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The Right Tools for the Job

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:53:21 +0000

Have you thought about the various pieces of computer equipment that you use on a daily basis and how you need each one in order to successfully do your job? It can be daunting to consider which tools you need and here is an outline of the tools I've found most useful for working at home.

Laptop Safety Tips

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:43:41 +0000

When I'm talking with people about using a laptop, it's a little surprising to me how some tips that I provide seem to be things that many don't even consider when using or planning to use a laptop in their home office. Make sure that you are following these tips and don't hesitate to share with us any additional tips you may have to help work safely with our laptops.

Eyes and Ears on You?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:28:37 +0000

An interesting aspect to working at home that may arise for some, especially those who work for a company that has provided their computer equipment and pays for their Internet access is that your employer may be monitoring your activities. When you came to an agreement with your employer to work from your home office, you may have signed a formal agreement that included what monitoring the company may do. If you didn't sign a formal agreement, then you may want to discuss this and get the facts.

Getting Healthy at Home

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 23:07:42 +0000

I admit that it is far too easy to not get myself up and moving at times when I'm working. Now that I have a puppy though that has been changing and I look forward to our walks. The walks are necessary for him but they also give me the chance to get out, get fresh air and get some exercise.

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Keeping Your Cool

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:30:27 +0000

I'm often asked whether the stories people hear about laptops overheating and causing injuries or fires are true. I do know from personal experience that a laptop can get very warm and that a wise investment for my home office has been a laptop cooling stand. The principle behind them is quite simple and I am amazed by the number of people who don't that a laptop cooling stand is a necessary accessory for their home office.

Clear Communication Tools

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:27:52 +0000

One of the most interesting aspects I've experienced working from my home office is the chance to communicate with others using the Internet for conferences and interviews. Having the right tools makes it much easier and helps avoid problems. I remember my first time using a webcam and how that webcam now seems such a dinosaur compared to the new models available and the high degree of quality that is possible. Come share your thoughts about webcams in the Home Office forum.

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Sample Home Office Designs

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:23:01 +0000

Getting inspiration for your home office can come from many sources. I'm always looking at the design of homes to see how I could use the different rooms as a home office. What type of inspiration do you find and how do you try to incorporate those ideas into your home office? Come share your thoughts in the Home Office forum.

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Going Up the Wall

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:15:34 +0000

Normally hearing that you may be going up the wall isn't a good thing. In this case, using your walls as a way to get better organized and increase storage area in your home office is a good thing. I'm always looking for new ways to improve and increase storage space and I know that with any future office space I have; I'll definitely be using some of these solutions that I've recently come across.

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Sharing Your Home Office

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 20:18:45 +0000

We may not always work alone in our home offices and when we share our home office space; we have to consider more than just our own work styles and preferences. Creating a workable home office that is shared by more than one person doesn't have to be a challenge. Keep in mind that you do have options that will also improve how well you can work as well as incorporating a shared work area.

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Comfortable Keyboarding

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:31:30 +0000

Recently I was helping a client find solutions for a home office that was going to be shared by a few people. An important factor we needed to consider was that the desk arrangement would be shared by people of different heights and having a keyboard tray at the standard height was not going to work well. We reviewed a variety of solutions and these covered a variety of price points. An important feature that we looked for was ease of installation and ease of adjustment. A keyboard tray that wasn't going to be easily adjusted would defeat the purpose of multiple people using the keyboard tray.