
Medlin Software, Dennis
Donors-
Posts
1,813 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
83
Everything posted by Medlin Software, Dennis
-
Why AI really is not ready for prime time.
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Catherine's topic in General Chat
What is my concern is while AI is fine for grabbing and regurgitating the past, we have to remember to keep some people who are good at new things, or we will never move beyond the knowledge and experience grabbed (to be kind) by the AI bots. Written as I am working learning how to use Git to collaborate on a web site and ignoring the AI suggestions! -
Was just asked by a customer. My reply is since our software is on their computer, they control access to all the software on their computer. (Especially since we do not require constant internet connection!) So any need to prevent access, whether you call it MFA or (what is not un)common sense, thinks like a pin, WIndoes password, Windows Hello, ant best a BIOS password are available.
-
I have been using Splashtop since nearly when they started. I use it daily, such as when I just don't feel like walking upstairs or getting out of the pool or hot tub :). It is also great for real remote. I often leave my main computer at home when we travel. (All my computers are portable, as they then have a built-in battery for power outages and are easy to grab for bug outs. I have a nice "programmer's" monitor at home though.)
-
Why AI really is not ready for prime time.
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Catherine's topic in General Chat
Of course, us OG types, fitting things into small spaces, were the root of Y2K. We program bit by bit and try to save bits wherever possible. With the current space on drives and in memory, and "aligning" data in the same chunks as the processor, saving bits is a lost art since most do not have that "saving" mentality. For grins, I store dates as a number offset (4 bytes), so there is and was no issue, at least not for about 12 million years from 12/30/1899. Even simple on/off flags are now usually 4 or even 8 bytes (instead of one bit) because of being better aligned with the processor, although the OG in me still uses bit "flags" where one 8 byte item can have 64 different on/off bits. I cannot waste bits! The one exception is stored data. After many years of having to update record structures when adding things, I built in spares many years ago (which were initialized too, so I know what the value is). For the most part, the record size aligns nicely with drive storage chunks, or for smaller records, is some sort of easy to test number, like 200, 500, 2048, etc. -
Why AI really is not ready for prime time.
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Catherine's topic in General Chat
I have been actively blocking scrapers for decade. Started with the "wayback machine" site storing old versions of all sites it scraped. Taking my work for your own profit is not something I am fond of, this is the whole idea of AI, scrape the work of others and make into something which can be monetized. Versus coders who share tips and snips freely for the betterment of peers, and who will often get a source credit for their kindness. The scary part is many coding tools now have "AI" built in, and an alarming amount of new code is recycled code from the past (scraped) which could be less than efficient or contain long known bugs. Plus, the non-OG coders have no real idea how to optimize, since they did not come up using floppy disks as storage and stuffing programs and data into less than 500k of memory. -
It is an issue at our home because of special desires, and because SWMBO was a M manager for 5 years in our youth. It is only an issue when most/all items are pre wrapped, and they have to make an entirely special item within the time allowed. That is why IN/Out does well, and Wendy's is usually correct, and the item I like at M is usually correct (not prewrapped ever).
-
In our life, FF orders are about 15% wrong. Does not matter if in person, speaker, or app. The one exception is In/Out as they have well known "names" for their off menu / custom orders. Frustrating, that even with an app, where the custom items are selected within the app, those who read the screen/ticket cannot get the order right every time.
-
The safest computer level protection is a bios/boot password. That process stops brute force because of limiting attempts before a waiting period. Coupled with bit locker and hibernate instead of sleep, you have the best practical protection available. Phone as second method is silly as it is still easy to spoof or steal phone accounts. Protect the device and the second factor is moot (use the least obtrusive).
-
Probably no real issue for the HOA. They will likely hire it out and increase the bill to the homeowners.
-
1041 is required but atty says no
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to schirallicpa's topic in General Chat
Perfect. Some of mine think I am Carnac, as telling me they "can't" do something seems to be enough for me to conjure up the exact issue and resolution. -
1041 is required but atty says no
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to schirallicpa's topic in General Chat
If someone is paying a JD, and the JD has given a written opinion backed by E&O, then the JD can eat any and all costs if the item needs to be filed later. For your client, give your opinion as well, documenting the client refused to file the form. I get something similar maybe once a week now (used to be multiple a day) that >2% S Corp shareholder/employees are fine reporting their company paid medical insurance only on a W2, when the las says it is wages (which means it has to be reported on constructive receipt, which is some amount every single paycheck. Similar with the owner/employees who pay themselves randomly, if at all, and not meeting what anyone would consider reasonable wages. -
Windows on ARM goes mainstream
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Medlin Software, Dennis's topic in General Chat
Having NOW built… (a good emulator) -
Windows on ARM goes mainstream
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Medlin Software, Dennis's topic in General Chat
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ARM_architecture_family A type or processor/CPU. The leading processor for mobile phones, and with this iteration, a real challenger to Intel for computers (because of the power/heat optimization). In some ways, we are seeing or about to see another BetaMax vs VHS scenario. Intel is BetaMax, and ARM devices are VHS (because ARM can be licensed and made by other CPU manufacturers). This time, BetaMax/Intel will likely survive as having the dominant share at present, but ARM/VHS will likely compete well because of their advantages as well as having not built a very good system to run Intel based software on their processors. The current Intel debacle, with processors failing and needing replacement (and not being actively recalled) will only help ARM more. I have not used an Apple PC since an Apple II in school, but I have and use one of the new ARM based machine daily. It could work to be my main, except my main is a dual screen ZenBook which is very handy. At present, you will see these processors marketed in the Windows CoPilot+ machines, like the Surface Pro 11. Other machines will be available shortly, if not already available. -
Without digging, IIRC, for ours, wages were reduced (with likely a note on the item) and the rest fell where it fell. I suspect some did things like show it as a credit or some other means. Of course, net tax will be higher because deductible expenses were lower, that is the thing folks with no accounting knowledge do not "see", they just see "I got X in free money". We went through similar calcs on PTET actual savings, including cost of money. Good old math is why solar does not work for me (in CA under the current CA rules) despite my testing the solar sellers every now and again - they never include cost of money, that the breakeven is often at or beyond the warranty period, etc.
- 1 reply
-
- 2
-
-
No idea on the current timeline. A few years ago I paper filed for a deceased. It took about 3 years to get the refund (which was received not too long ago). I sort of guesses there would be a delay, and the heirs agrees to not hold up the closing of the estate for the relatively sizeable refund. (What used to be common) sense says there are fewer and fewer at IRS handling paper items, so it seems reasonable paper just means longer, especially if the old theory that anything with money to be collected gets handled first (open envelope, see refund or no balance due, goes in the "get around to it" pile. Caveat, I do not file returns for a living, but I "hear" things which add to my own dealings.
-
Pistus Payroll and Accounting by OLT
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to b#tax's topic in General Chat
I started filing as I ran out of stamps and don’t want to buy more. Of the it’s follows through there will be free (and probably required) efile soon ish. -
Pistus Payroll and Accounting by OLT
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to b#tax's topic in General Chat
"IRS authorized MEF providers for 94X" I think I saw a news blurb where IRS is stating free online efile of more forms is soon. Not the first time, but the latest article has something about more budget available. I have not offered to efile 94x as there is no known to me free method, nor a requirement (for employer level submissions). I am hoping it will be handled easily enough for those to do so fill in style, as well as an easy-to-use upload data file to load the data method, free for all. The other reason for my prior reluctance are the hoops one must go through, even though they have a path to just be a transferring method, not the employer/submitter with liability. To me, what they have now perpetuates the myth/truth? that there are some in the IRS who believe complication protects their turf, or when they go private, their "work" at keeping things complicated will also pay off. -
Windows on ARM goes mainstream
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Medlin Software, Dennis's topic in General Chat
It has been just over a month. While not using my Arm machine full time, there is nothing I cannot install and use on it, that I am using on a Wintel machine. I found one quirk, in my own software, which I was able to fix via a slight coding change, and/or via changing the emulator settings to the safer option. As for comparing program speed, once an x86 based app opens, it is tough to see any perceptible difference, at least in what I do (productivity apps, my own apps, program coding, etc.) Load time is probably +20% (relatively insignificant) as the emulator "does its thing". I am comparing apples to apples, a new ARM based machine and a new Intel machine, both t=with the consumer level chips (not the pro level). Of note, the apps I use most often are x86 apps, not x64. Might make a difference, might not. I suspect the emulator on Macs (usually Parallels) is likely as good, maybe even better than WoA/Prism because of longevity. For certain, I have customers using Mac/Parallels, and a few using WoA/Prism. My own payroll and accounting is now done using my WoA machine. For me, the different is power use and heat. WoA is less on both fronts. There is talk that Intel has a new chip in the works which will compete on both fronts, but only time will tell. The better news is the silicon is becoming more and more immaterial, since the emulators are getting better, and chip speed makes the emulator overhead barely perceptible for all but gaming. For a recent 5 day trip, I used my WoA machine, to access my Wintel machine (left at home). I did not have to charge the WoA machine once for the relatively limited time I used it each day. The noticeable heat reduction on my lap was appreciated. -
Schedule E fix from previous CPA
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Tracy Lee's topic in General Chat
Each year, my own COA gets smaller and smaller. I like to track certain things separately, but I use sub totals so the report I send to the preparer has just what they need without having to add or subtract from multiple COA figures. Internally, Paid by CC, Paid by check, two other sources, and one for returns. But the preparer sees only a gross number as their process does not need to show returns separately. Deductions: Officer Comp, Other salaried/wages. Taxes and licenses, Interest, Depr, Advertising, and other deductions. I did not ask them to use and show these, they just "do", likely based on how few separate figured I give them. Internally, I have many items I still track separately, even getting as close as I can to separating each employee's costs (because we get reimbursed some via a work study program, and at first, and at first, WOTC). -
Schedule E fix from previous CPA
Medlin Software, Dennis replied to Tracy Lee's topic in General Chat
I see it often, a difference between the detailed required for tax reporting, and the detail wanted for internal reporting. In Payroll, it is the cases when an employer wants to attempt to quantify the total cost for each employee (can only be guessed). Or how I may or may not want to break down my internal costs for say internet connections, advertising, accounting, etc., versus a total of valid expenses which the tax agency does not need to see piece by piece. It took me a couple of seasons to better align my internal books (COA) to best line up with our outside preparer. Makes it easy to cross check things when the tax return documents and papers closely align with the internal accounting figures. -
It is relatively easy, at present, to spot the AI (fake) articles because of wonky grammar, and sometimes spelling (especially names). A recent famous one was a person who uses AI to post things to get revenue saying a certain quick serve chain was going to shut down in CA. Their one AI generated fake post was repeated and modified thousands of times and many believed it. Getting accurate news is tough. One has to be an investigative reporter to check sources, compare articles, then a good old sanity check, and when needed, visit something like Snopes.
-
Getting somewhat lucky not using Falcon was good. Their choices for internal software such as crew and flight scheduling is another story. Investing in the latest is not always productive, especially in these cases where the internal software is likely custom. Custom software is a dark hole. Think the Tom Hanks movie Money Pit. There is only one "user" doing the real world testing, and those who know how and can program/update it tend to shrink over time, especially if outsourced to the lowest bidder. In the real world, there are absolutely cases where custom software is the only solution, but one has to either pay for in house employees to create/manage it, or accept it is obsolete as soon as the contract is completed. SF CA school district is a good example of custom payroll software boondoggle - with the add on it never properly worked and all the finds were wasted.
-
SWA is said to use software which "looks" like it was designed for Windows 95, but there is no one with proof they are using a non current OS. What is certain is they are not using CrowdStrike's Falcon software at all, or in a way they cannot work past when Falcon fails.
-
That is what I read as well. The file was a sort of tattletale file, which is used to compare to or check for the item believed to be nefarious. Sort of what is known in consumer security as a signature file. This is a basic stupid mistake, to have one data file able to bring down the entire system. We are not talking about a piece of data such as a tax record, which has to be there, but clearly a separate data file which is not needed to use the product (as proved by the "fix"). Simple code would have prevented this. 100%, the company will say missing the file means there was tampering, but a warning message while annoying, would have sifficed.
-
"Our CEOs and Board of Directors are trained at the elite business schools to consider IT and IT security as a controllable expense since it doesn't produce any revenue." Skipping how it can cost revenue (at best) and end the entity (at worst)? Skippy teaching Skippy. There needs to be some old war horses kept in the education and reality loop. People who have dealt with total data loss and total machine failure, at the same moment. School of Hard Knocks (or for original Raider fans, the University of Mars) wins again! I am a firm believer that IT "school" can never be timely, it can give a foundation, but hard knocks is a MUST to be current. "As a result many IT functions are subcontracted out too often to the lowest bidder." "Lowest bidder" always makes the hairs on my neck tingle. Yet, I drive over overpasses built by a company who usually is the lowest bidder, but they figured out how to pad by getting a bonus for early completion.