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Thursday, July 06, 2000
Q: What's the perfect home-office setup?
A: If you're a telecommuter, your perfect home-office will be different than if you're a solo worker. But there are several common requirements -- and although it may surprise you, your computer is probably not the most important -- nor the most universal.
The most universal need is for a quiet, comfortable work area. Many home workers try to work in noisy environments -- and it generally doesn't work. The noise distracts you from work; the people on the other end of the phone perceive an unprofessional image; and items disappear or get misplaced as family members "borrow" them. If your family is prone to borrowing from you, your most important possession for your home-office is a door with a lock.
Make sure that you set up an ergonomic environment. A comfortable chair, large enough work surface and plenty of storage space are musts. As is good lighting because you'll be spending long hours in this space. These items will help you avoid eyestrain, repetitive stress syndrome, and back and neck injuries.
Your "must-have equipment" will probably include a personal computer, peripherals (such as printer, copier, scanner), a telephone and Internet access (no longer a luxury). When you select your PC, equip it to your task. Don't skimp on getting the right applications, because the right tools will make you more productive.
But don't get enamored by PCs that come with lots of cool software -- your experimentation with cool, but not mission critical, software will cause you to lose productivity.
For most people, essential software includes a good PIMS or personal information management system such as Outlook, Act, or Goldmine; a business worthy office application suite such as Microsoft Office, or WordPerfect Office Suite; a current Web browser; utilities; and, if you're a small business, a good financial package such as QuickBooks. Other applications and utilities will differ, depending on your needs. Most people will want at least a virus checker.
If you don't have a big working surface, consider substituting an LCD flat panel monitor for the standard monitor. It will cost you more, but it will give you more room to work, be easier on your eyes and potentially last longer.
Have a question for David Radin? Contact him at his Web site
If your printing needs are minimal, a low end ink-jet printer will suffice. However, if you need to make copies and send faxes, consider a multifunction machine. They now come with auto-feeders, color printing capability, copying and faster throughput than ever before. And they take up less room than buying a separate fax, copier and printer. If you plan to kick out lots of paper, a high-speed laser should be your choice.
If you expect to spend a lot of time online, choose a broadband DSL or cable connection to the Internet (depending on which type is available in your area, and the local costs).
Your telephone should match your job description. If you make only a few local calls during the day, a standard one or two line telephone will suffice. If you spend lots of time on the phone, get an enhanced phone or phone system with bells & whistles like headsets, speakerphone, caller ID or auto-dialer. You'd be surprised at how much better you'll work with the right telephone options.
To save on long distance, voice-over-IP (a.k.a. Internet telephony) is finally coming into its own. For a solo office you can user your computer for this function. If you are part of a larger organization, check to see whether its current phone system has voice-over-IP capability, in which case, you'll need to install a compatible phone set.
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