C3 COVID-19 Information and FAQ
Comprehensive Computer Consulting is here and we’re here to help you. We qualify as a critical business and we will continue to support you in your business.
Below is a brief list of resources and ideas to help you make the most of this situation.
COVID-19 State-wide Stay-at-home Order
Wed, Mar 25, Governor Jarid Polis issued an executive order to “Stay at Home.” The order went into effect 6 AM on Thu, Mar 26.
https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/cc/da/b0d9f6434623b76c678348b9af4c/executive-order.pdf
The Basics of Working from Home
Working from home means, at the least, that you’ll need:
- A computer
- Internet access
To have online meetings, you’ll need:
- A headset with a microphone or alternative speaker-mic combinations
- A webcam (optional)
You’ll also need access to your files, documents, and applications.
Then, there are some tricks to working from home.
Home Computer or a Computer at Home
If you don’t have a computer at home, please contact us as soon as you can. We may be able to help you get a computer, even on loan.
If your workplace has laptops, this may be already set up for you to work from home.
It’s probably best not to take “desktop” computers from the office to your home. These computers are often configured in a way that is dependent on the office network to function properly.
Internet Access
If you don’t have reliable internet access at home, there are a few options and alternatives to consider:
- Comcast has made Xfinity WiFi free for everyone. If you can see an Xfinity access point from your house, it’s free to use. https://www.kktv.com/content/news/Comcast-making-wifi-hotspot-free-to-all-announces-other-initiatives-during-outbreak-568836051.html
- Comcast has also increased the bandwidth of the “Internet Essentials” plan. This plan is only $9.95/mo. https://www.internetessentials.com/
- “Tethering” may allow you to use your cell phone to connect your computer to the internet. Contact your carrier for more information.
Holding Meetings Remotely
Headsets
We’ve had good experiences with the SteelSeries Arctis line of headsets.
But, any headset with USB, headphones, and a microphone will likely work. Be careful with unrecognized brands. Feel free to call us with questions.
Webcams
Widely considered the best webcam on the market is the Logitech c920.
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/hd-pro-webcam-c920
Other cams from Logitech will also work well.
Be careful of price gouging. Amazon seems to have numerous “sellers” that have increased prices by 300%+ during this global pandemic. The c920 should be around $80 and you should be able to buy it directly from Logitech for that price.
Communication and Remote Meetings
Many of our customers use Office 365 that comes with numerous tools for working remotely. Most prominently, Microsoft Teams is designed to allow your team to chat, call, and hold online meetings. Even if you aren’t an Office 365 customer, Teams is free for everyone to use.
https://products.office.com/en/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
Some of our customers are Google GSuite users and Google has always made Hangouts and Hangouts Meet freely available to GSuite customers. Like Microsoft Teams, you can chat, have calls, and conduct online meetings with these tools.
https://gsuite.google.com/products/meet/
We have several customers that have integrated Slack into their teams and Slack also offers online meetings, chat, and calls.
https://slack.com/help/articles/115004056967-Working-in-Slack
Another free tool that works very well in a need-it-right-now fashion, and is pretty easy to get started is Jitsi Meetings.
Accessing Your Office Applications
Microsoft Office 365 provides online versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more in an online version available in the browser.
Google offers an alternative to Microsoft Office in the form of Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides for free to anyone with a Google account. You can even open, edit, and save Microsoft Office documents with Google’s office products.
If you have specialized software that is only available at your office, there are ways to remotely connect to your office PC or server to access those applications. Please contact us for help in setting up and using Remote Access Software.
Sharing Documents
If you are using Office 365, OneDrive and SharePoint allow you to store and share your files online and they offer lots of storage with your Office 365 plan. You can even collaborate in real time with your team. Please contact us if you need help setting up these services to use. Microsft also offers a free tier of these services if you would like to use it without an Office 365 account.
Google GSuite users have Google Drive for storing documents and it also allows document sharing and real-time collaboration. They also have a free tier available. Please contact us if you would like help in setting up these services.
Tips and Tricks for Working from Home
From the New York Times: How to Work From Home, if You’ve Never Done It Before
Some etiquette for your online meetings.
Additional Information
https://www.kktv.com/content/news/BREAKING–568535251.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Comprehensive Computer Consulting
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719-282-3231
Please do not use this form to request support. Existing customers should call 719-282-3231 for support, use the online portal, use the agent icon on their desktop, or use the email address provided to them during the sign-up process.