my trademark were being used by unlicensed and unauthorized businesses to promote themselves. It especially came as quite a shock that someone within professional CPA firms would go to my web site, copy an entire article,…
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Self-prepared tax data hack shows risk in personal devices
The nation’s 3rd largest submitter of self-prepared income tax returns reports that data thieves stole customers’ financial information. The interesting part of this story is that the company, TaxAct, says the thieves stole the username and password data elsewhere (for example, hacking individual cell phones) and then used those legitimate log in credentials to gain…
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My two rules about tax preparation fees
My tax return preparation fees are bench-marked with published industry averages to ensure that I won’t be the least expensive and won’t be the most expensive. But my practice is based on adding substantial financial value through long term relationships, not competing on price with an average tax preparation service. Two specific rules that I…
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Celebrating small business basics in 2016
I am celebrating today. Finally, I am comfortable with my “business basics”. Email, telephone system, calendar, data management, computer hardware, and reliable Internet access all brought me significant problems in 2015. It seemed that Murphy’s Law ruled last year and I suffered perfect storms of the worse possible technology interruptions. It even cost me a…
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A missing email mystery
I had an unnerving computer experience this week that remains somewhat of a mystery. At home in the living room on the evening of Tuesday November 24 I spent about an hour preparing a client email communication. I recall that I was pleased with this work; that it contained some innovative ideas; and that I discussed…
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Outlook vs. Gmail: one more take
Geekwire just published a recording of an internal debate within their staff about Outlook vs. Gmail. They had two staff members commenting on each side of the debate. I’ve also struggled with this issue all year. Sometimes due to being offline, like at my rural home, I can only use Outlook and other times when working with…
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Wix vs. WordPress for small business web sites
I spent some time tonight reading about Wix web site building options for my small business clients. I use WordPress now and a consultant suggested that I consider switching to Wix for ease-of-use. There are several reviews available by Googling “Wix vs. WordPress“. I read them and basically they conclude that the options are equally…
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Online security of seniors
Are older people at increased risk of becoming victims of online data mining and scams? This is a simple question that deserves a straight answer. I conclude that even if our hunch is “yes”, there is no available published data that can allow us to answer the question directly. I conclude that most coverage of…
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Ten CyberSecurity Tips for Small Businesses from FTC
Broadband and information technology are powerful factors in small businesses reaching new markets and increasing productivity and efficiency. However, businesses need a cybersecurity strategy to protect their own business, their customers, and their data from growing cybersecurity threats. Here are ten key cybersecurity tips for businesses to protect themselves: 1. Train employees in security principles…