My first computer was a Motorola 6800 evaluation module. It came with 128bytes of SRAM, and a LED/hex keypad, _plus_ a tape interface... My second computer was a Sinclair ZX80 I built from a kit. My third, a Apple II+, and then a list of CP/M based computers.
I used to go to coffee shops to do productive work away from my email, etc... however, nowadays almost all of the coffee shops offer WiFi. Especially, the non-corporate shops seem to use free WiFi to draw people away from Starbucks.
I guess now I have to rely on my "will-power" to prevent myself to get on the 'net, check Slashdot, read my email etc..., while "forcing" myself to relax and enjoy a Mocha.
-ingo
Having worked as freelance writer, telecommuting engieer and consultant from home over the last 10 years or so, I have some input.
I have considered an outside office to seperate my work and home life. It's easy to become a workaholic at home, since work is always waiting for you. Some people discipline themselves to work fixed hours and only work in a specific space (office) at home, in order to achieve the seperation.
I made sure that I got out of the house at least once a day. I would divide my work into taks that required equipment (soldering iron, internet, etc...) and things that I could do at cafes/bookstores to get a change of scenery. Also, it helped a lot to keep into contact with peers from old jobs or at other businesses, as well as other telecommuter and had coffee or lunch with them regaularly. Besides being able to talk about life/work, etc... it kept me up to speed on local jobs, talents and opportunities. I also made an arrangement with a former employer at a University to allow me to use some unsused lab space, when I wanted.
Essential tools for me, were fast Internet at home, a laptop, fax machine, nackup strategy for computer(s). Also, become very friendly with the local private computer store/repair show. You never know when you need a motherboard/power supply in an hour in order to make a deadline...You and them _are_ the IT department.
Here is some advice. Make sure you become friendly with the baristas at your favoriate coffee shop and tip them well. Besides, the additional benefit of socializing with people outside yoru field, they also know most of the other homeworkers who come there. I ended up marrying a barista... must have tip well enough;-)
Hope that helps... -ingo
I use a P120 based Thinkpad 560 daily... Also, just retired a 486DX2 based mail server running NetBSD last winter, which has been running pretty much running since '96.
-ingo
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My first computer was a Motorola 6800 evaluation module. It came with 128bytes of SRAM, and a LED/hex keypad, _plus_ a tape interface... My second computer was a Sinclair ZX80 I built from a kit. My third, a Apple II+, and then a list of CP/M based computers.
-ingo
I used to go to coffee shops to do productive work away from my email, etc... however, nowadays almost all of the coffee shops offer WiFi. Especially, the non-corporate shops seem to use free WiFi to draw people away from Starbucks. I guess now I have to rely on my "will-power" to prevent myself to get on the 'net, check Slashdot, read my email etc..., while "forcing" myself to relax and enjoy a Mocha. -ingo
Having worked as freelance writer, telecommuting engieer and consultant from home over the last 10 years or so, I have some input. I have considered an outside office to seperate my work and home life. It's easy to become a workaholic at home, since work is always waiting for you. Some people discipline themselves to work fixed hours and only work in a specific space (office) at home, in order to achieve the seperation. I made sure that I got out of the house at least once a day. I would divide my work into taks that required equipment (soldering iron, internet, etc...) and things that I could do at cafes/bookstores to get a change of scenery. Also, it helped a lot to keep into contact with peers from old jobs or at other businesses, as well as other telecommuter and had coffee or lunch with them regaularly. Besides being able to talk about life/work, etc... it kept me up to speed on local jobs, talents and opportunities. I also made an arrangement with a former employer at a University to allow me to use some unsused lab space, when I wanted. Essential tools for me, were fast Internet at home, a laptop, fax machine, nackup strategy for computer(s). Also, become very friendly with the local private computer store/repair show. You never know when you need a motherboard/power supply in an hour in order to make a deadline...You and them _are_ the IT department. Here is some advice. Make sure you become friendly with the baristas at your favoriate coffee shop and tip them well. Besides, the additional benefit of socializing with people outside yoru field, they also know most of the other homeworkers who come there. I ended up marrying a barista... must have tip well enough ;-)
Hope that helps... -ingo
I use a P120 based Thinkpad 560 daily... Also, just retired a 486DX2 based mail server running NetBSD last winter, which has been running pretty much running since '96. -ingo