Last updated: February 8, 2021
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In previous Work at Home Quick Tips (How to Make a Direct Internet Connection and How to Make a Direct Phone Connection), I have explained that work at home jobs often require employees to use direct wired internet and phone connections. Many work at home jobs require that your computer accessories and peripherals be directly connected, or wired, to your computer as well.
Why?
Having a direct connection between your keyboard, mouse, or headset is a necessity for a remote customer service job. Wireless USB and Bluetooth peripherals are often not allowed. This restriction is due to two important reasons:
1. Any type of signal that is sent through the “air” is not dependable by its very nature. Even though technological advances have made things like cordless and wireless phones as well Bluetooth devices more reliable over the years, the signals used by these devices are still easily interrupted by signals from other devices and electronics. Calls still drop from time to time. Bluetooth signals still disconnect for no apparent reason.
2. Because wireless computer accessories are powered by batteries or need to be recharged, they are unreliable tools. If the battery in your wireless keyboard, mouse or headset dies or it loses its charge during a call with a customer or video conference with a client, you risk not being able to perform your job and appearing very unprofessional or possibly losing the customer or client.
Not enough ports on your computer?
With each passing year, computers seem to become even thinner and lighter. And there never seems to be enough ports to plug in your accessories. Not to worry! Invest in a USB hub to expand the number of available ports to accommodate your multiple wired peripherals. A USB hub plugs into a USB port on your computer and has multiple ports of its own to plug in your essential computer accessories.
There are many types of hubs from which to choose. Some can be plugged in and placed as an immediate attachment to your laptop or CPU. Some have a cable between the USB connector and the port hub itself in order to allow more flexibility. Some have multiple types of ports other than USB for things like SD cards or other types of cables. My USB hub has individual power switches for each port so that I can turn off a device without having to manually disconnect it.
