Hello Everyone!!!

As some of you may know, I'm a computer nerd and gadget geek. In my office, I have several computer systems including two Macs that I use to run my business. One thing that I find has become invaluable to me is utilizing dual monitors on some of my systems. This allows me to work faster and more efficiently, and honestly is easier on my eyes.

What are some of the things you have in your office to help you be a more efficient VA, and how does it help you?

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

I would love to hear more about this setup. How does it work? Do you have separate keyboards and monitors too?

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Behind the Desk Solutions - Carrie

Originally Posted by BehindTheDeskSolutions

I would love to hear more about this setup. How does it work? Do you have separate keyboards and monitors too?

My main systems are my Mac mini (same as the iMac but is not an all-in-one unit) desktop, and my Macbook Pro. I also have two Windows notebooks that can serve different functions. For example, I can dedicate one to operate as the server for phone/fax. I can dedicate another for use with digitizing documents. Having a dedicated system for things like document digitizing is helpful... when running multiple applications on one system, processing power and RAM can become bogged with the demand and slow you down.

I utilize dual monitors on my Mac systems to give me more screen 'real estate'. This helps save time by lessening the need to flip back and forth between the screens that I have open. As well, its much easier on the eyes.

Do I absolutely NEED so many systems? Most likely not. But I like to utilize my resources.

You can purchase what is known as a KVM switch which allows you to use one keyboard, mouse, and sometimes monitor with two separate computer systems. You simply flip them back and forth at the touch of a button.

There are also two Windows desktops, each with dual monitors, but these are company systems (I'm an analyst for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield) that I do not use for my own business. You should see my office.... I could probably launch the shuttle from here! LOL!

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

I've used two monitors when I worked at another business location and I really liked the convenience of it. You can view two different pages at the same time and even more if you reduce the size of your windows. I'd love to have that in my home office.

My scanner/copier/fax machine helps me run smoother. I like to save files on my computer and go paperless as much as possible so the scanner really helps with that.

Winston, I'd love to see some pics of your system when it's up and running in full mode. I bet it's awesome looking.

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Wendy Harrison, www.wendy-works.com
Go virtual and you'll never go back.

Originally Posted by Wendy-Works

I've used two monitors when I worked at another business location and I really liked the convenience of it. You can view two different pages at the same time and even more if you reduce the size of your windows. I'd love to have that in my home office. My scanner/copier/fax machine helps me run smoother. I like to save files on my computer and go paperless as much as possible so the scanner really helps with that. Winston, I'd love to see some pics of your system when it's up and running in full mode. I bet it's awesome looking.

I tell you... I love having dual monitors!

Once I straighten up my office I'll take some pics for you.

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

Originally Posted by Wendy-Works

I've used two monitors when I worked at another business location and I really liked the convenience of it. You can view two different pages at the same time and even more if you reduce the size of your windows. I'd love to have that in my home office. My scanner/copier/fax machine helps me run smoother. I like to save files on my computer and go paperless as much as possible so the scanner really helps with that. Winston, I'd love to see some pics of your system when it's up and running in full mode. I bet it's awesome looking.

I posted a thread about a year ago about how I found a Xerox Document Centre for free on Craig's List. It did everything but kiss me goodnight... duplex print, duplex copy, duplex scan, stapled, came with 3 cases of toner and each one yielded over 26,000 pages at a value of over $500 each, ALL FOR FREE! The unit wasn't working when I picked it up, which was why it was free, but I had it fixed within an hour of having it home! Unfortunately I had to give it up when I moved from Cincinnati to Columbus, OH, which almost brought me to tears, lol.

Well you won't believe it.... I happened to pop into a thrift store one day, and there in the middle of the floor was ANOTHER ONE! I paid $40 for a $5,000 machine that works perfectly!

So that is another piece of equipment I use to be more efficient. Keep your eyes peeled for deals because you never know what you'll find!

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

Originally Posted by Stewartwin

I posted a thread about a year ago about how I found a Xerox Document Centre for free on Craig's List. It did everything but kiss me goodnight... duplex print, duplex copy, duplex scan, stapled, came with 3 cases of toner and each one yielded over 26,000 pages at a value of over $500 each, ALL FOR FREE! The unit wasn't working when I picked it up, which was why it was free, but I had it fixed within an hour of having it home! Unfortunately I had to give it up when I moved from Cincinnati to Columbus, OH, which almost brought me to tears, lol. Well you won't believe it.... I happened to pop into a thrift store one day, and there in the middle of the floor was ANOTHER ONE! I paid $40 for a $5,000 machine that works perfectly! So that is another piece of equipment I use to be more efficient. Keep your eyes peeled for deals because you never know what you'll find!

You can also find awesome equipment when offices are closing and getting rid of things. You can get it either really cheap or for free!

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

Originally Posted by Amanda1987

You can also find awesome equipment when offices are closing and getting rid of things. You can get it either really cheap or for free!

Another great resource is FreeCycle. I am a member of this organization for my area, and most cities have a branch that services them.

Its basically a network where you can find a number of items, including business tools and equipment, for free. You can also use it to offer your own used or out of service equipment to others. Its an effort to be more green by recycling.

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services

Dual monitors are the best! I started using them back when I was an IT slave, and I can't function without it now. I actually have friends that have 3 or 4 monitors (its arguable if they really need it though lol).

I do have a combo unit (printer/copier) that saves space. But other than My PC, and smart phone that's all I really use. I have been looking for a new netbook for business though, almost all our services are able to be perform in the cloud so I would like to have something portable. I have a laptop but its older and my inner geek isn't happy with that.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

Originally Posted by Amanda1987

Dual monitors are the best! I started using them back when I was an IT slave, and I can't function without it now. I actually have friends that have 3 or 4 monitors (its arguable if they really need it though lol). I do have a combo unit (printer/copier) that saves space. But other than My PC, and smart phone that's all I really use. I have been looking for a new netbook for business though, almost all our services are able to be perform in the cloud so I would like to have something portable. I have a laptop but its older and my inner geek isn't happy with that.

That's what I love about my Macbook Pro! Its extremely thin, light, has the aluminum unibody, and has 10 hrs of battery life. Apple is really leading the industry with innovative design. I just bought this one a few months ago, and can't function without it now, lol! And I don't make a move anywhere without my Android SmartPhone, lol!

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Winston Stewart
PennWin Administrative Services