A Remote Desktop Connection application is a program that allows a device to connect to another computer or server. Once a remote connection has been established, the user will then be able to interact with the separate computer. This includes using the remote computer’s software and any documents it has stored.

Remote desktop access can be useful in a variety of situations. It enables users to work from home and to fix IT issues from another location.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Remote Desktop?

Provides Flexibility

The main advantage of using remote desktop services is that it grants access to office resources from any location. Professionals who frequently travel on business trips can continue business as usual. A remote connection also provides staff with the flexibility to work from home.

Reduces Long-term Costs

In the long term, remote desktops can save businesses money compared to alternatives. This is because a remote PC requires less IT maintenance overall. Instead of having to pay for the repairs or updates of 20 or so computers, only one needs to be attended to.

Keeps Data Secure

By using cloud technology, online security is also improved. Remote desktop software normally includes data encryption features to protect sensitive data. Remote servers will use firewalls to stop malware from reaching servers. Other services will back up the stored data at regular intervals. Lastly, remote desktop providers will commonly configure the hosted desktop to minimise the damage caused by unauthorised users.

Gives Access to Knowledgeable Team

When you choose to adopt a remote connection for daily matters, you also establish a relationship with a team well versed in IT issues. They will be able to install the remote hosting platform for you and troubleshoot any issues you encounter henceforth.

Provides a Safety Net in Crisis Scenarios

When disaster strikes it’s useful to have a safety net. In times of crisis, staff may be asked to leave the premises. If working from the office is not an option, it’s valuable to have a backup plan for remote working. Remote desktop allows employees to access what they need, even in tricky situations.

Who Can Use Remote Desktops?

Whilst this may come down to the service provider, most remote servers can be customised to suit business needs. Once you’ve enquired about remote desktop services, the team will deliver a consultation. During this conversation, they will ask you the following:
• what kind of software you plan on hosting
• how many users will need access to the host
• what kind of operating system you use
From this information, the remote desktop provider will come back to you with a quote. Once you’ve agreed to go ahead with their hosting service, they will configure a remote server that matches your specifications. Remote desktop service providers, such as The Isobar, are supported on Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS and Windows.

What Kind of Systems Can You Access?

Via remote desktop, you can interact with a great range of software. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Desktop applications – software applications such as CRMs, payroll systems, accounting systems, spreadsheet systems etc
• Back-end systems – software that supports your regular desktop applications such as email and file servers
• In-house data – information that is stored in your systems and documents
• Networks – the connections that allow your computers to interact with one another

Why Choose 50 in the Cloud?

50 in the Cloud is one of the UK’s best options for remote desktop services when hosting Sage Account Software. It enables you to access all the software and files you need from home. Our UK-based IT support team will help you with the installation and provide you with ongoing assistance.

To begin your free trial, call us on 0114 299 3999. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you’ve never worked from home previously, the transition to remote working can be quite a change. Letting employees work from home offers them a level of flexibility that can greatly benefit their lifestyles. Remote working can support existing health conditions, workers with young children and staff during times of crisis. For those continuing to operate during the coronavirus outbreak, it ensures full access to the programs and files that employees need.

There are several things to consider before you can start working remotely.

Have a Clear Plan for Communication

The first thing teams will need to do to effectively work from home is to establish a clear channel and schedule for communications. Regular catchups throughout the day will help team members keep a track of work progress. Frequent conversations can also give employers an idea of staff productivity.

If one form of communication fails, it’s valuable to have a second in place. This can include phone calls, text messages, messaging apps and video calls. It’s worth considering which forms of communication will work best for your business too. Messaging apps can be great for quick, brief updates but video calls can work more successfully for detailed discussions.

As it’s easy to miss calls throughout the day, it’s useful to set times in advance for your conversations. These chats can be with individuals or groups depending on what you believe is suitable.

Keep Your Routine

Most of us are accustomed to switching off once we’ve clocked out of work at returned home. This mental association can play against home workers and lapse us out of a working mindset. Getting distracted is easy to do when you’re in a personal environment. For this reason, it’s important to maintain your usual work routine.

Waking up at your usual work times can help structure your day and to stop yourself being overwhelmed by the new normal. Diverting from your work habits can cause procrastination and have an impact on your overall productivity. Something as simple as having your regular morning coffee can prepare you for the day.

In the same strain, it’s also good to take your breaks at the same time. This way you will be able to finish your day on time rather than having to work late into the evening.

Set up a Designated Workspace

Whilst at home, it can be tempting to work from your bed or sofa. However, this sluggishness can transfer over into your work itself and is not recommended.

The best thing to do is to set up your own office at home. This area should be associated with work and no other activities. This way, as soon as you sit down your brain knows what it’s expected to do. It’s important to make sure you have everything you need to complete your work. This can include your standard mix of software and some stationery for notes.

Having your own space set aside can also stop you from being distracted by family or housemates. This can be trickier for workers with children but if it’s possible, it’s worth doing.

Create Checklists to Stay Focused

Old-school productivity methods aren’t limited to office spaces. You may find that creating a plan at the start of your day helps you streamline your workload.

The best way to construct a daily checklist is, to begin with listing everything you need to do. Once this has been done, you should reorder these tasks based on urgency and importance. In this case, ‘urgent’ refers to work that has a deadline or will have negative implications if not completed within a specific timeframe. On the other hand, ‘important’ relates to work that helps us achieve our goals.

From there, you should complete important/urgent tasks first, followed by important/not urgent, not important/urgent and not important/not urgent. Where possible, you should delegate tasks of lesser importance to other team members. This will help you manage your time efficiently.

Prep Your Meals in Advance

Preparing your meals can be quite time-consuming. Your designated breaks are a time to switch off and you may miss out on this if you spend that time cooking.

The food you prepare in advance doesn’t have to be complicated. You may want to cut up ingredients in advance and have some ready to eat snacks available.

You can also lose time if you forget to buy food in advance. When you know you’ll be working from home, make the effort to stock up beforehand. If you fail to do so, you may end up having to rush out to buy food. This will take up all your break time when it could have easily been avoided by thinking ahead.

Use Cloud-based Software

Working from home can become very difficult if you don’t have the files that you need. Additionally, some employees will rely on certain systems to complete work which may not be accessible from their home computers.

This is where cloud-based software steps in. The main benefit of cloud technology is that lets you access everything you need remotely. It provides incredible amounts of storage whilst securing all your files. It gives you access to all your office necessities from any desktop or laptop. Some software providers will even offer mobile options to assist you.

Another perk of investing in cloud-based software for remote working is its ability to enhance collaboration between teams. With everything stored in one space and real-time integration, you will receive updates instantly. This means that you will see only the most up-to-date changes to your files and systems. Cloud-based hosting software removes the risk of missed communications, strengthening team efforts.

 

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For more advice on working from home and further productivity tips, follow our blog.