Category: Smart Home

At work, most of us are probably used to Google or Microsoft for saving and sharing files.

At work, we don’t really have a choice to what we use. But at home, this could be a different story. Cost can play a major factor because at work, companies can get enterprise licenses due to the number of people using the software, what they’re doing with the software, etc..

For home office users it’s slightly different and however we still need a solution that offers a convenient and secure way to store, access, and share files from anywhere with an internet connection. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best cloud storage service for your needs?

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a cloud storage provider:

Storage Capacity

• How much storage do you need? Consider the size of your files and how frequently you need to access them.
• Does the provider offer scalable plans? This can be helpful if your storage needs grow over time.

Security

• What security measures are in place? Look for providers that offer encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular backups.
• Is the provider compliant with relevant data protection regulations? This can be important if you handle sensitive information.

Features

• What features do you need? Consider whether you need file sharing, version history, or integration with other productivity tools.

Cost

• What is the pricing structure? Compare the cost per storage unit, as well as any additional fees for features or bandwidth.
• Are there any free options available? While free plans may have limitations, they can be a good starting point for light users.

Popular Cloud Storage Providers for Home Office Users

• Google Drive: Offers seamless integration with Google Workspace and a generous free storage plan.
• Dropbox: A popular choice with a user-friendly interface and strong security features.
• Microsoft OneDrive: Integrates with Microsoft Office 365 and offers a variety of collaboration features.
• pCloud: Known for its privacy and security focus, with end-to-end encryption and a lifetime subscription option.
• Sync.com: Offers a secure and private cloud storage solution with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.

Ultimately, the best cloud storage service for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can choose a provider that offers the right combination of storage capacity, security, features, and cost.

I shared in my last blog post about my new monitor and why I needed one.

Well, one of the reasons was, the new one has something called blue-light filter. It helps my eyes.

I’m on the computer alot. I’m looking at my monitor alot. And deep down, I know all of this is not good for my eyes.

This got me thinking about our eyes because in today’s world, our eyes are constantly bombarded with screens. From smartphones and computers to tablets and TVs, we spend countless hours staring at digital displays. While these devices have revolutionized our lives, they can also have a significant impact on our ocular health. It’s essential to prioritize eye care to protect our vision and prevent potential problems.

The Dangers of Excessive Screen Time

• Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged screen exposure can lead to symptoms like fatigue, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing.
• Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Long-Term Eye Problems: Excessive screen time has been linked to an increased risk of myopia (nearsightedness) and other vision issues, particularly in children and young adults.

The Impact of Blue Light

Blue light, a type of visible light emitted by digital devices, can penetrate deeper into the eye than other wavelengths. While it’s essential for regulating our circadian rhythm, excessive exposure can disrupt our sleep patterns and contribute to eye strain.

Tips for Protecting Your Eyes

• Take Regular Breaks: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Adjust Screen Settings: Reduce the brightness and contrast of your device, and use a blue light filter or night mode.
• Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses: These glasses can help reduce the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
• See an Eye Doctor Regularly: Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your vision and detect any potential problems early on.

By following these tips and prioritizing eye care, you can help protect your vision and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable digital experience. Remember, your eyes are precious, so treat them well!

Recently, I bought a new monitor.

I needed one.

The old one was… well, old! Very old. I’d had it for about 8 years+ and with technology that’s moved on so much, I thought I’d get a new one. One that is better for my eyes, one that is slightly bigger (so I can see more of my excel!) and one that looks a little cooler (the old one had a thick frame around the outside of the screen!).

So, this also got me thinking, what other tech should I consider for my home office…

1. Ergonomic Furniture and Accessories

• Standing desks: Promote better posture and reduce back pain.
• Ergonomic chairs: Provide optimal support for your back and neck.
• Wrist rests: Prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and reduce wrist strain.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones

• Focus and productivity: Block out distractions and create a quiet workspace.
• Wireless options: Offer freedom of movement and comfort.

3. Dual Monitors

• Increased productivity: View multiple documents or applications simultaneously.
• Improved multitasking: Streamline your workflow and reduce switching between tasks.

4. Smart Home Devices

• Voice assistants: Control your home environment with simple voice commands.
• Smart thermostats: Optimize heating and cooling for energy efficiency.
• Smart lighting: Adjust lighting to suit your mood and productivity levels.

5. Video Conferencing Tools

• High-quality cameras and microphones: Ensure clear and professional video calls.
• Background blur or replacement: Create a professional and distraction-free backdrop.

6. Cloud Storage

• Access files from anywhere: Store and access your documents, photos, and videos securely.
• Collaboration: Share files and collaborate with colleagues in real time.

7. Productivity Apps

• Task management: Organize your workload and track progress.
• Time tracking: Monitor your productivity and identify time-wasters.
• Note-taking: Capture ideas, meeting notes, and research findings.

8. Eye Care Solutions

• Blue light-blocking glasses: Reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Eye rest breaks: Incorporate regular breaks to give your eyes a rest.

By incorporating these technologies into your home office setup, you can enhance your productivity, comfort, and overall work experience. And I’ll do a deeper dive into some of these in my future blog posts.

Let’s be honest- there’s a few folk that are working from home during these testing times. And it’s not easy. You have children running around in the back, connectivity issues… and batteries running low when you have to join a conference call.

But Bal…. are there any gadgets that could be used to make it easier to work from home?

Yes, yes there are.

Firstly, I would recommend some good headphones. Preferably noise cancelling ones.

There’ll be a lot going on around you, behind you… and it can often make it difficult for you to concentrate on the task in hand. Therefore it’s important to be able to block out the background noise… and the best way is by having some really good headphones.

Whilst there’s plenty on offer, I use the Jabra noise cancelling headphones. They work really well… but there’s alot of options out there. Other ones that have been recommended are the Bose Quiet Comfort Wireless Bluetooth headphones. It’s important to make sure they’re wireless. The last thing you want getting caught, is the wire.

Next up… wifi-extender.

Hands up… if you’ve been on a call, and you have ‘connectivity’ issues. That’s right – it’s always good to make sure you have a good connection. Best way with this is to ensure it reaches you! – so get a good wifi extender that extends the wifi to you and you stay connected.

Plenty available on amazon and other places – for me, try TP-Link N300…

Finally…. Coffee Mug Warmer.

Whilst this doesn’t sound like it’s an essential… you may find you’ll save time walking from the ‘home office’ to the kitchen for that cup of coffee. Doesn’t take alot of space up and it’ll ensure your coffee (or other hot beverage) remains hot for longer…. so you don’t need to spill the cold coffee, get up, boil the kettle, make another cup, etc…

We’re now living in a world – that is progressively becoming smarter by the day… Smart Everything!

We have ‘smarter’ devices, ‘smarter’ homes and ‘smart’ cars (not those small 2 seater ones, though they are cool- I mean smart as in clever cars…)

We’re more connected than ever before also.

With the vast amount of data being analysed about us – its no coincidence that you google for a holiday to Cyprus and next minute when you’re looking or searching for something on a different platform – Cyprus holiday suggestions pop up!

Is it good or bad, Bal?

Well – it depends on how you want to look at it.

It’s good- because it makes life easy. simple. quick.

It’s bad – because there’s organisations out there that know alot about you. And I mean… A LOT! (probably more than what you know about yourself!)

I’m more optimistic. I’m fine with certain organisations knowing certain things about me – if it brings about value.

Value – the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

To receive that ‘value’ – you need to input your information, data or something to receive something of value!

But obviously – be aware of what you share with who. Luckily, we have GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to help you understand more about where your data is and what you’d like done with it.

But going back to Value – we underestimate what the value could be. In Lean – we are able to look at non-value add and value-add : which means, we look at a process and the steps which add value (to the overall outcome) and which ones don’t add value (to the overall outcome).

So we should know where our data is – how it’s being used – and is it delivering the value we’d like. If not – then question, why not – and who’s benefiting from that data.