SECRETS OF HOME OFFICE TECH
So you’ve decided to work at home: Congratulations! By doing so, you will save a fortune on gas, and the time you’ve wasted commuting can now be turned into moneymaking time.
But what about technology? What technology do you really need to work at home, and what can you do without?
Here’s what 20-plus years of working at home have taught me.
First, you need a computer—your own computer. It should not be shared with anyone, so that your work is not prey to whatever viruses your kids might bring in. Now it doesn’t have to be the most up-to-date computer—although it must be able to run whatever programs you require—but it needs to be yours alone. When you do so, be sure to put your computer on a battery-supported Uninterrupted Power Supply. This will save your computer and monitor from power surges— which can damage them—and provide extra power during blackouts to let you shut down without crashing.
As for whether you need a flat panel or old CRT monitor? Either is fine, in my book. But whatever you use, make sure that it is 17” (diagonal screen measurement) or larger. After all, you are going to spend a lot of time staring at this screen—you need something that will be easy on your eyes.
Printers: Go laser! Inkjet is okay for home use, but if you are going to print a lot of pages, laser makes more sense—and it doesn’t smear when wet. Money-saving hint: If you don’t need colour, then just go for a monochrome (black and white) laser.
Now we get into the subject of battery-powered wireless versus computer-powered wired keyboards and mice. The matter is simple to resolve: If you have no issue with your battery- powered keyboard and mouse dying in the middle of a deadline when you are dashing off reams of brilliant prose without once looking at your screen, then by all means go wireless. But if you want to avoid the heart attack I invariably experience when this happens to me, you will buy a wired keyboard and mouse. Note: Skip the bells-and-whistles on these devices. Go for simple and solid instead.
Telephones: You need a really good telephone to work at home; preferably one with a headset, so that your hands are free. If you can afford to, get yourself a wireless headset—I know what I said about wireless earlier, but these units charge on their stands when not in use—like the Plantronics CS361NHL10 Binaural SupraPlus Wireless Pro Headset sold at www.newegg.ca. ‘Binaural’ means that this headset has two earpieces, not just one. This helps you hear the call more clearly, while blocking out background noise.
Granted, you can cradle your telephone handset on your shoulder. Heaven knows I did for years, until my chiropractic bills convinced me to stop. Now, thanks to the Plantronics CS361, I don’t have any pain. (I did use a wired headset for a while, but I kept ripping it out of the phone whenever I got up out of my chair.)
Desk space: A kitchen table is out. You are working at home; get yourself a good desk with drawers (and a place to put your files) to work at. If possible, locate it (and your office) in a room that is separate from the rest of your home. You need privacy to do your job, which should be conducted 9 to 5—just as if you were working somewhere else. And spend the money for a decent chair, one with back support and wheels. And lights: make sure you have enough light.
Now for the nice-to-haves. These are the items that make your home office environment both livable and comfortable. If you need daylight, work by a window; don’t hide in the basement. If you crave music (which I do), get a real radio. You can also listen to Internet radio and music CDs using your computer, if it has speakers attached.
Speaking of the Internet: Don’t scrimp on your connection! Broadband is a must for working at home. Waiting for graphics to download over a 56k telephone connection is a waste of valuable working time.
Do all of these things, and you will end up with a home office that you will enjoy working in. Moreover, it will be a place where working professionally isn’t a problem. I’ve been doing it for over two decades, and frankly I am more productive working at home than anywhere else. Besides, I’m close to the fridge, and that’s important.
James Careless is a freelance writer who specializes in consumer and SOHO technology.
