How to Place and Install your System at its Best

It is important that you place your computer taking into account ergonomic and security issues.

Here you can find some hints to make your working environment safer, handier, and more pleasant.

Your Monitor. Place your monitor at 50-60 cm from the operator's eyes, and in a position so that the upper part of its frame is at the same level of the operator's eyes. These precautions will prevent eyes and neck strain. To further reduce eyes strain, it is recommended that sometimes you close your eyes, focusing other objects, located at different distances from your computer screen. To improve this precaution's effectiveness, repeat it twice per hour. Some monitors have a removable, pivoted base. You can turn and adjust it according to your posture, to place your monitor in the most convenient way.

Your Chair. If you are planning of using your computer for a long period of time, choose a special chair, designed for office work, that you can adjust according to your ergonomic needs. Seat, back, height, angle, and inclination of your chair have to be adjustable.

To prevent strain, you have to support your lumbar region. Only adjustable chairs allow you to adjust the chair to your specific body size. Your chair's arm should fit your elbows level, and your shoulders posture and size. You should use them as a support. To improve your comfort, change your body position frequently. When you sit, you should adopt a comfortable position, and keep your head straight. Your shoulders should be relaxed: do not lean towards your desk.

Anti-glare Treatments. Some screens come with an anti-glare treatment to reduce eyes strain.

Lighting. If the lighting is too poor or too intense, working at your computer may become difficult. Try to find the best compromise, avoiding to face powerful light sources, or to work in dim lighting conditions. Using adjustable lamps and diffuse lighting, helps you to find the best working conditions, and to reduce eyes strain.

Your Hands and your Wrists. When typing on your keyboard, keep your wrists straight, and your forearms parallel to the floor. If you use a wrist holder, use it only for a short period of time.

When working at your computer for a long period of time, take frequent breaks, and do some stretching exercise.