Much of the world is on lock-down right now due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). So, working from home is the new normal now. It remains to be seen how long this will last, but the fact is much of the country is working from the safety of their own home. This presents new challenges and some obstacles. Of course, many people are not used to this approach and may be using equipment that is not up to par. There are some simple tech elements to help set up a remote workstation in your home. Attach that tiny laptop to a full-size keyboard, a 22″ monitor, a standard mouse. Get a webcam. Get a small (portable) printer. Set up a home “office” (don’t use the bedroom, the kitchen, or the dining room). And much more can be done!
MSEDP is here to help those making a transition for working remotely. We sell monitors, keyboards and other equipment to help you work from home during this period. We also offer remote tech support and can get everyone in your office up and running from home in no time! So please, if you need help with anything regarding your remote work, get in touch with us. Give us a call! The number for our office is (631) 761-7600. When you call, we can provide you with a no-obligation consultation on how to get started.
Here are some tips to further help you get started on creating a comfortable remote workstation.
Buy The Right Monitor
It’s easy enough to connect multiple displays to your laptop if you have the right equipment, but that is easier said than done sometimes. But there is not much more you can do that has a better immediate impact on your productivity than having the right monitor. Attach a couple of 4K displays at 27 inches or larger and your laptop becomes a powerhouse of productivity.
There are endless options for how to set up the layout for your laptop, so do what is best for your individual situation. You can prop it up on a stand for easier accessibility. Purchase a vertical laptop stand and you can leave your laptop closed while using it, which allows for a cleaner workspace.
Working with split screens can also increase your productivity. Get familiar with how Windows 10 works and you can split screens and multiple displays. Mac also has this capability. Your display might also have its own built-in tools for carving up the screen real estate to make it easier to manage multitasking. MSEDP can help you set up a remote workstation and get you on your way to increased productivity!
Your Keyboard and Mouse Are Important, Too
The monitor is one thing, but it is also important to invest in a good external keyboard and mouse, too. These input devices more versatile than your laptop’s standard built-in options. And when set up properly, these devices also allow for a more comfortable workspace, which is crucial when working remotely. You can upgrade to a mechanical keyboard to make typing easier. There are different keyboards with different functionality. At MSEDP, we sell keyboards and can help you select the best one for your remote workstation!
Use Zoom For Video Calls
Video calls make a remote workday feel more connected, since you can see the person you are talking too. We know how couped it is to be isolated, so seeing other people at this point is a plus. Basic Zoom accounts are free and are a great way to connect with your co-workers. You can upgrade to premium packages. Zoom is packed with great features. It is fast and offers clear audio and video. You can also record the calls, so anyone who cannot attend can listen to it later.
Collaboration On Slack
Slack brings together messaging and is a single place for files, attachments and more work-related tasks. You can create a free level plan and invite people into it. This way you can make collaboration simple and easy. This isn’t a replacement for email, but is a quicker way to communicate with your co-workers on the fly. Oh, and you can send funny emojis and gifs simply, which is a fun way to spend some time.
Added Home Network Security
Working from home means needing added network security. It is important to make sure that all of the devices on your home network, including the ones you use for business, have the latest software updates. Also, update any anti-virus software. MSEDP can help you set up your remote workstation and ensure a safe working environment.