Telecommuting: Tools of the Trade

By Mary M. Alward

More companies are allowing their employees to telecommute. If your employer offers you the option and it fits your needs, take them up on the offer. The option of working at home provides many families with a second income that would otherwise be out of the question.

Before you decide to telecommute, you need to be aware of the tools that you will need to make your venture successful.

Computer
To work at home, you will of course need a computer. Desktops, laptops and mobile PCs will all do the job. However, if you can move your office computer to your home, you won't have to install the programs needed on your personal home computer. If you do have to use your own computer, you may need special software in order to meet your company's security and connectivity requirements.

Internet Access
You will need to have Internet access in order to connect to your company's corporate network. There are four options to choose from:

Dial-up. If you are on a limited budget, this is your best option. Dial-up Internet access uses a telephone line and a modem. Though dial-up transmits data at a slow rate of speed, it is reasonably priced.

Cable. In order to have access using cable, you will need to subscribe to cable TV to allow you to receive broadband Internet content. The rate of speed that data is transmitted using cable is far superior to that of dial-up access. If this is the option you chose, contact your local cable TV provider.

DSL. This is a digital subscriber line. It uses a telephone line and a special modem that provides an internet connection that will transmit high bandwidth data to your computer. A DSL line can also carry voice signals. DSL internet doesn't interfere with telephone use as dial-up access does. DSL never disconnects from the Internet and is high speed.

Satellite. If slow Internet speeds are out of the question and DSL and cable are not available in your area, consider opting for satellite Internet. It is available to everyone in the Northern Hemisphere with a clear view of the southern sky. This is a great choice if you live in a remote area, though data is not transmitted as fast as with a direct line.

Working Space
If possible, set up a private office in a room of your home. This will prevent distractions. Be sure to set up the area efficiently to give easy access to your computer, office supplies, reference materials, frequently used telephone numbers and a telephone.

Communication
When working at home, be sure to have the tools to provide communication for customers, your office manager and your co-workers. These people should be able to reach you anytime through your work day. Be sure to share your telephone number with any parties who might want to contact you. Also leave it with your office manager and at least two colleagues. Use call forwarding to send your calls to your cell phone if you have to leave your home office.

Use a messaging service to enable you to communicate with people in real time online. If you need time to accomplish a task undisturbed, set it to busy and let people know you will not be answering your phone or e-mail until the task has been completed.

© Doityourself.com 2006