Tag Archives: Home Office

Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard review

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For 10 years, I have used a keyboard that came with a PC from a major brand. The letters are painted on, and you can no longer see some of the keys. A and S, to be specific. I liked the mechanical feel of it, and the other keyboards did not feel quite right. Then a week ago, I received a Logitech MX mechanical keyboard. Suddenly my old keyboard did not feel right.

The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard is wireless, battery powered and has illuminated keys. It has a sturdy design and each keystroke has a reassuring feel and sound.

Be sure to read Small Business Answers buying guide to keyboards.

What is a mechanical keyboard?

You are probably using a chiclet keyboard. A chicklet keyboard is a soft touch keyboard where the buttons are part of a membrane of switches.

A mechanical keyboard is one where each key is a physical button, and each time you press a key, there is a distinctive typing sound. When typing on a mechanical keyboard, the amount of play or the depth the key recedes is greater than on other types of keyboards. This gives a very responsive feel to typing. Mechanical keyboards also make the familiar click noise.

What’s in the box?

At an RRP of $269.95, this keyboard is certainly at the top end. A Mechanical mini is also available for $229.95, removing the number pad.

Opening the box, you will find the keyboard, a Bluetooth dongle (in case your PC does not have Bluetooth built-in) and a USB-C charging cable (USB-A to USB-C).

You can customise your experience by feel and sound when ordering this keyboard. You can choose between three customised switch types that each have a distinct feel and sound, and your choices are tactile quiet, linear or clicky. See the website before you make your purchase to understand the differences.

Why should you buy the Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard?

When you remove the keyboard from the box, it seems very heavy. This translates to what appears to be a very sturdy construction, but more importantly, it sits solidly on your desk and does not move around. This gives you a very solid platform to type from. Not being a touch typer, I find the illuminated keyboard a welcome addition. I have this on my notebook keyboard, and as it gets dark at night, I forget to turn the light on as I do not need it.

The keyboard has many shortcut keys which boost productivity. Microphones can be muted, PC locked, video fast-forwarded or snip instantly activated. If the 24 predetermined keys don’t suit, you can customise the keys to perform other shortcut tasks.

The biggest advantage this keyboard has is my typing speed increased. Not because I did some courses but purely based on the tactile interaction. $270 seems a lot, but if my productivity increases, this cost will be covered in less than a month.

Other features of MX Mechanical

If you have more than one computer or a TV or tablet, you would like to connect this keyboard. You can have up to 3 separate devices and seamlessly switch between the three with a simple press of one of three buttons. The keyboard will also suit a Windows or Mac environment with familiar keys symbols for both. If you also have an MX mouse and Logi software. You can control different devices simply by moving your mouse between screens even though they are other PCs. The keyboard will respond to the device your mouse pointer is on.

A handy feature when you forget to regularly charge is that a 15-minute charge will power the keyboard for a full day of use. However, you’re probably sitting at a fixed desk anyway, so you could run the supplied cable permanently if you wanted

The keyboard is made from almost 50% of recyclable materials.

Setup

The MX mechanical uses a low-energy Bluetooth wireless connection. My PC is six years old and runs Windows 10. To set up the keyboard, I charged the keyboard to full and turned on the power switch. With no software being downloaded, my PC immediately produced a popup box asking if I wanted to connect the keyboard. I said yes, and it was operational in seconds.

Logitech has a PC application Logi Options+ from which firmware can be upgraded, keyboard shortcuts can be customised, backlight turned on/off, and battery saving mode toggled. A handy feature is the customised settings can be backed up to the Logi cloud.

Customisable keys can also be application-specific which is extremely useful to those in creative or engineering type fields.

The battery percentage indicator is shown in the app and the windows Bluetooth page. My Battery usage so far has been around 2% a day.

Logi quotes up to 15 days of usage with the backlight setting or 10 months with the backlight off between charges.

Should you upgrade your keyboard to a Logitech MX mechanical

If you could be more productive by typing and activating functions faster, would that be worth spending $270? The Logitech MX mechanical keyboard was a surprise as I did not believe it would have such an impact on my productivity.

The backlit keyboard and shortcut keys enhance its capability. Its sturdy construction and weight ensure its stability as you type. Keys are responsive and give a reassuring tactile feel and noise.

The setup is seamless, and within minutes you could also have customisable keys to suit specific application functions.

Note if you want a silent keyboard, this is not the one for you.

Access files remotely – anywhere anytime

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When you are on your work or home network, it is very easy to share files between PC’s but what happens if you want remote access to files?. This guide will look at why you would access files remotely and understand what is possible and how we can set up a solution to access files remotely.

Remote file access or remote file sharing is the ability to access your computer files anywhere and anytime you are connected to the internet.

WHY would I want to access files remotely?

The requirement to work from anywhere is not something new. However, recent events have certainly accelerated the need to be able to work from home. The modern business world is all about collaboration and sharing information, and having files just on 1 PC goes against that. It also creates a security and continuity issue. The sharing of files and remote access ensures workers are always up to date and can immediately respond to business needs. Typical drivers for remote access include:

  • business travel
  • working from the client’s premise
  • working from home
  • work whilst commuting – meaning you get home sooner.

Remote access to files creates a security issue. If you can access those files remotely, who else might also be able to access those confidential files?

WHAT do I need to understand about remote file access?

If you are unfamiliar with a network or file sharing, read our guides on a computer network for small offices and storage and sharing files.

There are many ways to access files remotely using the internet.  The real challenge is to ensure that your files are kept secure, and the solution is easy to use.

There are two key methods to secure those files: to encrypt the individual file or create a secure connection for traffic between your office and your PC over the internet.

The technologies to secure files are:
  • To protect the individual file by encryption or the use of a secure sockets layer (SSL). This essentially means if someone could get a copy of your file, they could not read it.
  • Creating a secure connection to your office is most likely done with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN uses the internet to create a secure pipe between your device and the business files/systems as if you were actually sitting in your office.

Keep in mind that hackers continue to exploit security vulnerabilities. Your choice of a remote access solution should be influenced by the importance of the data that can be accessed remotely. E.g. a customer quote letter falling into the wrong hands is an inconvenience versus the design plans for a new widget which could send you broke. Always ensure your tech devices have the latest security patches loaded.

A scenario can also be created where you cannot download a file. Still, through a secure link, you can view the information whilst you are connected only.

HOW do I access my files remotely?

The key factor here is the place/devise where your files are stored must be available all the time. Thus if the files were stored at the office on a PC and that PC was turned off when someone went home, you can no longer access those files.

For this reason, we recommend that you have a dedicated solution specifically designed to share files. Also, see our guide to file sharing where we compare Cloud vs NAS. The three options you should consider are:

Cloud Storage Solutions

You will be familiar with Google Drive, iCloud, Microsoft One Drive, DropBox etc. All of these allow you to set a special folder on your PC that automatically synchronise files between your PC and the cloud storage location. Any authorised users can also share this file to their PC, tablet or smartphone. Note you are relying on an outside company to store and protect your file. The file within your business is only a copy. Being a cloud service, you will pay a monthly subscription based on the amount of storage you require

Networked Attached Storage NAS

A NAS Device allows you to share files and backup files and computers within your office (or home) network. In addition, it can also allow those files to be shared anywhere anytime, just like the cloud storage solutions. The key difference is that you have full control and responsibility for your own files rather than risk being stored in another country like cloud solutions. NAS boxes are simple to set up and maintain and offer the flexibility to provide additional functionality and customisation for those more technical. A NAS must be purchased upfront, with solutions being available from Officeworks or electrical retailers. We strongly suggest you buy a system capable of using 2 or more hard drives.

Router

This solution is a little more complicated, and we only recommend it to those more technical. Assuming your router supports this functionality, you can attach a hard drive to the router. You can share files from that hard disk both within your network and out to authorised people via the internet through setting changes. This is a cost-effective way to access files remotely but is not a dedicated solution like the above two, which will be simpler.

HINTS

It is possible to share a single file with a 3rd party outside of your business on a one-off basis. This is commonly used to transfer files too big for email.

Small Business Answers has remote access to files vis a Synology DiskStation DS420+ NAS. This access can be achieved via two methods. The Synology NAS can be used as your own private cloud with 100% data ownership and zero additional cost. Like the cloud solutions mentioned above, you download an application called Synology drive, which sets a folder up on your desktop that seamlessly synchronises files to your NAS. These same files can also be accessed from a web browser, smartphone App or another Synology NAS. The second method is to use the Synology File station to customise access permissions to optimise security to share your files across multiple platforms. Whether it’s Windows, macOS, and Linux computers or mobile devices.  File station will also allow you to have a hybrid storage configuration allowing duplication with public clouds like Google drive.

Synology provides a handy NAS selector to help you determine which model is right for you.

SUMMARY – remote file sharing

The ability to collaborate and have the most up to date information via a shared file saves time and effort in this fast-moving connected world. A shared file is also one that is backed up in the event of a disaster.

Securing files that are shared is a critical consideration ensuring non authorised people cannot read what is contained.

The two simplest methods of remote file sharing are investing in a NAS solution or subscribing to a cloud storage solution.

Home Office Hacks For Business Productivity

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Having a split workspace between home and the office is becoming the norm for workers and business owners alike.

While the home office has become a necessity for many of us over the past year.  Those who have run businesses from home for years say most people get it wrong when trying to create the right environment and mindset for working and running a business from home.

Retailer Dave Strutton splits his time between his store on the outskirts of Adelaide’s CBD and his home office in the Adelaide Hills.

He believes we must maintain a functional workspace in our homes at all times to accommodate the changing nature of work and the threat of sudden lockdown.

“Over the past year, many business owners have found themselves having to work from home for the first time – either full time or in hybrid situations – and I expect that will continue for some time,” Mr Strutton said.

“For that reason.  I think it’s more important than ever that we have a dedicated home office that mirrors as much as possible our workstations in our business premises” he said.

The owner of a Howards Storage World franchise says the key to a good home office is setting up a space that is properly laid out, well equipped and kept neat and tidy.

“Everyone’s homes are different.  What works for one won’t necessarily work for another, but you don’t have to have a big space – or even a separate room – for a home office.

“Look for customised and adjustable shelving and storage units that allow you to set up a workable space that utilises whatever space you have available.

“This also gives you the flexibility to move things around should your circumstances changes.”

  • Location – Start by selecting a quiet room or space away from distractions and interruptions, such as children, pets and the TV. Don’t plonk yourself on the dining table or spread work across the kitchen bench.  You’ll end up with food stains on essential documents as you rifle through your things looking for a phone charger! Set aside a permanent space just for working or studying.
  • Equipment – Make a list of everything you need – not just a desk and chair. You’re basically recreating your office workstation, so you will need essentials at your fingertips. Drawers and draw dividers, overhead shelves, filing systems and a cable organisation kit will help you maintain order. A wireless charging pad and labels are also useful. If you’re splitting your time between work and home, put items that will be moving between locations in a separate box or basket for a seamless transition.

Workplace expert Maureen Kyne from Maureen Kyne and Associates works from her home in regional Victoria.

She believes there needs to be a clear delineation between your designated work and home zones.

“The lines between home and work have blurred, and there are many pitfalls when it comes to working from home or dividing your time between home and the office,” Ms Kyne said.

“You have to be disciplined to create the right environment and the right mindset.  Those who are splitting their time between home and the office really should be aiming for ‘hybrid harmony’.” 

  • Dress code – get dressed in the clothes you would normally wear for work. Ms Kyne also applies make-up and puts on her high heels before entering her home office and shutting the door behind her. Dressing appropriately gets you into the right frame of mind.
  • Behaviour – Don’t keep any items nearby, such as books and magazines you’re reading, avoid distractions and don’t get in the habit of doing chores or housework, such as putting the washing on or cutting up veggies for dinner during work hours.

Both experts agree a well-planned and well-organised home office can make working from home a more enjoyable and productive experience.

Check out our guide on buying supplies to set up your office

Dave Strutton is the owner and operator of Howards Storage World in Adelaide.
Maureen Kyne is the principal of Maureen Kyne & Associates