All Taxed Out and CAW (Cool Application of the Week)

Every year about this time, I get questions about which software should I use for my taxes or which service.

Well I have used them all and they all do the same thing: "help prepare your taxes." The online ones are great because the cost is free, other then getting emails later from every company they have an agreement with. They handle the 1040EZ without issue and for the 15% of Americans that is just fine.

I use the stand-alone versions of either X or Y brands and they also help get you that all important dollar back. But remember folks, a great tax person could save you from an audit if you have a more complex tax filing in the offing. I like to do both the stand-alone and then a quickie review by the company CPA to see if I got it nailed down.

The one nice thing about the install/stand alone versions is you get asked questions along the way, and you get to keep the software for later review if needed. Just call me old-fashioned—the cloud/Internet versions are nice, but I like the more robust desktop version better.

OK, now that you have the taxes started, how about some CAW (Cool Application of the Week).

Network Stumbler (http://www.stumbler.net/) is the geek's tool for wireless networks. I use this handy tool to find networks that are open and not secured for my clients. It allows me also to look at signal strength and noise issues that cause weak Wifi hotspots.  So if you’re a road warrior, or just need to understand why your laptop keeps dropping connections, this is your Windows tool of choice.

Happy Snow Days, kids, and sorry parents, it's winter!