What Technology Do I Need for Home Working?

Working from home can rarely be achieved without first investing in certain hardware, furniture and other equipment. Below are some examples that will make the transition to home working much more smooth for the company and enjoyable for the individual.

PC, Mac or laptop?

The type of computer hardware you use will depend on your role.

Whether you use a PC, Mac or laptop, GoCloud hosted desktops will run on it without any problems or delays, ensuring that you can remain productive whilst working remotely.

Stick with what you know or try something new - we've got you covered either way!

Laptop stand

If you use a laptop, we recommend buying a laptop stand so that the top of the screen is at eye level.

This prevents aches and pains caused by craning your neck, plus it allows you to set the perfect height for video calls (no one likes having to stare up someone else's nostrils).

Many people use books, boxes and other items to elevate their laptops but this isn't the right way to go.

Aside from giving your home office a cluttered appearances, a makeshift stand could also prove to be unstable and result in damage to your equipment.

On top of this, laptop stands are usually designed with open bottoms that maximise air circulation, which stops your device from overheating and slowing down.

Bluetooth keyboard and mouse

Again, if you're a laptop user you should definitely invest in a separate keyboard and mouse.

Using a laptop's built-in keyboard and tracker pad for extended periods can lead to stiffness and cramps, so find a keyboard and mouse set that suits your needs.

Bluetooth versions are particularly effective as they give you the option to place them in the perfect spot for comfort and ease of use.

You should also factor in other requirements, such as a number pad on the keyboard if you do a lot of work that requires numerical values (accounting, budgeting, coding etc).

USB hub

Whether you use a desktop computer or a laptop, chances are there have been occasions when there just aren't enough USB ports available.

We guarantee that buying a USB hub is a great move, as it's an affordable device that gives you plenty of room for essential gadgets and fun accessories.

Multifunction printer

The paperless office doesn't fully exist yet, as there's always something that needs to be available in paper format as well as on your screen.

There are all kinds of printers on the market and you can get some really cheap ones, although spending a little more on a model that has a built-in scanner could prove very useful.

Some of the more high-end options come with features such as two-sided printing, so work out what will make your week more productive and purchase accordingly.

Noise cancelling headphones

There are headphones and then there are noise cancelling headphones.

Though they initially seem like a luxury, they can actually greatly increase your productivity whilst working from home thanks to their ability to block out noisy distractions.

From kids playing in the other room and neighbours mowing the lawn, to heavy traffic and people talking in the street, a good pair of noise cancelling headphones will help you to stay in the zone and get more done.

Smart speaker

Adding a smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo to your home office is a great idea.

Thanks to it being able to connect to other smart home devices such as bulbs, plugs, blinds, robot vacuum cleaners and the thermostat, you can manage your office and living environments without having to leave your desk.

This saves a lot of time and further increases productivity, as getting up to switch on a light or turn up the heating can often lead to a train of thought being derailed.

A smart speaker that includes a digital personal assistant is even better.

For instance, you can ask Alexa questions that help with research and report writing, as well as set alarms and reminders so that you don't miss appointments.

You can also check the news and weather in an instant, as well as use the speaker for its most obvious feature - playing your favourite tunes and radio stations.

Switch to hosted desktops

We can transition every member of your team over to their very own hosted desktops without any disruption to business continuity. If you're ready to make the switch, get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk.