Efficiency: A key term for workers of any kind, efficiency means getting the maximum amount of work done while using the least amount of resources (time, energy, money, etc.). For the home office worker, it's important to implement systems that ensure efficiency to avoid the common pitfalls of the home office: distraction, procrastination, and wasted time.
Email: Email is the shortened term that refers to electronic mail, the sending and receiving of messages (and sometimes attached files) via the internet or intranet.
Employees: An employee is someone who provides services for an employer and whose duties in performing those services are under the control of the employer. Some home office workers are employees, but with a larger amount of self-government and less employer oversight; some home office workers are self-employed.
Entourage: An email client produced by Microsoft, Entourage provides email capabilities (viewing, responding, archiving, etc.,) as well as to-do lists and calendars in a streamlined format.
Ergonomics: The term ergonomics refers to the study of the relationship between a person and his or her working environment, i.e. how the physical equipment, furniture, lighting, and surroundings effect the worker and the work. Ergonomics study can range from how a particular desk chair effects one's posture and muscle tension to how lighting effects one's mood and productivity.
Equipment: In the home office, equipment is the stuff that comprises the office: the desk, the chair, the lamp, the filing cabinet, and especially the computing and technological equipment necessary to enable the work to be completed from the home office and communicated to the employer or client.
Evolution: Evolution is an open source email client. It was created to provide an open source alternative to Outlook, and it incorporates other functions (address book, calendar) as well as email capabilities.
Excel: Excel, a software program produced by Microsoft, is one of the most popular professional programs in use. It provides database functionality as well as the ability to produce and edit spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and presentations.
Expenses: Expenses are the costs incurred in order for the home office to keep running: office supplies, internet access, and computer repair might all be valid expenses for the home office. Expenses also refer to any cost (debit) from one's account.
Extensions: Extensions, also referred to as plug-ins or add-ons, are small additions to programs (both on your hard drive and internet-based) that add more functions or enhance performance.