Amiga Collections: MegaDisc/MegaDisc 30 (1992-10)(MegaDisc Digital Publishing)(AU)(Disk 1 of 2)[WB].zip/MegaDisc 30 (1992-10)(MegaDisc Digital Publishing)(AU)(Disk 1 of 2)[WB].adf/Articles/Human_CompuCare/Human_CompuCare

Text File | 1992-10-05 | 10KB | 217 lines

                      COMPUCARE - FOR OPERATORS


                          By Paul Statham
                                          Aug 92


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   Reading the past issues of Megadisc among other things I have noticed
   that although there are a large number of articles, reviews and tips on
   keeping your Amiga in top form and the proper care and  maintenance of
   disks, drives, hardware, etc little consideration has been taken of the
   operator.

   While it seems most likely that the majority of computer literate
   people out there seem to take a great delight in their computer there
   are reasons to believe that many do not take such good care of
   themselves.

   It's true Ami can be left running for hours and will successfully run
   half a dozen things at once without losing track of where she is. The
   operators, the human side of the equation on the other hand are not so
   fortunate and their personal needs should be looked at from time to
   time. Especially if you intend to do some serious (time consuming;
   anything that consumes that much time must be serious) computing.

   So where do you start?  - From the moment you walk into the room where
   Ami resides, regardless of whether it be your bedroom, a (spare)
   computer room or ensconsed in the lounge with the TV.

   Lighting:

   Technically if you're copy typing the source of light should be coming
   from behind and over one shoulder so that your own shadow is cast away
   from your work surface.  I have Ami in a corner, slightly angled to make
   the best use of the light (at night) and with the window in the same
   general direction (for daylight); also a small 40Watt or less desk lamp
   to add additional light when needed. Make sure this has enough of a
   cover over the globe so that you cannot see the globe when it's on.


   Seating:

   Even the regular kitchen seat can be enough with a cushion, but make
   sure you sit with the back of the chair hard up against your lower back.
   An adjustable typist's chair is better, and those funny, kneel/sit type
   things are suppposed to be the best.  I've only sat in them a couple of
   times and they certainly make you sit up straight, otherwise you feel
   like you're falling over.

   As to whether you like chairs with arm rests or not is up to you. I
   recommend commandeering which ever you prefer as your computer chair and
   keeping it adjusted or padded to your own requirements.

   Footrests:

   When you sit, your feet should be flat on the floor. Unless both your
   chair and your keyboard are adjustable you may require a foot rest to
   make up for any variance, I have a rail on my computer desk which does
   the trick.

   Sitting properly avoids back strain, neck pain and additional fatigue
   from the effort required to hold an uncomfortable or rigid position.
   You should be able to relax the muscles all the way down your spine and
   not feel as if you're about to fall over.


   Keyboard:

   Having got yourself seated and comfortable where are your hands? The
   recommended angle for your arms is 90deg from your body angle. You are
   correct when your hands do not have to angle back to make contact with
   the top of keyboard.

   Touch typing:

   A speed of 35wpm or better makes life easier, and is not that hard to
   achieve. Once you don't have to look at the keyboard for that missing
   letter you can get on with those letters, articles for Megadisc and even
   your programming becomes easier if you don't break your concentration by
   stopping to correct mistakes or find keys (I used to believe that the
   keys actually moved on me, they never seemed to be in the same place
   twice).

   Also If you're like me and can't afford a scanner with OCR (yet) a large
   amount of copy typing can be done in a short time with less effort and
   strain if you can type well and fast. (PS. Guys, you can actually gain
   points with the boss's new secretary if she finds you're not totally
   inept with a keyboard.)

   Exercises:

   Exercise is always a good idea but more importantly while you are at
   your computer for any length of time you tend to lock yourself into a
   position and limit the amount of moment.

   Every hour or so you should stop what you are working on and strech
   your shoulders, neck, fingers and back muscles. It's surpring just how
   much tension builds up while you concentrate on whatever program you're
   running.  Even games create tension and although it seems minimal a few
   moments streching shows just how much difference is involved.

   For starters your fingers can be exercised by simply clenching your
   fists, but do this slowly. You can feel the tendons across the back of
   your hand stiffen as you do this.  Rolling your wrists while you do this
   will also help.

   Tilt your head to one side then the other, give it 10-20 seconds in each
   position. Should you feel pain, or discomfort, with any streches stop
   immediately. There are two possibilities, either you are being too
   energetic with your streches, they should be done slowly, and
   controlled. OR you actually have a physical problem which you need to
   see your doctor about.

   Shrugging your shoulders helps release tension and stress in the neck
   area and again should be held for a few seconds then released.

   The one area which most people don't consider is the face. Stretching
   this will make you feel a little odd if you do it in front of your
   workmates but tension often translates to a tightly held jaw and added
   to pressure from eye strain soon becomes considerable. Don't massage the
   facial muscles, make them do some work, open your mouth as far as you
   can, widen your eyes and raise your eyebrows. Practice moving your ears
   if are one of those people who can.

   There are several publications which show various streching exercises
   including the Authors of the book "STRETCH", Bob & Jean Anderson, who
   have got a streching card, complete with diagrams and 16 detailed,
   simple exercises. Also the Sydney Hospital Physiotherapy Dept. gives
   away a chart which is simple and effective.

   Other than gentle streching, if you have not involved yourself in an
   regular program of exercise for some time it is recommended that you see
   your physician.

   Eyes:

   While there are varying reports on UV radiation and other effects of
   monitors on your eyes remember one of the easiest ways to reduce glare
   is change your colours to something less irritating. You don't have to
   have a white screen with black lettering. After all Ami has a selection
   of over 4000 possibilities and anyone who has experimented with
   interlace mode on a standard monitor will know how much a difference
   some colour combinations make. Still if you're really worried about UV
   Radiation rather than buy a filter which can only be used for your
   computer, try your sunnies....

   Eye drops are not such a bad idea after a long period in front of the
   screen either. Just be careful with these if you wear contacts - some of
   them stain...

   Food:

   Stop for the stuff!!!!
   Coffee, Tea, Coke (cola) and cigarettes seem to be the mainstay of most
   hackers (with assorted references to drugs thrown in) and you're already
   aware that the keyboard is better off without this mixture being poured,
   spilt or knocked over it. A keyboard skin helps. You are better  leaving
   the computer and going to the kitchen to find real food.

   Stay there and eat it. Relax and have that cuppa.

   An understanding spouse can make life easier by preparing something for
   you. Besides Ami should be able to sort a large database or print ten or
   twenty pages while you're away, then if nothing else that cute little
   screen blanking utility can get a go. If you're concerned about other
   little fingers getting hold of the keyboard, here's a chance to see if
   that password hack actually works.


   Sleep:

   I know that at 1:30am you're just about finished and... while I'm here
   I'll just see if this works....

   The disadvantage at this time of the morning is that Ami multitasks so
   well you can do several more things if you just stay up a little
   longer...

   Most of us have to get up for work, five days a week, then weekend
   chores and social events. Sleep along with the other things is a
   standard requirement of the human body. Fortunately there is a pay back.
   If you organise your time efficiently, deliberately leave Ami and get
   some sleep, you often find that after the six to eight hours of general
   unconsciousness you find that answer to the difficult programming
   problem, suddenly remember where that utility is to finish the job and
   realise just what is required to finish the game.

   You may not realise it but you're own brain is multi-tasking and like
   Ami slows down when you run too many things at once through it. Give it
   a break!!!!

   Then there's all those other things in life to get through, Television,
   books, conversation (you know, talking to people), art (other than
   DPaintIV) shopping (no, not for another hard drive) sex (if you're old
   enough), puberty (if you're not), senility (if you've given up on both
   of those), dancing (a bit like exercise but more fun), music (without
   Ami, a walkman or electricity, hey it can be done!), dinner (the real
   thing with candles, guests or someone else's cooking), family (remember
   them), etc.

   Generally you spend a lot of time looking after your Amiga and giving it
   all it needs, but don't forget the yourself, because without some input
   from you Ami doesn't do anything.


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