Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Tasker: Install on new phone then restore settings, permissions and configuration:

Tasker: Install on new phone and restore settings, permissions and configuration: including profiles, actions and settings. Some manual steps are involved + adb commands from PC. Assumes adb is setup from PC with basics of adb understood by user.

[Old Phone]

1. Backup Tasker apk
2. Backup config (backup.xml) using menu Tasker | Data | Export.
    - in my case I am backing up to a network drive.
    - new phone will access apk and backup.xml
    - result as follows:
        http://prntscr.com/vpo4uu

[New Phone]

3. Install apk on new phone

4. Configure other task manager style apps to whitelist tasker
    e.g: "all-in-one toolbox" android
    "boot speedup"
    http://prntscr.com/vpnkqj

Advanced Tasker White List
http://prntscr.com/vpnkj3

5. Set Tasker Settings
Tasker Settings:
http://prntscr.com/vpnofj

Task Settings: SD Card
http://prntscr.com/vpnosg

5. Set Android Permissions
    Android Permissions
    http://prntscr.com/vpnzt3
    http://prntscr.com/vpo0b2
    http://prntscr.com/vpo0i6

6. Connect phone to PC, Run adb, Set permissions via Adb

-- See below links
https://tasker.joaoapps.com/userguide/en/help/ah_adb_wifi.html
https://tasker.joaoapps.com/userguide/en/help/ah_read_logs_grant.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/tasker/comments/9u6fbr/tasker_storage_access/
https://tasker.joaoapps.com/knownissues.html

- Sample Command output
C:\WINDOWS\system32>adb devices
List of devices attached
LMV405TA76466767 device

C:\WINDOWS\system32>adb tcpip 5555
restarting in TCP mode port: 5555

C:\WINDOWS\system32>adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.READ_LOGS

C:\WINDOWS\system32>adb shell am force-stop net.dinglisch.android.taskerm

C:\WINDOWS\system32>adb shell pm grant net.dinglisch.android.taskerm android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

7. Run test actions
    - File Copy
    - Turn Airplane Mode on and Off
    - Ect

Monday, November 2, 2020

Compare Android Receipt Tracking Apps: Best & Worst Scan + OCR Receipt Apps for Small Business

Finding the Best and Worst Android Receipt Management Apps with a focus on Scan, OCR & small business functionality,.

Summary

The following review focuses on finding a stable and affordable receipt tracking app that includes the following functionality either in the app directly or via the browser. Scan & OCR functions must reside in native app while reporting & settings may exist in browser. This is a summary review focusing on OCR accuracy, ease of use & functionality that can satisfy tax related use cases for small business/sole-proprietor.

Requirements

1. Ability to scan a receipt via phone camera

2. OCR Capability for scanned receipts

3. OCR accuracy is > 90%

4. OCR picks up minimally following fields:

a. Pricve

b. Date of transaction

c. Merchant / Store Name

d. Category – Filled 90% with accuracy at or above 50%

5. Scan & OCR will involve at most 2 user events: Camera Click & Button Click.

6. Pricing either :

a. Subscription of < 5$ per month for 1-2 user or

b. 100$ one time for life of product

7. Ability to create simple report &/or export including:

a. Transaction detail

b. Transaction Summary

8. Reports shall allow user to filter by Start / End Date

9. Export Report to csv

Optional / Nice To haves:

1. Ability to identify / resolve / merge duplicates

2. Ability to scan a receipt via email

3. Search feature allowing to find tx by merchant, amount and/or category

4. Customer service with chat capability or email response

5. Ability to import from another expense platform, E.g: Import from Expensify.

The following apps were downloaded & tested on Android 10 Kernel Version 4.9.193 on LG V40 model V405TA30b :

Test Case:

1. Create Account

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR, see #6 below

3. Verify fields populated by OCR:

Date

Merchant

Amount

Test Results

Apps failed due to 1 or more of the following conditions, noted by the leading symbol below : , denoted with leading in

1 - OCR in-accurate or non-existent

2 - pricing exceeds 5$ per month or $120 per year

BEST of the BEST

1tap receipts Tax Calculator & Receipt Scanner

Test Results Notes:

1. Create Account - Easy, Google OAuth.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: <1 hr

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 100% Accurate!

4. How many events to create a receipt?

- 1 !

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- $2.08 per MONTH! Billed annually!

Pricing Details:

More Info: support@1tap.zendesk.com

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - Very accurate & fast, simple UI, great fit for small business who wants no frills & hughly accureate OCR receipt scanning

8. Cons: basic reporting, limited filtering, did not see a way to search for a receipt. Not

Receipt Scanner: smart receipts & expense tracker

Test Results Notes:

1. Create Account - Easy, Email.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: <1 hr

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 100% Accurate!

4. How many events to create a receipt?

- 1 !

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- $3/ month paid yearly !

Pricing Details:

More Info: contact@easy-expense.com

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - Very accurate & fast, Clean & simple UI, great summary dashboard. Info on importing: Break expensed into Biz/personal

8. Cons: limited browser, in work.

BEST

Zoho Expense - Expense Reporting and Approval

Test Results Notes:

1. Create Account - Easy, Google OAuth.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: <1 hr

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 0% Accurate!

http://prntscr.com/vcbpqa

4. How many events to create a receipt?

- 1 !

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- 5$ per mos

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - OCR was fast, however category not filled in, Many features for mid sized business.

8. Cons: OCR

Foreceipt - Receipt Scanner Expense Tracker Cloud

Test Results Notes:

1. Create Account - Easy, Google OAuth.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: <1 hr

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 0%

4. How many events to create a receipt?

- 2

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- 3.99$ per mos (220 scans only)

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - OCR was fast, however category not filled in, Many features for mid sized business.

8. Cons: OCR & pricing is only 200 scans per month

Wave Invoicing

Test Results Notes:

1. Create Account - Easy, Google OAuth.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: <1 hr

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 0% Accurate!

4. How many events to create a receipt?

- 1 !

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- 35$ per mos

https://www.waveapps.com/pricing

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - OCR was fast, however category not filled in, Great features for mid sized business.

8. Cons: Category OCR and price!

Expensify - Expense Reports

1. Create Account - Easy, Email or Google OAuth.

2. Create 3 receipts: Scan & OCR. - 1 step; process time: Slow > 2 hours

3. Verify fields populated by OCR: (% of 3 receipts)

Date - 100%

Merchant - 100%

Amount - 100%

Category - 50%

4. How many events to create a receipt?

http://prntscr.com/vcbumb

- 1 !

5. What is the pricing amount & model for app?

- 4.99$ per mos

https://www.expensify.com/pricingw

6. Ease of Use: - High

7. Pros: - OCR was slow, but accurate. Most fields filled in, duplicates management. Great features for mid sized business.

8. Cons: OCR is slow, Fees & overcharging, customer service.

WORST: Worst / Not applicable

Fyle: Receipt Scanner & Expense Reports

fail reason: 1

fail reason: 2

fail reason: 2

fail reason: 2

fail reason: 2

Veryfi - expenses, receipts & projects

fail reason: 2

Foreceipt - Receipt Scanner Expense Tracker Cloud

fail reason: 1

Smart Receipts

fail reason: 1

Receipt Bank

fail reason: 1

QuickBooks Online Accounting, Invoicing & Expenses

fail reason: 2

Free Expense Tracker & Budget Planner - Bookipi

fail reason: 1

MrReceipt - your receipts in one place

fail reason: 1

Receipt Box

fail reason: 1

Smart Receipts

fail reason: 1

Easy Receipt Log

fail reason: 1

Import Export Links:

Expensify

https://community.expensify.com/discussion/3531/how-do-i-export-download-actual-images-of-receipts-for-document-support-storage

https://community.expensify.com/discussion/6029/is-there-a-way-to-create-a-multi-line-report

https://www.expensify.com/csvExport

Easy Expense:

https://easy-expense.com/guides/

1Tap

https://support.1tap.io/hc/en-us/articles/115000224429-How-do-I-export-my-data-

https://support.1tap.io/hc/en-us/articles/115001072209-How-to-add-a-note-to-a-receipt-an-invoice-

Test Results Details & Figures:

1Tap:

Browser/Admin UI:

https://my.1tap.io/my-expenses/overview/2020

Report Request

Report Output

OCR Results:

Easy-Expense:

Browser/Admin UI:

https://app.easy-expense.com/

OCR Results:

Dashboard

Export:

Easy Expense Import

Expensify:

Expensify Export

Sample Script

https://community.expensify.com/discussion/6029/is-there-a-way-to-create-a-multi-line-report

Export Formats

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Find Files by : Search files containing Text : Which tool is fastest on Windows?

Comparing 4 tools today, TextPad, Notepad++, VisualStudio2017, Grep for Win and Everything.

Clear winners:

Everything

Grep for Windows

2nd Place:

Textpad

Visual Studio 2017

LAST:

Notepad++

Here are summary of tests and results, in order that I tested them:

Find File by search file with text search: plain text

    Text pad:
        Searching for: public static string BuildURLTransactionDetail
        Dir Structure: 15GB, 131K Files
        Pattern: *.cs
        Find in Files params: http://prntscr.com/uv0p5m
        Results:
            Memory: 21 MB
            CPU: 25%
            Elap Time: 55s,
        App Results:
            http://prntscr.com/uv0ulf

            Found 4 occurrence(s) in 4 file(s), 53257 ms

    Notepad++:
        Searching for: public static string BuildURLTransactionDetail
        Dir Structure: 15GB, 131K Files
        Pattern: *.cs
        Find in Files params: http://prntscr.com/uv0rew
        Results:
            Memory: 120 MB
            CPU: 8%
            Elap Time: 235s (3m55s!!),
        App Results:
            http://prntscr.com/uv0u5a

    VS2017 Find in Files:
        Searching for: public static string BuildURLTransactionDetail
        Dir Structure: 15GB, 131K Files
        Pattern: *.cs
        Find in Files params: http://prntscr.com/uv0vh7
        Results:
            Memory: devenve.exe+15MB MB
            CPU: 50%
            Elap Time: 20s !!!
        App Results:
            http://prntscr.com/uv0wdt


    Everything:
        Searching for: public static string BuildURLTransactionDetail
        Dir Structure: 15GB, 131K Files
        Pattern: *.cs
        Find in Files params: http://prntscr.com/uv10pt
        Results:
             Memory: 80MB
            CPU: 10%
            Elap Time: 5s !!!
        App Results:
        http://prntscr.com/uv0zl3

    grepWin-2.0.4_portable:
        Searching for: public static string BuildURLTransactionDetail
        Dir Structure: 15GB, 131K Files
        Pattern: *.cs
        Find in Files params: http://prntscr.com/uv1656
        Results:
            Memory: 20MB
            CPU: 20%
            Elap Time: 10s !!!
        App Results:
            http://prntscr.com/uv16ta

Friday, September 11, 2020

Google API App Errors: Less Secure App Access setting

If you have an app that interfaces with Google or use a 3rd party API integration, for example sendEmail smtp utility, you may start receiving an error in scripts that worked previously,. The error may look like:

C:\Temp\Tools\sendEmail-v156>Synch.OneWay.MyDocs.GDrive.Zip.Email
Sep 11 15:06:19 doylejsurface2 sendEmail[16576]: ERROR => ERROR => SMTP-AUTH: Authentication to smtp.gmail.com:587 failed.

To resolve enabel the less secure app access toggle in your Google profile:

Update Less secure app access in google

normally the setting is located here

Friday, August 14, 2020

Covid Positive Diary: Our Daily Log of our activity, experiences and observations

My wife and I both tested Covid positive recently. Also, my wife and I both had bad Influenza late 2019. We were prescribed the antiviral Tamiflu (Oseltamivir ) & antibiotic azithromycin (ZPack) late 2019 to be taken on an as needed basis for flu symptoms. We had 2 weeks worth remaining of these meds. Both are common meds to treat wide ranging symptoms. These are our observations ONLY & this is NOT medical advice in any way. Everyone is different. Be well:

Some key takeaways we have observed:

1) There is some overlap of symptoms between flu, ear infection and Covid
2) The duration is unusual the severity was not for us.
3) AntiViral and Zpack helped alleviating some symptoms we had.
4) Red meat exacerbates symptoms. Red meat caused stomach inflammation & mucus build up. This makes t more difficult to breathe. Observed on day 2 & 8

Background:

Age: me: 45 M 5’10” / her: 50F 5'4" / Avg Weight

BMI: Normal / No major illnesses / No Comorbidity / Gym 2X per week / Surf / We work office

Pre Existing: No major/ former smoker 10 yrs ago

Starting 8/6 we were confirmed to be Covid positive, contracted illness 8/3. Current symptoms range slight fever, coughs, clogged sinus to sore throat. Later on shortness of breath

Beginning 8/7 we began taking our Oseltamivir, as the sinus pressure and headaches associated with Covid are very similar to a start of the flu. If we didn't know we had Covid we would assume this was either flu or a middle ear infection. This is not medical advice. Be well:

This is our daily treatment log :

Day 1 :

- Date: 8/7/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : None
o ZPack: 300 mg

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg VitaminC / 2000mg VitD / Zinc: 200 mg
o Other: NAC/2000mg Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic

- Comments

o Day #5 of illness
o Awoke with Sore throat

Day 2:

- Date: 8/8/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 300 mg (100mg BEFORE Bed)
o ZPack: 200 mg (100mg BEFORE Bed)

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg Vitamin D + 5000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic

- Comments

o Day #6 of illness
o Awoke with BAD Sore throat, no other symptoms

Day 3:

- Date: 8/9/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 200 mg (100mg BEFORE Bed)
o ZPack: 200 mg (100mg BEFORE Bed)

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg Vitamin D + 4000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic

- Comments

o Day #7 of illness
o Awoke with NO Sore throat, tired, body aches, cough, feels like head cold, ear ache
o Taking Oseltamivir BEFORE bed certainly helps to awake with less symptoms!
o Symptoms worse me in AM, before bed and AFTER I eat red meat. Will reduce red meat intake

Day 4:

- Date: 8/10/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o ZPack: 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o Mucinex + 3 tylenol + 3 motrin

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg Vitamin D + 3000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic

- Comments

o Day #8 of illness
o Awoke with stuffy nose, tired all day, body aches, slight cough, feels like it has moved to my chest
o I ate red meat on Day 3 and I felt like CRAP after easting (pork). I am switching to ONLY fish and chicken + veggies. Red meat contributes to inflammation and congestion.
o Ate corvina fish + rice tonight
o Had diarrhea due to VitC, I am reducing Vitc to 3000mg

Day 5:

- Date: 8/11/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o ZPack: 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o Mucinex + 3 tylenol + 3 motrin

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg Vitamin D + 3000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic (Corganic!!!)

- Comments

o Day #9 of illness
o Awoke with only slight stuffy nose and slightly tired. Not sure if tiredness is caused by Covid. My appetite is normal, however desire for alcohol is very low, since alcohol accentuates the tiredness
o Today is best I have felt in 5 days. Don’t feel as tired
o Plan to eat grapefruit in AM, Chicken and Fish for lunch/dinner!

Day 6:

- Date: 8/12/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o ZPack: 200 mg (again 1 before bed)
o Mucinex + 1 tylenol + 3 motrin

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 4000 mg Vitamin D + 4000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc + Selenium
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic

- Comments

o Day #10 of illness
o Awoke with no symptoms, however as day went on felt a little tired. Went to sleep feeling a slight shortness of breath, worried a little
o Wife has consistent cough shortness of breath thru the day, he symptoms are worse than mine.
o Ate starbucks, fruite, light meals
o Noticed that small meals do not result in tiredness, no desire for alcohol

Day 7:

- Date: 8/13/2020

- Meds

o Oseltamivir : 100 mg (again 1 before bed)
o ZPack: None
o Mucinex + 2 tylenol + 2 motrin

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 2000 mg Vitamin D + 2000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc + Selenium
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic/Astragulus/Tumeric

- Comments

o Day #11 of illness
o I awoke slight shortness of breath, took Astragulus+ Tumeric this helped!
o Wife symptoms are lingering longer than mine, cough & shortness of breath
o Ate pork, BAD IDEA!. I could feel inflammation & mucus 1 hour after eating.

Day 8:

- Date: 8/14/2020

- Meds

o Mucinex + 2 tylenol + 2 motrin

- Supplements: (taken daily)

o 2000 mg Vitamin D + 2000 mg Vit C + 200mg Zinc + Selenium
o Other: NAC/Bee Pollen/Mile Thistle/Probiotic/Astragulus/Tumeric

- Comments

o Day #12 of illness
o I awoke feeling back to 100% back normal! Will continue supplement regiment for 3 days. shortness of breath, took Astragulus+ Tumeric this helped!
o Wife symptoms are lessened, Astragulus+ Tumeric seem to help repertory area,
o Had small beef in AM (yuck) / Fish+scallops + rice for dinner

Tested Sunday

DIET is SO important!!

For us: Food and Vitamins are a HUGE influence on how your body deals with this illness!!!

If you are Obese or smoke, this should be a wake up call: GET FIT. I would not want to be obese or smoke with this illness.

For us, the duration of the illness was the only worry while the severity was never as bad as the flu

Also: DONT watch the news: it only makes you feel worse. Go out for a walk and get some light exercise!!!

Links to Resources that I used manage my health

Coronavirus, Precautions, and Strengthening the Immune System Urology
COVID-19 Supplements: Melatonin
COVID-19 Treatments: An Updated List of Drugs and Medications in Development - GoodRx
Azithromycin and SARS-CoV-2 infection: Where we are now and where we are going
Oseltamivir recipients recover faster from coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 Research - Drug Target Review
Using vitamin C
VITAMIN C health

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Excel Tutorial for Christa NO EXCUSES 20 min per day

Plural Sight Videos !!!

Download each folder lesson and DO lesson:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1aRM7mLY9v_I2vi3JlSiiirBirPfKBRDh

1. Beginner Lessons

Loading Data into Excel

Searching and Manipulating Data in Excel

2. Intermediate

Calculating Cell Values with Formulas

Recording and Managing Excel Macros

3. Advanced

Summarizing and Organizing Data in Excel

Exploring Data with PivotTables

Distributing Excel Workbooks

Charting Data with Excel

Original Plural sigh lesson is HERE

Youtube & Free!!!

Basic: Formulas and Functions

1. Excel Basic Formulas and Function

2. Sum all lookups

LookUps:

Lookups : Lookups will allow you to merge worksheets. E.g: Match Invoices to Rates.

V Lookup : 30 min or less

Learn V Lookup for basic matching, e.g: match “Acme Inc” = “Acme Inc”

1. How to Do a VLOOKUP With Two Spreadsheets in Excel

Sample: VLOOKUP (lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup])

2. Excel VLOOKUP tutorial for beginners with formula examples

3. V Lookup Explained

Fuzzy Lookup : 30 min+

Learn Fuzzy Lookup for advanced matching, e.g: Match “ACME Inc” and “Florida ACME Inc”

1. Download Fuzzy Lookup Add-In for Excel

2. Watch Tutorial

Playlist Tutorials:

1. Excel Basics

2. Tips & Formulas

Paid Courses:

1. Advanced Excel: Top 10 Excel Tips & Formulas

- $34.00 Video + includes sample workbook

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Entity Framework 6 : Default Code First Conventions

EF 6 Code First Default Conventions :

1) Default Inheritance Type: Table Per Hierarchy (TPH)

2) foreign key properties

- Any property with the same data type as the principal primary key property and

- with a name that follows one of the following formats represents a FK for the relationship:

<navigation property name><principal primary key property name>',
'<principal class name><primary key property name>', or
'<principal primary key property name>'

3) Primary Key Convention

-property is a primary key if a property on a class is named “ID” (not case sensitive), or the class name followed by "ID".

4) If FK on the dependent entity is not nullable, then Code First sets cascade delete on the relationship.

- Nullable:

public int? CountryId { get; set; }

5) Type Discovery:

- you define a context class that derives from DbContext and exposes DbSet properties for the types that you want to be part of the model.

6) exclude a type from the model

-use the NotMapped attribute or the DbModelBuilder.Ignore fluent

7) No PK or FK: Its a complex type. Complex Type rules include:

- type does not have properties that reference entity types and

- is not referenced from a collection property on another type.