For many of us, March 2020 was our first experience of working from home and it was a little daunting. Technology is going to play a big part in how successful our remote working journey will be, so it's important you know a few tips and tricks to keep you going.
You may have already read our first article on tech tips for remote working and know why you should use an Ethernet cable, how to check your internet speed and usage and the importance of rebooting your PC. Here are 7 more tech tips to sink your teeth into!
Do you need a new router?
When was the last time your internet service provider sent you a new router? Wireless technology has changed dramatically over the last 5 years, but only the most recent routers have this technology baked in.
Keep work and home computers updated
Upgrade your computer operating system to the latest supported operating system. Find out the current version:
- On Windows, Windows Key + R, type winver, press enter
- On your Mac, click Apple Logo > About This Mac
The latest versions of each operating system are below:
- Windows 10 1909 (Released October 2020)
- MacOS Catalina 10.15.4 (Released March 2020)
Anything before the following versions is no longer supported and is likely to cause issues with stability and connectivity:
- Windows 10 1809 (Out of support May 12th, 2020)
- MacOS High Sierra 10.13.6 (Out of support November 30, 2020)
Check out these 9 Cybersecurity tips for staff working remotely.
Use your tablet as an extra screen
For iPad and Mac users with the latest updates in installed, you can use SideCar! Click here to see how.
For iPad/Android tablet users, using Mac or Windows, download the Duet Display app for a one-time payment of £9.99. For requirement details and instructions, check out this post.
The camera and screen are great on these devices. Use it for video calling, Microsoft Teams, monitoring your email inbox. It’s a great companion device next to your main setup, much easier to see than your smartphone.
Use wired headphones for better audio quality on calls
Got a drawer full of old wired smartphone headphones? You can use this to improve the audio quality of phone calls through your Laptop or iPad when using Teams. Its good to be heard, and to hear others better.
Download films and TV shows
Got bored kids at home wanting to watch Netflix? Get them to download their favourite films and TV shows before you start working, this way, their streaming won’t interfere with internet speeds.
Avoid using the microwave
A strange one, we know. But you should avoid using the microwave during peak working times to help improve internet speeds, as it interferes with the signal.
Turn off smart devices
A lot of us have smart devices these days, dishwashers, speakers, fridges, the list goes on. If you’re struggling with slow internet speeds, your smart device could be running an update in the background.
If you don’t need to use your smart device, switch it off at the wall to avoid updates during peak working times. Only turn them on when needed and leave them on overnight to let them update.
If you have any questions or need a helping hand, please get in touch! We’re always happy to help!
Technological proficiency is the cornerstone of success in the dynamic landscape of remote work. By implementing these actionable tips, we empower ourselves to navigate the challenges of remote work with confidence and ease. At Netitude, we remain committed to supporting your remote work journey every step of the way. Should you need assistance or guidance, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, let's harness the power of technology to unlock new realms of productivity and innovation in the remote work era.