101 Tips for Telecommuters—Successfully Manage Your Work, Team, Technology and Family

87. Computer Choices and Conundrums

When you telecommute, your computer is typically a tool that's vital to your ability to accomplish work. Unless your employer provides a standard-issue machine with supporting hardware (this can certainly simplify your life!), you'll need to determine the best equipment for your individual situation. Once again, begin with determining your needs:

• What are the primary purposes for your computer?

• What software applications will you require?

• Therefore, what will you require in terms of speed, memory, and storage capacity? (Never underestimate here; buying more capacity initially is usually the best course of action.)

• Which operating system is most appropriate (or required) to communicate with co-workers?

• What demands ...