Technology

While I don’t claim to have a perfect set up, it seems to be flexible and I have very few problems. So in other words, it works for me! And as a “one man” business it is very easy to integrate new technology very quickly if needed. Anything to make life easier has to be good!

Computers

I have two. A desktop and a laptop. The desktop is where I do most of my “business work”. It is not connected to the internet. It is at least 6 years old and works flawlessly.

My laptop is connected to the web. The only work on it is my tax return program – because I have to file returns online. I do not play games on it and rarely download programs

Why two computers? Well, if a virus comes along and knocks me out, I can still work. Also, how can you hack into my work machine if it’s not connected to the internet………Yes, I take security very seriously.

Telephones

I do not have a landline. Bet that surprised you! Instead, I use Skype. No line rental and very cheap call rates. Skype is loaded on my laptop and I also have a separate Skype phone. Call quality is excellent and I rarely have a dropped call. Oh, and can video conference as well via webcam. Highly recommended.

I also have a mobile. Well two actually. Ones for business calls. The other is a Smartphone for private calls. I can do the following on the Smartphone:

• write this article as it has word, excel and PowerPoint loaded along with Acrobat Reader (PDF)
• download email and surf the net using “3.5G” – if available in the area. £7.50 p.m. For 500mb download limit. Doubt I download 500mb in a year! Cheap at the price though 
• I can also surf via my home Wi-Fi network
• sync contacts and diary with Outlook when connected to my laptop
• if I need to use my laptop when out and no Wi-Fi connection is available, I simply plug my phone in and use it as a modem. Somewhat slow, but it works
• and I have a nifty free program called Fring loaded. This gives me Instant Messaging, Facebook, Twitter and Skype all in one program.
• Oh, and it has a 6gb memory card with music etc. And my entire client files as well. And yes, it password protected and can only be accessed on my phone. No one else’s. How clever is that!!

So it’s a “proper” business phone. Not an iPhone toy (ouch).

Fax

Unbelievably, I do have a fax number as the odd person still likes to do things the olde fashioned way. What they don’t know is that I don’t have a fax machine. Instead I pay an annual subscription to Faxtastic for the number. When a fax is sent it arrives as a TIFF file via email. So I can access it wherever I am. Neat. And way cheaper and more reliable than a regular fax machine.

Software

The best bit of software I have is a PDF conversion program. I can convert word, excel and tax returns into PDF files and then email them straightaway. No postage and  instantaneous receipt. Well worth the investment.

Explore posts in the same categories: Sundry

Tags: computer, conference, desktop, E90, fax, faxtastic, fring, home as office, home business, home network, laptop, mobile, mobiles, modem, new technology, Nokia, Nokia E90, office in bedroom, password, password protection, PDF, security, skype, small business, smartphone, smartphone as a modem, standalone, technology, telephone, telphones, video conference, Wi-Fi, working from home

You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.