Telecommuting Technology
Some employers who offer telecommuting jobs provide the computer systems, phones, equipment and software necessary to do the work, but most telecommuting jobs will require that you have many of these assets available yourself.
Of course, the type of telecommuting job that one does will affect the type of hardware and/or software he/she may require in order to do his or her work, however, the following is a list of standard telecommuting tools you should be able to offer any employer who is considering hiring you for a telecommuting job:
- 1. Internet-compatible PC with modem
- 2. Internet Access
- 3. Email service and email address (use separate email addresses for business and personal emails)
- 4. One or two telephone lines
- 5. Fax machine or fax software
- 6. Suitable work area that allows you to remain productive, professional and organized.
- 7. Access to mail and other deliveries
Some employers require high-speed internet access (typically ISDN line or high speed cable) and/or a minimum of two phone lines for their telecommuting associates. If your telecommuting job will involve telephone or other communication, you must be able to offer a quiet work environment free of children crying, washing machines squeaking and dogs barking.
Other tools some employers may require can include:
- 1. FTP Access
- 2. Scanners
- 3. Special telephone lines or equipment (often employers give direction about this and/or pay for it.)
- 4. Mobile phone
- 5. Telephone headsets
- 6. Ability to place callers on hold
Some telecommuting employers require a site visit of your home to be sure your work area is safe and “acceptable”. (You can thank Uncle Sam for that. OSHA is trying to regulate and hold employers responsible for your own private home-based workspace.)
Some telecommuting jobs require you to have access to long distance on your phone lines. Some employers reimburse you for those costs when you present your telephone bill. Other employers may give you a long distance calling account and/or a long distance calling card to use to perform your telecommuting job.
Most employers also require that you have your own licensed copy of the software you will use to do your telecommuting job. Here is a brief list of the most common software programs:
| General administ |
Word
Excel
Access
Powerpoint
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| Graphic design/web design |
Quark Xpress
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Pagemaker
A good HTML Editor
|
| Internet Communication |
Internet Explorer
Netscape
Other compatible browsers
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Many employers have their own internet-based applications for communicating with their telecommuting professional associates and private networks to optimize communication with special software to help you perform your duties. This is why high-speed internet access is sometimes very important and many employers prefer computer savvy telecommuters so they can learn the software and do their internet-based telecommuting job well without training.
Specific information about what hardware and software requirements may be available should be addressed to the specific employer you are considering becoming a telecommuting professional for. The specific requirements can become very technical and vary widely from company to company, job to job.
Copyright 2003 Telecommuting-101. All Rights Reserved.
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