To effectively work from home station, it is necessary to have access to all the data needed for the job at the home office. The programs needed for productive work are also important, as well as the ability to call and communicate with colleagues. Let us show you the most important tools.
Nine important tools for the home office
Working in a home office without comprehensive preparation can be a challenge. It is necessary to clarify how access to the network and company data from home will be set up. Communication with colleagues and team members is also important, and of course the ability to work with the appropriate applications. It is not enough for users to be able to communicate only by e-mail or telephone. Real-time communication tools, video conferencing, and voice chats are a very important tool, especially for teams working closely together. Here are some important and recommended tools for the home office.
1. TeamViewer – access to computers via the Internet
With TeamViewer, users can also access their personal computers via the Internet to work from home. To do this, TeamViewer must be installed and started on the corresponding computer. TeamViewer can also be started as a system service, which can be activated via Wake-on-LAN.
The access is done via TeamViewer on the second computer. The software is available free of charge for private users or for non-commercial use; corporate customers must pay for usage. The product costs 27.90 euros.
The software allows almost unlimited access to the remote computer and works with all programs installed on it, because the computer is only operated remotely via TeamViewer, i.e. by remote control. TeamViewer is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS and has the advantage of being quickly ready for use. In addition, the tool has proven itself over the years.
2. Remote desktop – onboard tools in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise
The Remote Desktop Protocol is part of Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise and is also available on Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise. Once enabled in the System Properties (sysdm.cpl) on the Remote tab, network users can access the Remote Desktop. The client (mstsc.exe) is also available in Windows.
However, unlike TeamViewer, the remote desktop only works in its own network. To access the computer from home over the Internet, a VPN connection is required. But this is generally useful so that data can be transferred securely and users can work locally safely.
3. OpenVPN – establish secure connections to the company network for free
OpenVPN is an open-source solution with which companies can establish VPN access to the network quickly, easily, and for free. Users can dial-up from home with the OpenVPN client and then access network resources, such as local computers. The remote desktop can also be used through this.
4. TeamSpeak – voice conferencing and easy communication with colleagues
TeamSpeak is a software that allows you to create voice conferences quickly and easily to work from home. TeamSpeak also supports the creation of different chat rooms where teams can meet and users can talk to each other. The client is available for free, TeamSpeak servers can also be used for free by up to 32 people. The software is especially known in the gaming sector, but it is also a good tool for companies that need group and voice chat.
5. Discord: an alternative to Skype and TeamSpeak
Discord is a free gaming industry voice and text chat tool, which is also suitable for home office and computer users. With Discord, you can do voice and video conferencing, as well as chat and instant messaging. Like TeamSpeak, Discordia is fast and easy to use and easy to deploy. Discordia is free and offers almost all the features of Skype and TeamSpeak to work from home.
6. Zoom – use free video telephony
Online meetings are as important to the home office as voice or video conferences. Zoom is also available free of charge with a time limit for meetings with 3 or more participants and allows you to quickly and easily hold meetings, even with several hundred participants. Of course, it is also useful for a smaller number of users. The solution can also be used to make phone calls, but in this case, it is necessary to book paid subscriptions. The zoom, like the other tools in this area, is very easy to use.
7. Trello – Teamwork and sharing tasks online
Trello assists in project management and enables effective communication between teams and team members. It can also be used to distribute tasks and monitor their completion. Trello is ready for use very quickly. Smartphone and tablet applications are also available.
8. DocuSign – Create and sign contracts electronically
If contracts must be created and signed legally, DocuSign is one of the most popular solutions. With DocuSign, contract partners receive the contract, must sign it digitally, which is extremely simple and then receive their copy. Using electronic contracts makes sense even without a home office. With the solution, business managers and customers can sign contracts quickly and easily, without risk. These contracts are easier to manage and also save paper.
9 Fonial – The online telephone system
With Fonial, business phone numbers can also be used at home, as all phone system settings can be made in the cloud. It is also easy to connect fax machines and answering machines; voice menus and other features complete the range of functions. A free phone number can be used. Again, setup is quickly completed and phone numbers can be configured to the phones the user needs.