Someone recently asked me how to work efficiently from 2 different offices on different days of the week. He wondered if he should set up a network. Here's what I suggested he do:

If you have only 2 computers in 2 different offices, it doesn't make sense to go to the bother of networking them. There are 3 options ... one is remote access software (common brands are PC Anywhere and LapLink) to dial in and access your main computer from a second location. Your main computer becomes the server, or host, so you'll have to leave it running when you're away. Also you MUST have a high-speed connection for that machine. You don't absolutely have to have a high-speed connection at the remote location -- I know people who dial into their main computer from a remote computer on a 56 K line and they say it's fast enough. One of the main advantages to this method is that it spares you the bother of synchronizing and updating your files later on - this can be time-consuming and confusing.

Another option is to keep everything in a laptop and take it with you. The more documents and files you store electronically, the better -- then you won't have to gather up a lot of papers every time you leave the office.

The third option involves copying new or updated files between the two computers. Use the Windows "Search" function to locate all files that were updated since a date you specify, then either copy them to a disk or e-mail them to yourself and download when you get to your other computer. You could avoid having to copy any files by using your laptop at both locations. This is the easiest way -- if the small keyboard doesn't bother you. (You can plug a full-size keyboard into the laptop if that's more comfortable.)

If you use contact management or organizing software, don't make the common mistake of using more than one database in your different computers. Some people use Outlook on one computer and Act on the other; they may also have a Palm that they don't synch regularly. This is a disaster waiting to happen! You need to keep your different devices talking to each other. If you use a Palm device when away from your desk, you must synchronize it to your "big" computer. For example, if you use Outlook you'd synchronize to your Palm by using a pared-down version called Pocket Outlook-- but it's still the same database. This is essential. If you have more than one database you create more work for yourself and waste more time than you save.

How about the telephone? It's a hassle to give out multiple phone numbers to clients and co-workers with instructions about where you can be reached at different times on various days! The solution is a universal number, also called a "follow me" number. You only have one phone number, which you program to ring at different locations, such as your various offices, your home, and your cell phone. People can easily reach you anywhere, and you save time by only having one voice mail box to check!

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