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Community Manager
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Work from Home, tips, recommendations, devices
Hello Community,
Since so many of us are currently moving to a Work from Home model, we want to start a discussion thread. We want your input as to what hardware devices you are using, setup instructions, best practices, etc. Please post your thoughts and and ideas on this thread. You can see our new WorkFromHome board here. Also, check out this article, "A Guide to Dell Resources and Tools for Remote Work or Study".
Dell customer care/service. If already out of warranty, click here. Find your Service Tag
DELL-Chris M
#IWork4Dell
RoHe
10 Elder
10 Elder
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44.4K Posts
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March 19th, 2020 15:00
Having worked from home for almost 18 years, here are things I learned (some the hard way!) over the years.
Do you need to set up and use a VPN to access their network?
Be prepared to answer the phone politely and professionally every single time because you may not know who's calling, especially if you don't have caller ID.
Win 10: Allow access to Microphone on this device.
Choose which Microsoft and desktop apps can access the microphone
Run the Microphone setup wizard
Win 10: Camera access ON.
Choose which Microsoft and desktop apps can access the camera
Get a camera slide to cover the camera lens when not in use. (Masking tape works, but gets messy.)
As Microsoft warns, some desktop apps may access the camera, even when Windows camera settings are OFF.
Not a good idea to store this info on a USB stick or external drive because your company may (probably) has restrictions on connecting personal devices to desktop PCs, etc.
Bad for the waistline and your work won't be getting done.
speedstep
9 Legend
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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March 20th, 2020 05:00
First thing I recommend is upgrade to windows 10 using OEM system builder DVD.
Make sure region code is set on your drive BEFORE trying to upgrade.
Install clean onto brand new 2TB no larger drive is also recommended.
https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-BarraCuda-Internal-Drive-3-5-Inch/dp/B07H2RR55Q
https://www.newegg.com/microsoft-windows-10-pro-64-bit-reinstall-recovery-disc-only-no-license-key-included/p/N82E16832350238
If you already have WIN7 system you use the I don't have a key option and install clean AHCI not IRRT.
After that I recommend Open Office.
http://www.openoffice.org/download/
You set load save preferences to be Microsoft Office as default save for Word and Powerpoint and Excel.
Firefox 45.9 ESR is also recommended.
http://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/firefox/releases/45.9.0esr/win64/en-US/
Newer versions also work but this is the last version that worked with older os.
Newer Chrome based edge is also recommended for WIN10
https://www.microsoft.com/edge/?form=MY01BL&OCID=MY01BL
This works with most Dells from 2006 to now. 4 gigs is bare minimum recommended ram.
8 gigs is better and 16 gigs is the sweet spot. 32 and 64 dont make much of an improvement.
MIFI is very expensive in my area so unless you must have constant internet I don't recommend this. I do have it however just in case power goes out or ISP dies.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/internet-devices/
Jetpacks can be put on pay as you go.
I do not recommend a contract with Autopay because they will charge you overages. You can burn thru your limit with 4g in as little as 45 minutes and its $100 an hour overage after that. They wait 8 to 24 hours to warn you about this. If you are on pay as you go when you reach the limit the internet cuts off.
https://www.amazon.com/Verizon-Wireless-8800L-Advanced-Included/dp/B07MFN856H
Local Shops I can access have very reasonable WIN10 machines.
Also keep in mind that they will run out of stock and not be able to get more due to nobody shipping anything. Amazon, Ebay, etc are not able to ship orders.
https://www.lambroinc.com/laptops?lightbox=dataItem-k0gtseqq2
https://www.lambroinc.com/laptops?lightbox=dataItem-k5sjajg9
U2CAMEB4ME
4 Operator
4 Operator
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6.2K Posts
1
March 21st, 2020 09:00
A local Health Care Provider will have 8 Administrative personnel working from home and ordered 8 Dell laptops.
Requirements:
15” display
Numeric keyboard
8GB memory
256GB SSD
5G WiFi
Recommended the Dell Latitude E5540:
Started the W10 image Thursday morning and completed 8 units by 1:30.
Their IT picked them up on Friday morning installed the required software for them to work at home.
The laptops were delivered Friday afternoon and they will start working from home Monday morning.
I found the E5540 image very easy to build and it has very easy access to the HDD, Memory and WiFi card.
Best regards and be safe,
U2
lennonaustin18
1 Message
2
March 26th, 2020 06:00
I worked from home for about 5 years and it's been great.
Here are my tips:
1) Build a Permanent Work Space
2) Invest in Quality Technology
3) Get Comfortable Office Furniture
4) Set Real Work Hours
5) Discover Your High Productivity Periods