| Getting your home office into shape can be an endless task. More than ever, it is important to identify the areas where technological innovations can expand your business capacity, enhance your efficiency and improve your productivity. In 1999, 34.3 million Americans were reported to be working out of their homes, according to IDC, a leading provider of technology intelligence, market data and industry analysis, and that figure is expected to rise to approximately 46.3 million by 2004. An additional 2 million home office households are being added every year and by the end of 2004, 43% of all U.S. households will have some form of home office activity, whether it is a home-based business operated full-time or part-time or a corporate, work-at-home arrangement, through either telecommuting or working after hours. Finding Yourself The first step when setting up a home office is to define your needs and goals. Do you anticipate working from home only occasionally, about 50% of the time or will you be a full-time home-based worker? Answering this question will help you identify the hardware ,  software, services and financing that will best suit your needs. Occasional home-workers require affordable, Internet-ready PCs and minimal stand-alone equipment options, such as a fax and printer, along with business-productivity software, an Internet service provider and online business services, such as online postage, for additional convenience. Part-time home office workers tend to be telecommuters or have prearranged corporate work-at-home schedules, allowing for a substantial portion of work outside of the corporate office. This group also requires affordable, Internet-ready PCs, however, their home office set-up is enhanced by a high quality laser printer and fax and several add-on options, such as backup devices, zip drives and a DSL card for high speed connectivity. Regarding services, an Internet service provider and online business services best serve part-timers. The third group, full-timers, are individuals who are based almost exclusively out of the home office. These home-office dwellers find themselves doing the bulk of their work from the home, as is the case with home-based businesses. Full-timers demand high performance technology including a high quality laser printer and fax, back-up devices, zip drives and DSL cards, as well as high security software to protect them from the dangers associated with e-commerce and computer viruses. These individuals may also require a full suite of business services, such as virtual conferencing, custom online printing and  Internet telephony unified messaging. Let’s Get Physical The next step to getting your home office in shape is to take into account the physical space you have to work with. IBM focus groups indicated that space is a key concern in today’s home office. Individuals often need space-efficient hardware to create a working environment that is clutter-free, organized and conducive to productivity. One idea when deciding to buy hardware is to spend some time speaking with the vendor to discuss your particular requirements. Oftentimes, PC manufacturers and other vendors can offer you solid advice on the type of hardware that will work best in your space. All-in-one desktops are a smart idea when working within limited spaces. The all-in-one gives consumers the powerful performance of a standard desktop and the visual experience of a crisp, high definition monitor, with an ultra tiny footprint. Another option for those with limited space is a notebook PC. Notebooks are ideal for those who demand quick and easy mobility, without forfeiting performance. Consumers today can also install a wireless home network, eliminating unsightly cords, or use existing phone lines to create a home network. A home network affords the ability to share Internet access with other PCs in your home on one Internet service account, heightened online security that includes an Internet firewall to protect important information against hackers, and printer, file and drive-sharing to make the most of all your home computing resources. Technological innovations and the growing acceptance of wireless standards, like 802.11b and Bluetooth, make working within tight space constraints feasible. Healthy Computing How you set up your home office can determine just how productive you will be. Beyond the physical aspects of a home office, there are healthy computing tips to help you get the most out of your work experience. Place your computer away from sources of glare such as windows, overhead lights, and shiny surfaces. If possible, place the monitor so that the screen is perpendicular to any windows, which will help avoid reflections. Turning off room lights or switching to lower wattage bulbs will also minimize glare; task lights should be directed away from the monitor screen. A sturdy work surface will be needed to support your video display terminal (VDT). For many people, a standard height (29"-30") desk or table is uncomfortable for intensive keyboard or mouse use. Dedicated terminal tables and VDT workstations are available at many office supply stores and can be a worthwhile investment. Look for one that has a 26"-28" high keyboard shelf, rounded edges, and sufficient workspace for your materials and equipment. If you don’t have a special work surface, try raising your chair to provide a more comfortable arm angle (an approximate 90-degree angle between upper and lower arm is recommended) or use a keyboard tray. Raising your chair may also require you to use a footrest. In a seated position, your keyboard ideally should be located at approximately elbow level with hands and wrist in a straight or neutral position during use. The monitor should be located directly in front of the keyboard and positioned so the top of the screen is at or slightly below seated eye level. Most people find 18"-25" to be a comfortable viewing distance. Although there is no "one-size-fits-all" working posture, the preceding information will help minimize fatigue and discomfort. Experiment with the position of your chair, keyboard, and monitor to find the arrangement that works best for you. There are a variety of commercially available accessories to help make you more comfortable and more productive while using a PC. The most popular products include keyboard palm rests, mouse palm rests, copy holders, keyboard trays, and anti-glare screens. Most can be found in stores and catalogs where office supplies and computers are sold. A good tip to remember is that smart ergonomic practices are important to getting the most from your personal computer, staying productive and avoiding discomfort—be sure to figure out what works best for you and take frequent breaks to maintain healthy computing practices. Pulling It All Together If you decide to make it your goal to work at home, pull together that spot in your home that would make a great home office. Selecting and creating the ideal work environment, identifying the right equipment for your needs and making sure you can overcome the obstacles associated with working from home are important factors to think about. Many people have realized the significant pay-offs of creating a home office and found it well worth the effort. > See also: Home Based Business | 
