Intersection Live - CPA Technology Advisor

Posted in Columnist Corner on May 5th, 2008

Surface Computing — Imagine the Possibilities

Surface Computing — Imagine the Possibilities [00:07:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (380)

By Brent Goodfellow, CPA.CITP, MCSE, MST, MCT
Imagine an iPhone the size of a coffee table and with a 30-inch display. Okay, while “surface computing” is obviously not a device for your pocket, the new technology features similar tactile, touch-screen computing functions that may revolutionize restaurants, hotels, retail stores and entertainment venues. Brent recently got some hands-on time with Microsoft’s version, called Microsoft Surface, which works by using cameras to sense objects, hand gestures and touch. He explores the new technology and how it can benefit consumers, as well as the potential benefit it will have to the practice of public accounting.

Posted in Columnist Corner on May 5th, 2008

Tax Season e-Security Update

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Tax Season e-Security Update [00:12:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (77)

By John Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MSA
Tax season is coming, but while even security-conscious professionals turn toward tax compliance, the hackers and other bad guys are still trying to get to your data. John explains the latest security standards that can help a practice start on safer ground, and then offers additional advice for keeping your networks and client information secure.

Posted in Columnist Corner on May 5th, 2008

Security Through Virtualization

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Security Through Virtualization [00:11:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (73)

By John Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MSA
With the continuing threat of viruses, Trojan horses, adware, malware and other potential online pitfalls, John explores the emerging trend of virtualization and how it could lead to a new and ultimately safer Internet experience.

Posted in Columnist Corner on May 5th, 2008

Web Ads: A New Virus Delivery Method — Part II

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Web Ads: A New Virus Delivery Method — Part II [00:14:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (72)

By John Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MSA
As soon as you have the security perimeter established, the bad guys find a new way to sneak in. In this second of a two-part column, John describes the perils of web ads as a virus delivery method and why this is important to accountants. He also explains how click-through advertising works and how your PC gets infected.

Posted in Columnist Corner on May 5th, 2008

Web Ads: A New Virus Delivery Method — Part I

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Web Ads: A New Virus Delivery Method Part I [00:08:48m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (68)

By John Anderson, CPA.CITP, CIA, MSA
Keeping your computer networks and your clients’ data safe is a never-ending task, but just as technologies catch up with the bad guys, the bad guys push the envelope. In this column, John looks at a new threat emerging from web-based ads.

Posted in For Your Firm Product Review Podcast Interviews on April 30th, 2008

Drake Software

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Drake Software [00:19:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (70)

Posted in Intelligent Business Ideas 2 Go on April 25th, 2008

IBI2Go Episode 2

E-mail this Post to a Friend

IBI2Go Episode 2 [00:31:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (325)

Recorded on March 26

Posted in Tech2Go on April 25th, 2008

Tech2Go Episode 16

E-mail this Post to a Friend

Tech2Go Episode 16 [01:07:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (157)

Recorded March 21, 2008
Voice mail for comments: 800-456-0864 ext 2106

Microsoft acquired desktop virtualization vendor Kidaro
Microsoft acquisitions
Kidaro
VMWare
XenSource
Softricity / SoftGrid
Toms Hardware

Microsoft Server 2008 Launch / Visual Studio 2008 / Sequel Server 2008
Hyper V

ADP Calculators / ADP Forms

Printers
LaserJet 4
American Consumer Institute

IRS Section 7216 discussion (Notes courtesy of Randy Johnston)
Guest: Steven Ladd, CEO of Copanion, Inc. makers of GruntWorx

The rule was put in force by the IRS on January 3, 2008 as the second link below will show. Comments to the IRS and Treasury Department are due by 4/7/2008.
Foreign outsourcing is not prohibited by the final regulations, which permit the disclosure of tax return information outside of the United States if the taxpayer consents to such disclosure. However, tax preparers who outsource (1040 series returns) to foreign countries will be required to:
• Obtain written consent from the tax payer in advance.
• Mask social security numbers on both the tax return software and source documents.
The second bullet is difficult at best in most document management systems and tax preparation software.

Some interpretations of the regulation allow no SS#’s to be used overseas, and others believe that redacted information is sufficient. The key difference in the regulation historically has been whether or not the people viewing the information were employees or not. Employees were excluded before, where most interpretations of the new regulation says employees are no longer exempt.

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/08-2.htm
http://apps.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177075,00.html
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=151368,00.html

Posted in For Your Firm Product Review Podcast Interviews on April 18th, 2008