I use a laptop at home
Posted By: desperado on 2008-02-18
In Reply to: help me understand laptop travel - cat of Eric
all the time for work but keep it hardwired all the time at home. You can get wireless routers that allow you to hardwire your computer but allow you set up wireless for the rest of the house. I chose to use a laptop so I could pick up if I have to, which I've had to do for family situations. The wireless routers will guide you through the setup, just be sure you get it locked down well on security and don't skip any steps. I believe it's the WPA security you need to have, not WEP. You'd be amazed at all the wireless networks in homes around here that are not secured and could be hacked if they only knew. I can turn my wireless on and see exactly if they are protected or not, but I always keep my wireless transmission on my computer turned off at home and as I said hardwired to the router. I'm including a link for JiWire here that has a lot of useful information about exactly how hackers can get into your computer at a lot of WiFi Hotspots. They may provide the WiFi for you but no guarantees about security at all sometimes. Anyone can get a WiFi hotspot set up and there are some out there that are pure scams, so if you're hooking up to WiFi you need to be sure who it is.
I have tried the Sprint Mobile Broadband card awhile back, I think you can get USB cards now too and even routers for it to set up at home. The card itself was free at that time with promotion and charge would be like around $60 a month. I had 30 days to test it out and take it back if it didn't work where I needed it to, which is at my mother's. They couldn't tell me exactly what kind of service I would get in the area I was asking about so said take it out for a trial run, which I did. It worked great along the interstate and major highways and was I think even faster than my regular internet a couple of large cities, but it didn't work at my mom's, which is only 4 miles off the interstate, although it worked well enough not far from there, so really variable, but they said they are improving and adding new towers, etc. all the time, and I might give it a try again in a few months. I really need to be able to go to her place at times and not many options for internet around there. Hope this helps a little. My DH has both Verizon and Sprint Mobile Broadband cards because he's on the road a lot for work and because sometimes one will work in an area and not the other.
LINK/URL: JiWire
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Has anyone tried accessing your own home computer from a laptop remotely with PC Anywhere or similar
I'm wondering if this is possible instead of having to install everything on my laptop to work remotely. It would be nice if I could hook up to my home PC with my laptop and am wondering if there is a program that would allow me to do so or do I have to re-install everything on my laptop to work remotely.
I have auto corrects, medical spell check, medical dictionary, etc., that I would need on both computers.
TIA
So you can work completely remote on a laptop and access your home PC with this program
please e-mail me with more info if you can. thx
I use a MSFT Natural keyboard at home and the laptop keyboard on the road. nm
To all of you Escriptionist out there...Laptop question. Have any of you found a laptop that you can
thing. I tried one of those adapter that goes from the 9-pin to the USB but when I plugged in the USB my foot pedal did not work right. I know supposedly there is a help section on the escription website that says the adapter may work and how to make them compatible etc but it never worked for me. Has any of you find a solution or a laptop that this foot pedal with work with. I'd like to work while traveling and get a laptop but it never worked on my old one. Ideas??
My kids have suffered greatly from me working at home with them home. SM
I have been working at home as an MT since my two kids were born. They are now 4 and 5. In the first few years, I had no help whatsoever. Their father was a bum who didnt work or take care of them while I worked. Your children get neglected while you work basically. And babies and young children desperately need your attention while they are home with you.
My kids have so many behavioral problems right now because of their neglect. I would try to set them up with things to occupy themselves, like coloring or a movie, etc.
I finally put them in day care and things have improved, but there are still a lot of issues because of the damage that was done. They still try to seek attention by doing bad things and they dont listen to me because they are so used to me letting them get away with a lot of stuff because I was too busy typing to discipline them in their early years.
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely have put them into day care from the very beginning.
My advice would be to seek PT care for your baby. Maybe you can do some work around her schedule a little when she is home, like when she takes a nap, and then bang out a bunch of work while she is in day care.
I enjoy being alone at home, but I've got one home sick from school already.
One on one with a kid is nice, too.
This summer has been absolutely crazy. I haven't had a moment to myself for three months because all of my kids were home traipsing their friends through the house and yard. My husband switched his work schedule, too, so he's around more than usual. However, I like not having to do two loads of dishes and four loads of laundry a day. There are no toys or clutter dragged out everywhere. I can clean the house first thing in the morning, and it stays clean until everyone gets home at night.
I even got to relax with a cup of coffee and watch TV for half an hour this morning, something I liked for a change instead of cartoons or kids' movies. I signed up for an online class that I've been wanting to take. I can exercise without being interrupted. Yesterday, I went to the mall and spent all my saved up gift cards. I got some clothes, books, bath stuff, and a new coffee mug. My work gets done a lot faster, too. Call me nuts, but I've never had the luxury of being alone in the house for 14 years. It's kinda nice. I love my family with all my heart, but I love having a few hours to myself each week, too.
Except now the cat and dogs have been acting weird since the kids went back to school. They must think that I need someone or something to clean up after and correct behavior on. They're getting into everything and racing around the house behind me.
my take is that she worked inhouse, not at home, and now wants to find out how to work at home. nm
x
Forget "per line." Your take-home pay should be taking home SM
roughly what it was before. If it is not, is it because your current pay rate for editing (which in many companies keeps changing as the VR system is developed) is too low or is it because your talents and skills are more for speed typing than speed editing?
If the first, discuss it with higherups, and go get a new job if you don't get the response you need. My last MTSO was secretly refiguring how production was counted to pay us less. I can accept hard reality, it was the secrecy that burned. Sometimes, though, it's just that the learning curves of individual editors and that of the system aren't in sync, and you end up temporarily making less.
If the second, though, recognize it as soon as possible and change to straight transcription work, in your company or a new one, for as long as you can find it.
As for why we aren't paid more for a higher skill, that's just the way the labor supply ball bounces. Best wishes.
I think she means she has wireless TO her home, not IN her home..nm
x
hospital at-home -vs- national at home
I have an interview today with a hospital...work in-house for 3 months, then go home, paid on production. I don't know as of yet what they pay production, so my question is to anyone who works for a hospital at home AND has also worked for a national at home...
Which would be the best to choose? The hospital offers great benefits, but the national I work for now also has benefits, not as good as the hospital, though. Any input would be most appreciated!
Ditto for me. Have done both outside the home and in the home. We all have
bad days, but I sure would not want to trade working at home for anything. Just being here for my kids is worth every bad day!
laptop
I WOULD USE A LAPTOP. THIS CONDITION HAS TAKEN MY WHOLE LIFE FROM ME. MY JOB , MY INDEPENDENCE, BUT I REFUSE TO LET IT GET ME DOWN ALL THE WAY. AT HOME YOU ARE ABLE TO CHANGE POSITIONS OFTEN, GET UP AND WALK AROUND, SIT IN A DIFFERENT PLACE, LAY DOWN IF NEED BE. MY DAUGHTERS ARE NOT USED TO DOING WITHOUT AND I DO NOT INTEND FOR THEM TO START NOW. ANY POSITIVE HELP IS MUCH NEEDED, BUT I GUESS YOU CAN KEEP THE BAD TO YOURSELF. MAYBE I JUST DONT WANT TO FEEL LIKE THERES NOTHING I CAN DO. MAYBE I DONT WANT TO GIVE UP AND FILE FOR DISABILTY JUST YET. ANY HELPFUL ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
ANGELA LEE LPN
I use a laptop too
We bought it a year before I started working - not knowing what the required ports would be for foot pedals, etc. I have a Compaq Presario. I also have Bellsouth high speed internet connection. It works for me fine even when I go out of town.
laptop is the only way to go s/m
I would never have a big computer again! I have worked on DocQScribe and other internet platforms and never had any problems. Also have BellSouth DSL. My computer is a Dell Inspiron. If any disasters strike here that I can see coming will load the pets some clothes and the Dell and take off. Good luck getting put back together! 
Laptop
Can you tell me which Dell you purchased - I am trying to decide which one would meet my needs - using DQS as well. Thanks
Anyone using a laptop?
Am in the market for a laptop and looking for suggestions. Thanks.
laptop
Yes, but hook up an ergonomic keyboard and a mouse. The portability of it is great.
Laptop
I use my laptop as a backup or to work when I am out of town. The only problem with it is the smaller screen. Performance is no different than my PC though. I do have a regular keyboard for it, and a mouse.
Laptop
I have a Dell Inspiron 2500 but it has nowhere near the memory to download from an outside transcription company. Another problem is the footpedal, how on earth would you use this in your automobile. As well, the DSL, how on earth can you tell when you're traveling if you have access to same? This would be a lifesaver for me, as I have osteoporosis and can go like mad in my recliner without back pain which kills when I use my desktop. I sure would be one happy gal if I could work from a laptop. You do get used to the keyboard, I thought at first I would never, ever have any speed, but one does get used to it. Please e-mail me or write any suggestions here. How much minimal memory do you have on your laptop to comply with companys you work for? 
Laptop
Does anyone out there use a laptop for transcription?
laptop
on cold days, in front of the fire place. in the summer, outside....can't live without my laptop!
laptop
I use my laptop in a regular desk setting and I use a regular keyboard with it, not the laptop keyboard. I like to sit outside on the balcony in the spring, summer, fall, but I have never not used a desk; can't imagine using it in my lap. I think that would be too uncomfortable, but hey that's just me. I have a very comfortable chair. I mainly have mine because I travel quite a bit and this way, I can take my work with me if I want.
laptop
My step-dad is an over-the-road truck driver and he uses a laptop with a PC card just as you are describing. He loves it and has no problems whatsoever unless he is in an area where there is no service (just like with a cell phone).
My Laptop is
an HP Pavilion and I love it - one thing to be sure of is that you get one with a good big screen or a port where you can connect our monitor, and be sure it has a port for your keyboard (USB if you have that kind of keyboard). You'll never be able to do any good at MTing with the tiny keyboard that a laptop has. I made a big mistake by buying one without a floppy drive, but it's not hard to get an exernal floppy drive (ask me how I know) and costs about $50. As for the internal stuff ie RAM, hard drive, that's in pretty much the same ballpark as a desk top, get as much as you can possibly afford.
Laptop use
I also would be curious as to how this would be done. How do you get your voice files? How do you use a foot pedal? My husband drives semi and this sure would be nice for going with him on long runs.
laptop
Anybody use a laptop for MT work? Is is pretty reliable when you are using wireless? I assume you have to have an electrical output for the foot pedal. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
laptop
No, you don't have to have an outlet. Your foot pedal plugs directly into your laptop. You might need an adapter for the USB port, but I have done it, and it works great! I bought a hub for my laptop because I have to use my ergonomic keyboard instead of the laptop keyboard. Everything plugs in, and then you are ready to go. It's really great as far as I'm concerned.
Laptop
I use a laptop for work and had only had a few times whem my wireless network card has gone out for one reason or another. It's a little slow, I would say somewhere between dial-up and the slowest DSL/cable connection. The only electrical outlet that I use is the one to plug mjy laptop into. I have a USB foot pedal and that just plugs into the USB port at the side of the computer.
One thing that I would DEFIINITELY check on first though is making sure that the software that you use supports a wireless connection. One of the companies that I work for, I have no problems using my wireless. However, with the other company, I still have to use my dial up connection to download my files as their particular software does not work with a wireless connection.
Hope this helps.
Laptop anyone?
Does anyone use a laptop to do their daily transcription? Just curious?
laptop
Which laptop is best?
laptop
I don't know everything about computers, but I will just throw out a suggestion to you...do you have an (I think its called) an ethernet card in your lap top, and the place that you took you laptop to...did they have a wireless router so that your computer could get the signal from the router in order to get online.....A lot of people think that just because they have a laptop, that they can get online anywhere...I'm sure you know this, but your laptop has to have the card and the place you are at has to be giving out a signal in order for you to get on, other than that I don't understand why it would not work...it should have? Let me know what you find out if you don't mind becasue I am considering getting a laptop so that I can take my work with me when I want to be away from my home for a few days!
Thanks!
laptop
Thanks for responding. The place I went cannot get online, but I downloaded the files before I left while I could still get online. I was stil at home and online when I tried to get the wav files to play, but it would not allow it. Someone told me once I may need to download a codec, so I am looking into that, too.
Laptop
I purchased a laptop recently, so I can take it with me when I travel. I use autocorrect in Word 2003 for my shortcuts; does anyone know how to copy and move these entries onto my laptop? How about my medical spellchecker? I appreciate any advice on this subject. Thanks!
laptop
Here's a how to concerning moving the autocorrect entries.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/207748/EN-US/
As for the spellchecker, if you have a CD that came with it, you'd simply install it on the laptop, I believe.
laptop
I work on a laptop when I travel. I love the convenience, but not the small keyboard. When I'm traveling and have room in a hotel I also take my ergonomic keyboard which is much better. I have a Toshiba Satellite A105 Series Intel Celeron M Processor with the little over 15" screen size. I love it. It's not the fastest one out there by any means, but it works great for what I need it for.
Laptop
That's what I was thinking, more on the lines of comfort. Can I ask what type of laptop you have? Where do you find it most comfortable to sit and work?
laptop
I use a laptop to work with. I attach my ergonomically correct keyboard to it and away I go. I travel quite often, so it makes it easier to pack up and taken my work with me when I need to be gone.
Laptop
I use mine to work with. I love it because I can be mobile if I need to be. I also attach my ergonoic keyboard and mouse to it.
laptop
I would think it would work. I use one for my work. I attach my "ergonomically correct" keyboard and mouse to it so that I don't have to use the touchpad or that rinky dink keyboard! Good luck to you!
I have an HP laptop
I have the Core Duo processor which I was told specifically this is better for running multiple programs at once, i.e text expander, word, etc. Gateway has similar ones, and their customer service is MUCH better than HP. I never had an issue with the computer itself though. If you want more details, shoot me an e-mail.
Where can I buy a laptop with XP on it?
Is there anyplace selling new laptop/notebooks with XP instead of Vista?
Thanks
Laptop
Have laptop will travel is my motto. I can work anywhere on the planet because I can carry it with me. Your second purchase should be a super dooper rolling laptop carrying case that holds your foot pedal, mouse, etc.
laptop in the car
There may be some adjustment, but it really isn't difficult. You might have to move the pedal around to find where it is most comfortable. If you're short like me you might need to put something under the pedal to get good enough pressure on the pedal. The hardest part for me working in the car is that because I'm so short I don't have much lap to hold by laptop. Some SUVs/trucks have armrests and they may a kidney-shaped desk that you can lap on top of the arms and work, which is nice. It folds in half when not in use, so you don't have this huge thing to deal with.
Laptop
I went to Las Vegas two weeks ago. I was able to get internet service. The hotel where we stayed gave me a 1-800 number and it only cost me $30.00 for five days of interenet service.
I just got a new laptop and
I have read that so many hook up their monitor the the laptop to save on the laptop scrren, I am wondering how do you do that without the laptop screen being in the way. Just hook it up and keep the laptop in your lap so you can't see that screen?
Laptop?
Forgive me for sounding dumb, but I am thinking of purchasing a laptop and I was wondering how you hook a foot pedal to it?
laptop?
Does anyone do MT work on a laptop? Am thinking of getting one for when I go up north for a few days, which is often! Any thoughts or suggestions?
laptop
I plan to do that, too, if I ever get a job! Most hotel rooms have desks or tables and high-speed internet. It sounds like a real plan to me.
laptop
I do all my work on a Toshiba laptop - I really like it. I have it sitting up on a shelf and attach it to a full-size keyboard and a flat screen monitor. Just like a big computer, only when I want to travel I can take it with me. I have a rolling backpack which has room for two computers. I use one space for the keyboard. That way I don’t have to carry it. It has room for some books, too, if I want to take them. I took it on a plane trip this winter and it’s small enough to fit under the seat on the plane so I don’t have to lift it - it’s heavy. Good luck.
laptop
I take my laptop and work everywhere. It's great. As for hotels, if the desk is too high, I just pop a pillow or two on the chair and so far that has worked fine.
laptop
I use a peripheral keyboard with my laptop and it isn't necessary to disable the laptop's keyboard.
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