How to stay productive working from home has its own set of challenges. Remote work is hardly a new concept. Telecommuting has been a thing for decades, even if it’s only now that a lot of employers are beginning to embrace it more fully.
Even if your business wasn’t among the most remote-work-friendly until now, however, they may have little choice in the matter. A lot of countries are under partial or full quarantines, so if you can do your work from home, you might have to.
COVID-19 and working from home
Traditionally, businesses frame remote work as a perk they
offer for employees. However, it can benefit companies as well in several ways.
For example:
How to stay productive working from home
Usually, the first thing we’d tell you if you’re going to be working remotely is to make time to go outside. Due to the current lockdown, however, we have to make do as best we can within our homes. Here are 3 tips that will help you remain productive while working from home.
Put Clear Boundaries Between Work and Time Off
Welcome to the world of telecommuting, where the boundaries between work and time off become blurry and it becomes difficult to switch between time off and office modes. The first thing you’ll need to do, for your own sake, is to underline those boundaries. If you’re supposed to work eight hours a day, stick to that schedule, and don’t let work creep in on your time off.
Ensure That You Have a Proper Home Setup
Productive telecommuting requires a proper setup where you
can feel comfortable working for long periods. For us, here’s what constitutes
a productive set up for remote work:
- A comfortable chair
- Good lighting
- A decent work computer with a stable internet connection
- An environment you feel comfortable in, with as few distractions as possible.
Make an effort to adapt your setup to your standards, and your productivity is likely to skyrocket.
Take Advantage of the Time You Save From Your Commute
Now that you’re working from the comfort of your bedroom/living room/kitchen or dinner table there are no more commutes. This means that you might suddenly find yourself with an extra hour or two in your day. We recommend that you take that time and invest it in yourself.
Staying productive working from home
How to stay productive working from home can become a challenge when you are not prepared for the transition to working remotely. However, a lot of people find it difficult to remain productive over the long term without the correct support structure from their employer.
What are you doing to stay productive during enforced remote working periods? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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