Getting Started

Lighting

Select the right level of illumination and place your PC appropriately to minimize glare from overhead lights, desk lamps and windows. Glare on the LCD or monitor may cause eye strain, eye fatigue or headaches.

Consider the following suggestions regarding lighting your work environment:

■Position the PC so that the light source does not shine or reflect directly onto the display or shine or reflect directly into the eyes of the user.

■Shield the PC from direct light by using tinted windows or by installing blinds or a screen.

■Use soft, indirect lighting.■Adjust the display panel to provide maximum visibility.Work habits

A key to avoiding discomfort or injury from repetitive strain is to vary your activities. If possible, schedule a variety of tasks into your workday. If you must spend long periods at the computer, finding ways to break up the routine can reduce stress and improve your efficiency.

■Sit in a relaxed posture. Good positioning of your chair and equipment as described earlier can reduce tension in your shoulders or neck and ease back strain.

■Vary your posture frequently.■Occasionally stand up and stretch or exercise briefly.■Exercise and stretch your wrists and hands a number of times during the day.

■Frequently, look away from the computer and focus your eyes on a distant object for several seconds, for example 30 seconds every 15 minutes.

■Take frequent short breaks instead of one or two long breaks, for example, two or three minutes every half hour.

■When you use a PC, rest your eyes periodically and relax or stretch your muscles to avoid strain. If you experience discomfort while operating the PC, stop immediately and rest. Continuous operation for long periods without adequate rest may cause pain in the arms, wrists, hands, back, neck or other parts of the body. If pain persists despite rest, consult your doctor.

A number of books are available on ergonomics and repetitive strain injury or repetitive stress syndrome. For more information on these topics or for pointers on exercises for such stress points as hands and wrists, please check with your library or book vendor. Also refer to the computer’s Instruction Manual for Safety & Comfort.

User’s Manual

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