GazGuzla

The following is a list is an example of a optimal Telecommuting Environment:

1) Internet Access

Find a Internet Service Provider that offers Upload Speeds greater than 1MB. Usually a Broadband or Fibre Provider like (US) Comcast or Verizon. DSL and Cellular (2G) Broadband are not recommended. Cellular 3G is fairly new, makes claims of being twice as fast as 2G but will have a higher cost initially.

2) Router

Wireless Router with a Flash of at least 4MB, compatible with Tomato or DD-WRT Firmware and optimized QoS. VPN is optional on the router depending how you want to connect to work. Connect your whole network, use VPN at your router. Connect just one system to the network, use VPN software on that system.

3) Teleconferencing

Skype offers free Audio and Video Teleconferencing software with your Subscription, just download and install. Skype makes the PC-less Skype Dual Phone that connects directly to your router, also works well for a Home Phone. An example of a Skype Audio and Video Teleconferencing setup would be a combination of a Webcam, one of the Skype conferencing packages, your Laptop, PC, HTPC and LCD TV.

4-a) Laptop

Laptop compatible with Home and Work Environment. Suggested (time of this post) Intel Core Duo 2, 2GB Ram, and SSD if possible. Monitor and docking station are very important, if you don’t have a Desk Top PC or HTPC.

4-b) PC

Recommended (time of this post) Quad Core, 1GB system bus, 2+GB Ram, using Vista Ultimate or Premium versions. These systems cost 10% more, but with technology changing so rapidly, buying one of these will keep you current for a few years. If you have an older system, convert to Linux, HTPC, or save for a secondary purpose like a network print or file server for your NAS.

4-c) HTPC

A Home Theatre PC is a great way for telecommuters to be onnected to work while your on the couch watching TV at the same time using PIP (provided your LCD TV has 2 Tuners) on your LCD TV, or HTPC software that integrates your HTPC and TV onto one screen. The case can be slightly different, looking more like a large cable box. The critical component of the HTPC is the Tuner/Video card. The HTPC runs on Windows XP Media Center, Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate (Media Center now bundled with these two), or custom built Linux kernels like MythTV, and Freevo. Good choice if you plan to primarily use your Laptop or a smart phone like a Palm Treo or BlackBerry at home.

5) Backup Power / UPS

Critical for occasional power loss from storms and summer blackouts. Less important for laptop users because of the battery.

6) Misc Peripherals

• USB Flash Drive. Check company policies first. Essential to transfer large files between home and work systems.
• Wireless Printer, or Ethernet based printer. Printer that does not require USB, so you can move it wherever you are working.
• Network attached Storage Device. SSD is a great option.

Note about Operating Systems - Windows Vista has a fairly straight forward VPN Client which is compatible with most corporate VPN Systems. Linux Operating Systems are excellent for older, lesser performing hardware, but require more technical knowledge to configure.

Related Hardware is located on the Toolbar Pages