Can an employer use software to search what is on your computer and how can you block this? (sm)
Posted By: Dixiegirl on 2007-05-20
In Reply to:
When an employer downloads their program onto your computer can they put software on it so that they can get into your computer and see what is on it, such as folders, files, etc? If so, is there any way to block it? This just popped into my mind the other day and I was wondering about it. 
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but software/equipment provided by my employer. nt
I would think it would be a problem if your FT employer provides you with a computer set up. They mi
the idea of you using their equipment for someone else.
Your own computer with company software
I recently had company software installed on my computer, and it got me wondering something. Have you ever suspected that a company installed any type of tracking or keylogger software on your own computer when they installed your software? I don't think my company did, but I wouldn't put it past some of these companies.
Is there a quick way to get WavPedal software? I have a new computer and the foot pedal, but...sm
no software. A company is asking for it to test.
tia
H&R Block
H&R Block always. The one time I didn't use them, I got audited and ended up having to dish out almost $3k in taxes & penalties.
best to have a brief consult with a CPA and I don't mean H&R Block
there are always a little bit of difference from state to state and where you live regarding a business license etc. Try to find a CPA that specializes in small businesses, especially if you can find someone who perhaps has other MT's for clients? The gist of an IC is you do not have an employer, so you do not have someone to withhold taxes for you. The thing that always throws IC's is the tax withholding stuff. They have a great fear about it. This is where the CPA will help you out a great deal so you can base decisions on facts, not fear.
You will have another form or to to fill out at tax time (Schedule C, etc.) and next year you will have to do quarterly payments, but it's not that hard.
Who Must Pay Estimated Tax
If you had a tax liability for 2005, you may have to pay estimated tax for 2006.
the IRS has a nice site for small businesses, use the link below. any specific questions, feel free to email me.
Get an accountant...even H&R block will do.
I made the mistake of doing the taxes myself one year (TurboTax)and ended up getting audited for that year 2 years later. Luckily it only cost me $1200 but I'm sure it could have been much worse. I just go to H&R Block. At least if I get audited again, they'll handle all the work AND pay my fine if it's something they messed up on.
Here red this....H&R block was the one who told me about it first.
Top 10 Oddball Tax Deductions
TurboTax has outlined some outlandish tax deductions to help you increase your tax refund. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, from pet food to free beer to (we're not kidding) a girlfriend.
Can I deduct?
Admit it. As you've worked on your return, trying to come up with extra deductions to pump up your refund, you've taken a few flights of fancy. "Can I claim a deduction for all those blood donations at the Red Cross?" Nope.
"How about a charitable contribution for all the time I donate to the church?" Nope, again. "The wedding gift for the boss's daughter as an employee business expense?" Come on! On the other hand, over the years your fellow taxpayers have beaten the IRS in court on payments for many crazy things that most of us wouldn't even dream of claiming. We've uncovered what we think are the weirdest deductions allowed, ranging from pet food to free beer.
1. Pet food
A couple who owned a junkyard was allowed to write off the cost of cat food they set out to attract wild cats. The feral felines did more than just eat; they also took care of snakes and rats on the property, making the place safer for customers. When the case reached the Tax Court, IRS lawyers conceded that the cost was deductible.
2. Moving the family pet
If you are changing jobs and meet a couple of tests, you can deduct your moving expenses — including the cost of moving your dog, cat or other pet from your old residence to your new home. Your pet — be it a Pekingese or a python — is treated the same as your other personal effects.
3. A trip to Bermuda
This island is more than just a scenic place to visit: It's a great place to schedule a tax write-off. Business conventions held in Bermuda are deductible without having to show that there was a special reason for the meeting to be held there. That's a sweet perk.
Other countries in the Caribbean region qualify, too, including Barbados, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Meetings held in Canada, Mexico and all U.S. possessions also receive this favorable tax treatment. Attend a convention in Paris, Rome or Beijing, though, and there's no deduction unless you can show it made as much sense to travel abroad as to head to Pittsburgh.
4. Body oil
A pro bodybuilder used body oil to make his muscles glisten in the lights during his competitions. The Tax Court ruled that he could deduct the cost of the oil as a business expense. Lest it be seen as a softie, though, the Court nixed deductions for buffalo meat and special vitamin supplements to enhance strength and muscle development.
5. A private airplane
Rather than drive five to seven hours to check on their rental condo or be tied to the only daily commercial flight available, a couple bought their own plane. The Tax Court allowed them to deduct their condo-related trips on the aircraft, including the cost of fuel and depreciation for the portion of time used for business-related purposes, even though these costs increased their overall rental loss.
6. Babysitting fees
Fees paid to a sitter to enable a mother to get out of the house and do volunteer work for a charity are deductible as charitable contributions, even though the money didn't go directly to the charity, according to the Tax Court. The Court expressly rejected a contrary IRS revenue ruling.
7. Breast augmentation
In an effort to get more tips, a stripper with the stage name "Chesty Love" decided to get breast implants to make her a size 56FF. A female Tax Court judge allowed Chesty to write off the cost of her operation, equating her new assets to a stage prop. Alas, the operation proved to be a problem for Chesty. She later tripped and ruptured one of her implants.
8. Landscaping
Sole proprietors who regularly meet clients in a home office can deduct part of the costs of landscaping the property. The deductible portion is based on the percentage of the home that is used for business, according to the Tax Court. The Court also allowed a deduction for part of the costs of lawn care and driveway repairs.
9. Free beer
In a novel promotion, a gas station owner gave his customers free beer in lieu of trading stamps. Proving that sometimes beer and gasoline do mix, the Tax Court allowed the write-off as a business expense.
10. Swimming pool
A taxpayer with emphysema put in a pool after his doctor told him to develop an exercise regimen. He swam in it twice a day and improved his breathing capacity. Turns out he swam in the pool more than his family did.
The Tax Court allowed him to deduct the cost of the pool (to the extent the cost exceeded its added value to the property) as a medical expense because its primary purpose was for medical care. Also, the cost of heating the pool, pool chemicals and a proportionate part of insuring the pool area were treated as medical expenses.
Bonus Oddball Deduction
A girlfriend. The owner of several rental properties hired his live-in girlfriend to manage them. Her duties included finding furniture, overseeing repairs and running his home. The Tax Court let him deduct $2,500 of the $9,000 he paid her. The disallowed portion was for nondeductible personal services.
Updated for tax year 2008
Now H&R block did specify in their tax rules that....sm
The animal had to be a dog and be over 50 pounds in order for it to count. I am taking advantage of everything that is legal as they have screwed us over long enough.
Actually, you can put a block on your credit report that
NO credit card companies solicit you at all. Look up the three credit reporting agencies online and see what their websites say. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. I don't get any at all except from American Express to my old business name.
As for the automated phone systems, I just push zero a bunch of times until I get a human. Impatient, I am!
yeah, me too, get about 20 a day anymore - block them - sm
that is what I do....granted a new crop comes in the next day, but I just keep blocking away. What is weird is I used to get a couple a day, now about a week or so ago it just went crazy and jumped to as you say 15-20 a day. I really don't want to change my email address either, so I guess I will just keep doing as I am doing, or else turn my Spamkiller back on.
You can block that number from reaching you.
They will block the number but not tell you who it is.
Call them right after a phone call comes in that is a hang up. Apparently, this happens a lot since SBC has an 800 number for this request.
Our block has parties a lot that go well into the night. sm
They have even had a couple of bands come and play. This was a problem last year for me because I needed my sleep and worked weekends. This year, it will be nice since I now work nights. For a short street, it is really lively.
Been around the block lots of time but tell me
what is padding? I have worked in this field for over 30 years now. I have very good speed and regular typing I could do at least 2000 per day. Now with VR and straight combined I do about 3200 per day. My audio will not go that fast in order for me or anyone to do 1000 per hour. The most I have done in an hour (without having to slow the machine down, listening only) was about 600. It cannot be done with my audio system, totally impossible as fast as you can set it.
I've used H&R Block TaxCut
on-line mainly because over the years I've needed "people"  to help with questions on tax issues that were a little complicated, especially last year with a move, partial-residence state taxes, sale of home, etc. I've not had any complaints with it. I paid for the highest service last year so I had unlimited access for questions, and the guy was really great, reviewed and signed the tax returns and actually called me with some questions. I've considered going to TurboTax though in the future because so many seem to like it, just haven't made the switch since I've got everything stored with TaxCut so far.
Yes, they can selectively block sites...
I worked for a company who did that. They had a list of approved sites that we could access, such as onelook, rxlist, physician search sites, E-mail, etc. They would also allow the MTs to put in requests for sites we thought should be added to the "allowed list."
Be careful doing that unless you somehow block out the pt name - could be illegal. nm
?
Yeah, you're right. Who cares who licenses your software? Heck, I use all pirated software anyw
why pay for anything, right?
Except that is AGAINST THE LAW!!!
A friend of mine also had a bad experience with H&R Block
nm
How terrible. They can now block off the tear duct to
help keep moisture in the eyes. I had the temporary one put in and it really did help. I had one eye done and am not happy but I do not have the problems you do. It is so hard to know if you will be in that small percentage with bad results. I hope something is found to help relieve or correct some of the problems you are having...good luck and best wishes.
Preferences? Setting up NP with Doc signature block
Need to set up nurse practitioner dictator with Doc signature block, think I know how it should be set up but it's been awhile. Any current examples or preferences of how anyone likes to do this? Thanks.
A friend of mine got one and she is finding that some of her software, specifically her ISP software
x
Great idea. Thanks. I've had a mental block on
nm
Unlisted number, caller ID, and block unknown callers.
I think it's *67 to block unknown callers and *69 to find out last unblocked caller. There is another key combination to press when you want the phone company and/or police department to trace nuisance calls. You can fight this. Public edcuators have it rough. First, no respect in the classroom, then these punk kids think they can mess with you at home. Fight back. Escalate it to police chief, mayor, and supervisor of the phone company if you're getting nowhere with the lowly peons.
If u need server software, try guild ftp. If just user software
then try cuteftp, coffeecupftp, or wsftp. They don't charge a line rate and I believe guildftp server software is still free.
Is it their computer? Why are they installing a firewall and autocorrect on your computer? That sm
is usually the responsibility of the transcriptionist, especially if an IC or SE. Which company?
Question about transfering computer into to another computer.. sm
I have a dumb question - Just bought a new computer and someone told me to get a flash drive to transfer all my info. But I'm assuming that ExText that I work off of and Escription will have to be downloaded again by the tech people onto my new computer. I can tranfer these can I?
Thanks
How does one find out the computer specs on my computer?
I should know this, but I just don't remember how to do this. I am hoping I have enough RAM, or whatever, to load work platform on my own computer and begin working on it, rather than paying *rent* on the company-furnished computer. Thanks so much.
A computer is a computer, whether it be laptop or desktop.
I have both and use both and I bought both of mine...most companies do not provide computers...
Another big factor is software. If the software isn't
transcription friendly, it can really hurt your bottom line.
Otherwise, $1.20 per report is a pretty decent rate for radiology.
Good luck - hope it works out for you.
Block her E-mail, return mail unopened
On AOL I can determine who I want to receive mail from and block those I do not -- and if they are blocked they get their E-mail back as being "undeliverable". If she sends things out -- send back --unaccepted. But to be simple just E-mail her back or call the recuriter if you don't want to deal with her directly and state -- leave me alone. If she is in another state you should not be scared of her but you may simply have to put it out there in no uncertain terms.
TELL EMPLOYER!!
I'm going through the same thing. Twenty years of experience and this career is fast going downhill. Used to make $19 per hour, now can barely make $13 because of MEDQUIST. Even though I do not work for them, they have ruined my paychecks.
As a single mom, I struggled enough as it was. Now, it's absolutely horrible. I work two full-time jobs and have no time for my children (especially my 12yo diabetic son). I hate to change careers, but it looks like I'm going to have to.
I hope to see this all go public someday. I want to see VR and EMR backfire completely!!!! Okay, I don't know if that helped or if will do any good, but I got it off my chest. Thanks and sorry for the rambling. :)
new employer?
do you mind saying who you went to work for? i've been with MQ for a little over 3 years and ready for a change - tired of all of the psychological bullshit that they think we're falling for.
This is also not an employer who has never
not like a company that you never see your employee. I feel that makes it a little easier for some of these companies to do what they do to their employees...Easier when you don't actually have to face someone.
Maybe your next employer.
.
Employer??? An employer
Think about what you are saying. Yes if the painter decides he's going to have to finish another day, so be it. I chose the painter didn't I. I also have the right to tell that painter forget about it and find another painter, and the turn around and call back the same painter who had the better job. It's all business. You cannot control an IC.
Did you ever consider that the employer has a right to use that name, not you?
Some names are trademarked and you could be in more than just a little bit of trouble if a company found something like this and wanted to make an example of the person who did something like that.
Business names are registered to the person/people who use them for their business. They have the right to ask that it not be used when they feel it's not appropriate.
Then why ask how DH could be employer and
x
That is just such bs. An employer should have..at least..
6 months worth of expensives tucked/socked away. Where did these people attend school at??? No way would I go for that. During the contract walk through, I definitely would have specified 2 dates of the month; i.e. 15th and 30th. Anything else is... well...as all job descriptions state at the very end: and to include other duties as assigned.'
The employer is asking for it, so - sm
what do you expect the MT to do? Tell the employer it's not necessary?
It's not. The employer has been, (like many)
,
I would think your employer would
be concerned about HIPPA violations. If someone is hacking into their files, this is major concern. Since it apparently is your personal computer, I guess you could either acquire or request another that would only be for hospital work or try one of the geek services to trace it back. I am afraid this would involve $. Since it involves HIPPA, wouldn't that be a felony? What an unusual problem. I bet they will end up finding out a lot about this guy.
Who was your previous employer? I'm more
interested in making "insane amounts of money" than if an employer is nice to me. That's my personal preference.
Mind telling me who your previous was?
Thx.
I think though with SE the employer has to match the SS but IC is not that way. I rather like SE
status and I know there are some companies that have that but I dont know which ones.
Two accounts at each employer ...
Main accounts are acute care hospital; secondary accounts are clinics. At one employer, haven't typed on secondary account in over 6 months. At other employer, type on secondary maybe 8 hours every other month.
shouldn't you ask your employer
Is your employer hiring?
Thanks for the tips.
so, if your employer is QAing
production and quality are high, why wouldn't they be able to judge your ability without being certified by AAMT who has sold their soul to large transcription companies like Medquist who offshore?
Shouldn't an employer pay
Not doing that is what has made the world go upside down right now.
If I am paid 7/cents a line and my cost of living is based on 12/cents a line plus
benefits, it's almost impossible to keep working for that company who is paying
7/cents a line.
It's pretty simple.
America still demands that we live an "American life style - no sh^t in the rivers, building codes, codes on how many people can live in a dwelling, high insurance rates, etc etc"
well, paying all that and making what a company is paying a peoples who don/'t have those demands is insane.
It's a simple question to our leaders?
Do you want us to live like the third world country? or do you want to give us ability to make salaries to pay for the LIFE STYLE America is demanding we do.
Frankly I'm sick and tired of paying for free loaders of any color. When I saw Laurie Duh (don't know how to spell her name) on Fox yesterday report that one of the homeless from New Orleans........went out and bought a LOUIS VUITTON PURSE
with the $2000 she got..........I STARTED SCREAMING and if I could have gotten my hands around the neck of the idiot who thought it was a good idea to give these people the money in the first place I would have strangled him.........and then I would have done the same to the woman who bought the purse.
I'm sitting here in pain from a bad tooth and no insurance.........and she bought a purse.........LOUIS VUITTON.
p.s. Billfolds in Louis Vuitton start at around $600 and the purses are around $1500 to $5,000.
You have to remember that you have no employer sm
matching your Social Security withholdings.
No - My employer does match (sm)
The SS tax, so I guess I'm technically a statutory employee with the added benefit of a very flexible schedule that an IC would have.
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