by Natalie Morey | Sep 25, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Office, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips |
How to organise and manage your home office computer
Just like work computers, home computers also need to be looked after and maintained. Ideally, you should have one person responsible for their maintenance. This becomes especially important when several family members use the same home office computer.
Backup data and photos
Backing up your data, photos and treasured memories on your home computer is just as important as backing up your work files. So often, when I’m in clients homes and I ask them when was the last time they backed up their computer, I am horrified. The answer is often “never”. There are some cost effective portable backup devices that you can purchase from Office Works and install on your computer.
Ideally, you should store your back up drive in a different location from where your computer is stored.
It doesn’t take long to do a back up. Put it on and go and watch TV or have a coffee (or continue working).
If you have kids or other family members accessing the same computer, it might be worth setting up separate log on’s for each person. That way your files are protected and cannot be accidentally deleted off when one of the kids is playing on the computer.
Internet security and virus protection
Internet security and virus protection is just as important on home computers as it is on business computers. Make sure it is current and working correctly. There are some cost effective virus protection programs on the market such as AVG, Norton. We use Trend PC Cillon which I find to be really reliable. If you need some assistance, then organise for your IT technician to purchase and install one for you. At The Lifestylers Group, we work with a range of computer technicians that do this sort of thing, so if you need some assistance, then we are only a call away.
Don’t learn the hard way. It is essential that your virus protection is working.
If you have wireless Internet connection at home (or in the office) it is vital that the network is locked down so no one else can access it. If it is unlocked people in the surrounding neighborhood can log onto your internet connection and use your internet. Unsecure networks makes it easy for people to hack into network and access data such as bank account log in details.
Suspect emails
It’s also really important to have a policy for how you handle suspect emails. This becomes particularly important when there are different family members using the same computer and receiving emails. If you see a suspect email “doing the rounds” let the other uses know not to open it, and delete it straight off the computer.
Always be wary of files that have the following wording EXC after the file name. These files are called executable files and often contain virus. Organising your home security is such an important part of owning a computer.
So do you need to check your internet security and virus protection after reading this article?
Until next time, happy organising.
Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser
by Natalie Morey | Sep 18, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Office Organising, Tips
Creating a Filing Structure For Your Home Office
Do you just save stuff anywhere on your computer?
It will save you time (and I mean lots of time) if you have an organised filing structure. You will need to create (and write up) a simple filing structure. I hear you say, but where do I start. A good strategy is to decide on two main categories that all your files will fit into. For example it might be “Household” and “Personal”. Then create as many folders as you require under each of the household and personal categories. Keep it simple to be effective.
Simple Filing Structure
The most effective filing system is simple and easily achievable. It’s the one that is written down on paper and agreed to. Whatever structure you implement in your home office it will work best when it’s consistent and followed by everyone in your business/family.
Replicate Your Filing Structure
To take it one step further – mirror/copy your computer systems filing and replicate it in your hard copy system. Type up a list of your filing system, print it out and hang it in view of your computer and files. You will have organised paper work and consistent filing systems in both electronic and hard copy in no time at all.
Another issue that is really important with regards to computers is security. It another blog article I wrote about setting up and managing your home computer.
Internet Security and Virus Protection
Internet security and virus protection is just as important on home computers as it is on business computers. If you get a virus on your computer and it deletes all your files off, then you won’t need to worry about a filing structure. So our goal is to avoid this situation.
Make sure it is current and working correctly. There are some cost effective virus protection programs on the market such as AVG, Norton. We use Trend PC Cillon which I find to be really reliable. If you need some assistance, then organise for your IT technician to purchase and install one for you. At The Lifestylers Group, we work with a range of computer technicians that do this sort of thing, so if you need some assistance, then we are only a call away.
Don’t learn the hard way. It is essential that your virus protection is working.
If you have wireless internet connection at home (or in the office) it is vital that the network is locked down so no one else can access it. If it is unlocked people in the surrounding neighborhood can log onto your internet connection and use your internet. Unsecure networks makes it easy for people to hack into network and access data such as bank account log in details.
Suspect Emails
It’s also really important to have a policy for how you handle suspect emails. This becomes particularly important when there are different family members using the same computer and receiving emails. If you see a suspect email “doing the rounds” let the other uses know not to open it, and delete it straight off the computer.
Always be wary of files that have the following wording EXC after the file name. These files are called executable files and often contain virus. Organising your home security is such an important part of owning a computer.
So do you need to check your internet security and virus protection after reading this article.
By Melissa Morey, Professional Organiser
by Natalie Morey | Sep 17, 2012 | Declutter tips, Home Organisation, Tips
Help? My Desk Needs Some Serious Decluttering and Sorting
Some days I look at my desk and think the amount of papers must have multiplied overnight. I’m sure it didn’t look that messy yesterday. I just want a clean and organised desk and maybe if I just click my fingers, the papers will shuffle into order. I wish!
One handy tip I’ve learned is to set up a filing tray, because I know that I don’t put my papers away immediately. At least this organises part of the roaming papers that clutter my desk.
Storage Ideas to Clear The Clutter On My Desk
Note to self – I must get a toast rack type filing stand for my desk. If I do that, it can house my active files when I’m not actually using them. As it stands upright, this will give me a more clear desk space. Finally, I feel like I’m winning the paper war and might actually get a tidy desk.
Now, lastly, what does your desk look like? Can I even see it under the bulk of papers?
Until I implemented a paper management system in the office, I frequently had piles of papers stacked up neatly on the floor.
Set Up an In- Tray
We spend enough time at the office as it is. Don’t waste time trying to find your files. Set up a couple of filing trays. Clearly label them. Also label your folders and hanging pockets, which are placed in your toaster rack. It will make the office run just that bit smoother.
It doesn’t take long to set up a paper management system for your home office. Trust me – it will save you time in the long run. The obstacles on the floor of course disappear into your system. How many things do you have to walk around or over to get to your desk? Now is the time to organize your office.
If your desk is overwhelming and needs some decluttering and sorting, then the first thing you need to do is write a list and make a plan as to how you are going to organise it. In a previous blog article, we wrote about get organized and write a to do list. It really does help if you write it down on paper. Once I have a list written down, I automatically feel more organised. I feel more focussed and it is great as I can tick things off the list as I complete them.
By Melissa Morey, Professional Organiser
by Natalie Morey | Sep 12, 2012 | Tips
Papers, Papers, Papers
The dream of a paperless desk is still light years away for many of us. In the meantime, we need to devise a way to reduce the paper on our desk and organize it. Here are some decluttering tips.
Declutter your Desk
Start with a declutter and remove all the things that don’t belong on your desk.
For big items that need to be kept on or near your desk, you can use a range of boxes to keep the items sorted and grouped together. There are some lovely colours out there, so you can have fun and make your office look stylish too.
Set up an In-tray
Papers need a “home” when they arrive on your desk. Remember to label your in-tray too.
Set up a Filing System
When filing or creating a filing system, remember that you are doing this to make your life easier. Make sure your system makes sense and that anyone coming into your office would be able to find what they need quickly. Don’t forget to label it as well. Lever arch folders also work well when you want to file documents.
Organize your Drawers
Group similar items in each drawer. For example, put all of your office supplies in one drawer, stationery and notepads in another. That way, it’s organised and you won’t waste time trying to find items.
Now if you need some more inspiration on how to organise your desk, then checkout tips-to-organise-your-office, a previous blog that outlines 14 easy tips to help organise your desk. Start at the top and work your way down the list and before long your desk will be looking totally different.
Until next time, happy organising.
By Natalie Morey, Professional Organiser
