I’m always up for a good challenge, except for when it comes to technology. There’s no question that the right technology will help you increase your home office productivity, but technology is only as effective as the person using it. And technology can create a few organizing challenges.

Challenge: Storing too much information on your computer.
Solution: Get in the habit of dumping files on your hard drive the same way you’d toss papers from your file cabinets. If you know you’ll never refer to a file again, dump it.

Challenge: You could lose data.
Solution: Don’t wait until your computer crashes to think about backing up your data; by then it’s too late. One of the best investments you can make is in a reliable backup system. Start with an external hard drive or an online data storage service.

Challenge: Managing an insane number of e-mails.
Solution: Read and respond to your e-mail in groups. Instead of checking your e-mail every ten minutes, check it less often and take action on the e-mails you open. Postponing e-mail responses is no different from shuffling the papers on your desk.

Challenge: Slow, outdated equipment.
Solution: Buy the fastest computer system you can afford. Even though you may think you can’t afford a new or updated system, ask yourself what your time is worth and how much time you’re wasting on old equipment.