Telecommuting Technologies

Here are the technologies I have obtained to become a professional at being effective through a computer and the internet.

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Unlimited Communication Lines

• Unlimited minutes on outgoing land line phone with headset for clearest reception.
• Unlimited minutes on cell phone (310.320-7878) for constant communication.
• Fast cable modem with dedicated IP address for secure VPN access.
• Standby dual 56k call-waiting modems
• Fax machine on a dedicated line (even though it rarely gets used anymore)
• Web Conferencing speakerphone and Megapixel webcam video camera

Work Well from Home: How to Run A Successful Home Office (2005) by A & C Black

High Security

• Eudora POP3 email client to avoid MS-Outlook security holes.
• No spyware installed (Kazza, screen savers, Gator, etc.)
• McAfee Antivirus and PestControl updated and scanned daily
• ZoneAlarm firewall logs reviewed daily.
• Daily backUps to DVD media and stored in fire-proof safe
• Weekly incremental backups stored off-site
• Complete restore from original installation CDs tested
• Written Instructions and automated scripts for quick restore
• Cross-cut paper shredder
• Video monitored home intrusion alarm system

Software Tools

• WinRunner & Rational Robot for automated testing
• Java 1.4 with Eclipse client IDE & JUnit software
• mySQL, MS-SQLm and Oracle on separate machines for cross testing
• MSDN Universal subscription for access to all Microsoft software

Client Applications

• Instant Messaging (AIM, Yahoo, MSN, Jabber)
• Full Acrobat version to create PDF files
• Lotus Notes, Webex & Groove Network software ready
• GoldMine follow-up software
• MS-Office 2000 & 2003 on separate machines

Graphics Rich

• Color high-resolution printer, scanner, copier with smudge and waterproof inks
• Photoshop, Flash, Premiere, etc. for creating graphics, animations, and movies
• Networked computers (Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, 2003 server, Linux)
• Multi-boot drives with extra cooling fans
• Computers and telephones on 4 hour standby UPS battery backup power
• Multiple monitors for more efficient work
• Fingerworks keyboard for noiseless and fast typing
• Additional X-Keys keyboard for quick data entry

Working from Home: Everything You Need to Know About Living and Working Under the Same Roof (Fifth Edition) by Paul & Sarah Edwards, hosts of radio and TV show on this topic.

Quiet Physical Environment

• Quiet home on cul-de-sac
• No noisy pets or kids to distract conversations
• Office in separate room away from living areas
• Ergonomic Office Chair and Desk
• Non-glaring Window, Overhead, and Task Lighting

The Virtual Office Survival Handbook by Alice Bredin, author of syndicated newspaper column "Working at Home".