Tech tips for working from home
With a large chunk of the world moving to a ‘working from home’ workforce almost overnight, some of you have asked if there are any tips that I would share with you to make your WFH life better, easier or at least a little less stressful.
So in no particular order, here are some things to consider that may help to make your home working 'the business'.
Plug your computer directly into your router using a network cable
A network (ethernet) cable is probably something you have in that drawer (you know, the one where you keep the batteries and the spare key fob for your car) and when plugged directly into your router/modem can give you a better, faster, more reliable connection. This is because wireless internet (WiFi) is voodoo and no one really understands how it works.
Ok, that isn’t entirely true, but WiFi it is more susceptible to interference from external influences, which can absolutely affect the quality, strength and speed of your connection.
If your work life now involves video conferences/meetings then having a strong and stable connection can be the difference between a quality experience and a painful one.
If your work life now involves video conferences/meetings then having a strong and stable connection can be the difference between a quality experience and a painful one.
Powerline adapters
This is a good middle-ground that can help if your computer is too far away from your equipment to be plugged directly into your router and your WiFi is out of range. Powerline adapters utilise the electrical wiring in your home turning the electrical network into a data network.
When getting them for the first time, you'll a pair - one connects to your router via a network cable, the other can be plugged into an available electrical socket near your computer and connected to your computer via a network cable. Your computer will read it a 'normal' network connection.
WiFi has the advantage of being more flexible allowing you to work from anywhere (within range of your router etc.). There's a couple of features that you may not be aware of.
Assuming that you have a router released since ~2009, you'll have the option to have a WiFi signal transmitted via 2.4GHz and/or 5GHz. 2.4GHz has a longer range but runs at a slower speed than 5GHz which has faster speeds but at less range.
When getting them for the first time, you'll a pair - one connects to your router via a network cable, the other can be plugged into an available electrical socket near your computer and connected to your computer via a network cable. Your computer will read it a 'normal' network connection.
WiFi
WiFi has the advantage of being more flexible allowing you to work from anywhere (within range of your router etc.). There's a couple of features that you may not be aware of.
Assuming that you have a router released since ~2009, you'll have the option to have a WiFi signal transmitted via 2.4GHz and/or 5GHz. 2.4GHz has a longer range but runs at a slower speed than 5GHz which has faster speeds but at less range.
Range
Whatever range you think you should be able to get, the walls in your home are going to have a solid impact on that. For example, if the range of your 2.4GHz WiFi was 300 feet outdoors, without obstruction, you can expect that to be cut in half indoors.Interference
There is arguably less interference on the 5GHz frequency because there are other devices that use the 2.4GHz frequency (microwave ovens, wireless keyboards/mice etc.); so try not to think of it as one being better than the other - just check your router for options, try what's right for you.Use a headset for audio/video calls
This is an immediate boost that you can implement straight away. The sound quality of your built-in mic and speakers will have an impact on your conference calls. Having a headset - even just the one that came with your mobile phone - is a game-changer. Level up by using a headset with a boom mic and you'll be able to hear your fellow meeting attendees a heck of a lot easier, but also, they'll be able to hear you.Check them out with your preferred retailer and you can pick up a USB headset that will plugin straight into your laptop/desk and works instantly with Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom and anything else you can think of.
Don’t sit in front of a window
Sitting with a window behind you (this is true for any light source) will cause you to appear silhouetted. I see a lot of people sitting with windows behind them - it seems like a good idea as natural light is great for video - but the light source needs to be in front of you (so you'd be facing the window) otherwise you're going to be too dark to see versus your background.
Make sure your devices are fully charged/plugged in
There's a couple of reasons for this. First of all, I've seen a surprising number of people accidentally drop out of video conference because their device has died. Especially as the weather improves and you may want to move outside, ensuring that whatever you need is fully charged sounds obvious - but being on a video call will drain the battery faster than 'normal' use.The other aspect to consider is power management. Due to the power settings on my laptop, for example, When my laptop is using the battery, it reduces the performance of the hardware in order to maximise the battery life. This is great for being able to work longer - but it could have an impact on the performance of your laptop. Consider powering your laptop during critical meetings etc. or you can change your power settings.
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