Without the usual chitchat and witty banter between myself and my cube mates, it seems my pets have become my coworkers just like millions of others who are working remotely. So many of us are new to the whole working from home experience and I'm curious about how you have constructed your home office and how your workday may go differently than mine. We may be in different locations, serve in different industries, but we all check our email, use our applications and networks in a similar fashion, but we just might use different tools to get the job done.
For this week’s tech tip, I want to share with you how I work. Now, everyone is different, so I can't claim that these methods will prove successful to all – but I think it’s interesting to see how different people do things, what makes us tick, and what helps us get by. I also hope that some may find these same tools as useful as I do.
Here are a few of my favorite tools, tactics, rituals, and tricks that I personally use on a daily basis to support CTTS and our amazing Clients.
My Morning
When I start the day, I open Microsoft Outlook for not only for email correspondence, but also for my calendar that's synced to my other applications. I open Google Chrome (any browser would work) for my web-based applications and Microsoft Teams. I use these tools and others to communicate, collaborate, and access the shared files, systems, and databases securely in real-time along with everyone else. I also open my Nextiva App, because I use the softphone feature to make and receive calls on my computer or even chat with my coworkers and see their status if desired. Nextiva also has a great phone app for your cell phone so even if I get to step outside and enjoy some glorious sunshine, I can still stay in touch.
My Essentials
I use Dashlane as my password manager in order to securely maintain the growing list of passwords I require, as well as Authy (on my iPhone) to authenticate for our applications requiring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This security enhancement helps to keep our company data as well as our clients' company data secure with an extra layer of protection.
My Technology & Tools
My computer is a Dell Latitude E6540 with a 2.40 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, and 16 GB RAM. While 8GB is fine for most general-use PCs, 16 GB is more common for workstation use but this can vary from person to person. My machine runs Windows 10 Business which is included with our Microsoft 365 Business subscription. This cloud environment includes all my favorite Office apps with powerful cloud services, device management, and advanced security.
My computer is connected to a USB Sennheiser headset (so I can make and receive Nextiva calls or Teams video conferences easily). When working from home, I use a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combination and connect with HDMI to my 32” Dell monitor. At the office, I use a wired Microsoft keyboard and wireless mouse, as well as a Dell docking station for 2 27” Planar monitors.
And I couldn’t work without my Ember Bluetooth mug – it keeps my coffee or tea hot and I can control the temperature on my phone!
We want to see how you work! Send us a photo or comment below about your work-from-home space or describe your daily routine! Of course, if you have any questions about any of the tools I've mentioned here today, reach out now, we're here to help: (512) 388-5559
By Josh Wilmoth
CEO, Central Texas Technology Solutions