The Tech Essentials You Need to Jump-Start a Home Office

Many of us have found ourselves in the (potentially desirable) spot of working from home. Even if the circumstances that put us here are not ideal, many people who have been dreaming of this are finding that working from home is a lot harder than it sounds. On paper, you think all you need is a good computer, a reliable printer, and Internet service. Those of us in the home-office trenches know that—although these are good places to start—there are literally hundreds of things with which you need to keep up in a demanding at-home career. More importantly, the home office that works for the freelance writer is woefully inadequate for the at-home graphic designer or aspiring rap star with a home studio.
Let’s not forget that there are tax benefits and write-offs for certain home-office expenses. But before you receive dime one from your good old Uncle Sam, you should lay out the money for Internet service providers, telephones, mileage on your car, research materials, and a whole lot of other amenities—amenities that, if you don’t have, can mean the difference between making deadlines or making your rent.
What makes working at home so appealing that people would risk anything to make it happen? Sometimes, it’s your individual situation that can determine if you should try the home-office route. Maybe you’re caring for a sick family member or friend. Maybe you live miles and miles away from your main office. Or maybe you just love the solitude that comes with not being in a busy phone-ringing-constantly, co-workers-eating-your-lunch, someone-reeks-on-the-train mode for nine hours a day.
What do you need? What would you consider essentials? Here are a few tips on basics that might help you to make the decision to commit or commute.