1 Get a second phone line. A second line will prevent incoming calls from disrupting your Web cruising and emailing.

2 Stake out an office with a door. You might get cozy sitting in the corner of your den, but you'll never get any work done.

3 Stay away from those fold-and-hide home-office kits - their poor ergonomics will leave you neck-deep in chiropractors'
bills.

4 Spread your email address around and force people to send email rather than faxes. Faxes result in additional costs for paper and more stuff to file.

5 But forget the hype about the paperless office and buy more filing cabinets than you think you'll need. A solid, albeit unattractive, steel cabinet can be yours for $100. You'll use it.

6 Write down all your passwords. Security experts argue you should never do this, but a growing amount of software and Web sites require passwords. It's more likely that you'll forget a password than have someone steal your cheat sheet.

7 Keep all tech-support numbers, warranty codes, and the specifications for your office equipment in one place. It's a sure bet that a vital piece of equipment will break down when you can least afford to lose it.

8 Hire an accountant. An accountant will flag deductions you should take, such as depreciation on your home office equipment.

9 Repeat after me: I will back up all my files once a week.

10 Get a comfortable chair - it's the most important piece of office gear you'll buy. Your back will thank you.


Fast Company