It’s Virtually Done (IVD) Blog

Remember: if you’ve paid people/businesses $600 or more last year for services, you need to get them an IRS Form 1099 by the end of this month (January).

To figure this out, run a report in your financial software and analyze who you’ve paid $600 or more to in the course of running your business in 2005. Examples might be your accountant, attorney, coach, graphic designer, web designer, virtual assistant, etc. Note: If they’re incorporated, you don’t have to send them a 1099.

The IRS & your state need their copies of the same 1099 form by the end of February. This article provides some background information, but be sure and read the IRS’s directions or ask your virtual assistant or accountant to prepare the forms for you.

Avoid fines; stay compliant.

I spent almost all of last Sunday troubleshooting a software problem on my computer. Not fun. I remind myself that I learn a lot when I resolve these things, but it’s still not a pleasant experience.

After exhausting nearly all possibilities (like reinstalling the software 3 times), I used the System Restore feature on my Windows XP. Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.

This feature restores your Registry to an earlier date when the problem didn’t exist. Remember when Superman flew around the Earth backwards to turn back time? Same thing.

Good News: it solved my problem with the software. Bad News: it created another problem on my system because I had uninstalled another program after the restoration date. I was able to fix that too by contacting the software vendor (via instant messaging to India) to get manual uninstall instructions. I had to manually alter the registry, but (pat pat) I did it.

Remember this System Restore feature. It can really be a lifesaver.

Some of you have expressed that you like the cartoon, VA Life, which appeared in my ezine. Here’s a link to the latest installment.

I began a computer check-up series with the November issue of my ezine The Virtual Edge. The December issue focused on options for doing automatic online backups of your computer. Now, my blog continues the series with a discussion of anti-virus and firewall solutions.

In the past I’ve used Norton Anti-Virus, and I was very pleased with the product. When my Norton expired, I began looking for a free anti-virus program. I checked the website of my ISP, Comcast, and I discovered that I could download the entire McAfee suite (anti-virus, firewall, and privacy service) for free, which I did.

I’m pleased with McAfee for the most part, but a word of warning is needed. Sometimes, it turns itself off. It tells you this in a very subtle way: the red background and white “M” icon in the system tray (bottom right hand corner of your monitor) changes color to a black background. I’ve noticed that this usually happens when a system reboot is required. Keep an eye out for the icon changing colors.

A note about the privacy service part of the McAfee suite. I think that it is a pain. It required that I continually provide a password. I uninstalled it, and I’m glad I did.

What if you don’t have access to the McAfee suite for free? There are plenty of free solutions out there. Here’s what PC World recommends, and I’ll pass it along:

Antivirus
Avast 4 Home Edition
AVG Antivirus Home Edition

Firewall
Kerio Personal Firewall 4
ZoneAlarm 5.5

Before McAfee’s firewall, I used Zone Alarm for free for years with success. Of course teaming your software firewall with a hardware firewall, a cable router, is best.

Most importantly, make sure that your protection programs are always on, and that they are up-to-date. Usually, there is a scheduling feature with the virus program to automatically sweep your entire system for viruses. Set that up for a time when your computer is on and idle.

Till next time when I’ll be discussing updating your operating system and anti-spyware programs.

At some point, you’ll want to get your affairs in order. If you don’t have a complicated estate, creating your own will is an attractive, inexpensive option. I wrote mine over the holidays, and it feels great to have completed this big task. This is a gift to my husband who now knows what to give to whom. Quicken Willmaker was easy to use, and I loved that you can do it in parts and return at will (sorry for the pun). The software includes a health care directive, for end of life care, applicable for your state. Check it out.