Arranging Your Work Area; Choosing A Chair; Positioning The Monitor - IBM Aptiva Series Handbook

Arranging your work area

When you arrange your computer, position your monitor and
keyboard directly in front of you. Try to position the mouse to the
side of the keyboard. The keyboard and mouse should be close to
your body. Avoid reaching too far to use the keyboard and mouse.
The tower is usually kept on the floor under or beside your desk. Be
sure to place it in an area that will not block the space you need to
put your legs under the work surface.
Remember to allow space in your work area for other items you
might use such as reference books, document holders, notebooks,
and diskette or CD-ROM holders.

Choosing a chair

Use a chair that gives you good back support.
When you sit, make sure your thighs are parallel to the floor
and your feet are resting flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your
knees should form a 90-degree angle.

Positioning the monitor

Place the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually
20 to 24 inches away. You can use the length of your arm to
determine a comfortable viewing distance.
Adjust your monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly
below, eye level.
Keep the screen clean. For cleaning instructions, refer to the
documentation that came with your monitor.
If you place the monitor near a window, consider using curtains
or blinds to minimize glare from sunlight. Also be sure to keep
the monitor perpendicular to the windows to reduce glare
when the curtains or blinds are open. Try to avoid placing the
monitor directly in front of a window.
Use dim room lighting. If you need more light on your work,
you should position the light so it shines on your work surface
but not onto the monitor screen.
Use the monitor controls to adjust the screen's brightness and
contrast levels to a comfortable level. You may have to do this
more than once a day if the light in the room changes. For
monitor control adjustment instructions, refer to the
documentation that came with your monitor.
When your eyes focus on a specific object for a long period of
time, they may become tired. If you spend a lot of time looking
at your screen, remember to take frequent breaks. Look up
periodically and focus on an object that is further away. This
will give the muscles in your eyes a chance to relax.
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