Declutter Your PC to Work More Productively from Home

archive, ccleaner, Cloud Storage, Data Storage, disk cleanup, IT Efficiency, Ophtek, , , , ,
26
May 2020

Working on a home PC is very different to working on a workplace PC. But there’s one thing they both have in common: they get cluttered.

Over time, PCs tend to accumulate a lot of junk. This can be rather obvious such as a desktop packed full of shortcuts and files. Or it can less noticeable to the user as, for example, in the case of a registry riddled with redundant information. The end result, either way, is the same: it makes working on a PC difficult. Navigating your way around folders can become a nightmare and it’s likely that the speed of your PC will also be affected.

As the majority of us are working from home at the moment, it’s important that we declutter our PCs. It’s a move which will make working from home easier and help you remain productive.

The Best Ways to Declutter Your PC

It’s easy to declutter your PC and, best of all, you can start making changes in an instant. Make sure you carry out the following:

  • Cleanup Your Desktop: A desktop which is cluttered can make life very difficult. Quickly finding the file or shortcut that you need can soon become a tiresome exercise. And it’s likely that the majority of items on your desktop are not required e.g. shortcuts to deleted or barely used apps. However, you don’t need to put up with this. And you have two choices: delete unnecessary or relocate items into grouped folders e.g. “Q1 Projects” 
  • Use a Registry Cleaner: The Windows registry is a section of your PC which holds all the settings and values related to hardware and software on the machine. It’s an important database, but it can soon build up with junk e.g. invalid entries which are no longer relevant. And this can slow down your PC and cause numerous errors. Accordingly, you need to keep it clean and this can be achieved with a registry cleaner such as CCleaner. These apps clean up invalid registry entries and minimize the risk of system errors. 
  • Empty Your Recycle Bin: Your recycle bin can soon build up significant junk and this can put a strain on your hard drive. A hard drive that is packed full of data is going to struggle to perform to its maximum. This is why it’s crucial you regularly empty the recycle bin as it can hold huge amounts of data. Even better, make sure you set a limit to the maximum amount of junk it can hold. To do this just right click the recycle bin and go into the properties section where you can customize the maximum size that can be held. 
  • Archive Your Files: Your home PC is likely to be full of various documents, but if you haven’t accessed them in six months then it’s unlikely you regularly need them. However, this isn’t to say you will never need them, so deleting them would be an extreme move. Instead, you can identify older documents and archive them into appropriate folders and sub-folders e.g. “2019 > Utility Bills”

By putting just these four methods into practice you will find that using your home PC suddenly becomes much easier. And, as a result, you will become more productive and complete your work more effectively.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Webcam Comparison for Working from Home

budget webcam, laptop webcam, Ophtek, premium webcam, webcams, , , ,
19
May 2020

The impact of the Covid-19 breakout has led to a huge increase in video conferencing from home. But you need to make sure you’re using a suitable webcam.

Business needs to continue in the current landscape, but the way in which it operates has had to change significantly. Face-to-face meetings are out. And video conferencing is in. All you need is a video conferencing app and a webcam. This gives you the opportunity to connect with work colleagues and clients in a way that phone conversations are unable to achieve. It’s crucial, however, that you work with a webcam that delivers results.

Comparing Your Webcam Options

There are thousands of different webcams available, so we’re going to narrow your options down to three specific categories:

  • Built in Laptop Webcam: An integral component of many laptops, a built in laptop webcam is perhaps the easiest option to work with. Positioned at the top of your laptop screen, this category of camera comes ready to go once your laptop is powered up. All you need to do is select it as your default choice when loading up your video conferencing app. However, these webcams are also some of the most limited. Changing the angle, for example, is restricted to shifting your entire laptop around. There’s also the small issue of limited definition and, of course, there are the associated security risks. We prefer ASUS laptops which all come with standard built in webcams.
  • Budget Webcam: Available from around $20 upwards, a budget webcam provides you with an opportunity to enter the world of video conferencing. These webcams are usually connected to your PC via a USB cable, so this means that installing the hardware is relatively simple. As well as video capability, budget webcams usually have a built-in microphone. The result is an all-in-one conferencing tool. Nonetheless, as a budget webcam they do have limitations. Picture and audio quality will never be at the high end of the quality scale and the build quality means that parts and fixings can easily break. 
  • Premium Webcam: A webcam such as the Logitech C920 HD PRO will cost you around $80, but it’s an investment which will leave little room for complaints. Ideal for those who need to regularly conduct video calls, a premium webcam is built to provide high quality video and audio feeds. Therefore, whether you’re talking to two or two hundred people, they will be able to see and hear everything. This is crucial if, for example, you are talking to potential customers and need to project a good first impression. And, just like a budget webcam, installation is straightforward with a USB cable.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your needs, there is a webcam which is perfect for your needs. If you are only going to be dealing with occasional in-house conference calls then you can get away with a built-in or budget webcam. These two categories of webcam will get the job done and are more than affordable. However, if you need to push the quality envelope a little further then it’s worth investing in a premium webcam. Not only will it enhance the quality of your video conferencing experience, but it will also position you with a professional image.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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The Best Work-From-Home Tech You Should Be Using

Ophtek, work from home tech, working from home, working remotely, , ,
12
May 2020

Working from home is very different to working in an office. And, accordingly, you will need specific work-at-home tech to counter these changes.

The most noticeable difference to working at home is that it’s more comfortable. There’s no need to sit at a single desk all day long and there’s certainly no requirement to wear a suit. But the usual peripherals you use in the office aren’t suited to a home environment. Working off a couch, for example is very different, to working from an office desk with flat, stable surfaces. Therefore, it’s crucial that you equip yourself with tech that suits your new work environment. Not only will it allow you to work comfortably, but it will keep you focused on your work.

What is the Best Work-from-Home Tech?

Everyone wants to be comfortable, so it’s clear that you need the best work-from-home tech. And, believe us, if there’s a work-from-home problem, technology will have found a solution. Some of the most useful peripherals to invest in are:

  • Couch Mouse: A mouse, even in the touchscreen age we live in, is vital for working on a PC. But conventional mice need hard, flat surfaces to operate. And this isn’t always an option if you’re working on a couch. Sure, you could use a built in touch pad on a laptop, but these don’t always suit every task. However, it’s possible to buy so called ‘couch mice’ which work on soft surfaces and provide perfect navigation. 
  • Noise Cancelling Headphones: Working from home, especially when your family is also there, can be a major challenge. A full house can get noisy very quickly and this can prove to be a major distraction. However, a set of noise cancelling headphones can provide a quick solution to this problem. By channeling your favorite music (or ambient sounds) through your headphones you will find that you can focus more closely on your work. And, if you need to take calls, you can use the headphones to win back some much needed privacy. 

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Music Services: Keeping You Focused at Home

music, music apps, online music, Ophtek, , ,
05
May 2020

Working from home is currently a necessity, but keeping focused at home is tough. However, music services provide the perfect solution to your productivity.

It’s very easy to become distracted while working at home. Not only are there the distractions of family members or roommates, but there’s also the small matter of the internet to contend with. Checking social media and working your way through YouTube’s top videos is very tempting. But it spells disaster for your productivity. And your organization needs you to stay on top of things at the moment. However, the internet isn’t all bad; it does offer a number of valuable streaming services.

Music is well known for its ability to focus, so perhaps it’s time you paired up those nice headphones with a music service.

What are Your Options?

Online music services are big business now, so it should come as no surprise that there is a lot of competition for your custom. But who are the best music services? And which one suits your unique needs? Let’s take a look at some of the major players:

  • Amazon Music: Where their focus was once on shipping physical music formats, Amazon are now investing heavily in online music. If you currently have an Amazon Prime membership then you will automatically qualify for the basic Amazon Music service. This gives you access to around two million songs. However, if you are willing to pay a premium of $7.99 (or $9.99 to non-Prime members) a month you can upgrade to Amazon Music Unlimited. And this opens you up to over 40 million songs. 
  • Spotify: Much like Amazon Music, there are around 40 million songs available to stream through Spotify. However, where the two brands differ is that Spotify offers a free version of its service as well as a premium version. Spotify Free gives you access to the entire catalog of songs, but there are, of course, limitations. Adverts are inserted between songs and you can only play songs in shuffle mode. Nonetheless, it provides a fantastic opportunity to work alongside your favorite music. The Spotify Premium plan is available for $9.99 and removes any limitations. 
  • YouTube Music: Launched in 2015, YouTube Music allows subscribers to browse through both songs and music videos on YouTube. The platform, much like their video service, is available for free, but contains a number of adverts in between songs. However, if you want an ad-free option then you can upgrade to YouTube Music Premium. And the cost for this premium service is $9.99 per month. This gives you access to millions of songs which can be added to playlists for a seamless listening experience.

Final Thoughts

We are all working in difficult times and, even for those working from home, it remains tough. A home environment lacks the discipline of a workplace, so it’s crucial that you can maintain focus. Music won’t necessarily revolutionize your productivity, but it will allow you to focus more closely. And, more importantly, it will make you feel better.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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