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Chapter 2. Arranging your workspace
To get the most from your server, arrange both the equipment you use and your work
area to suit your needs and the kind of work you do. Your comfort is of foremost
importance, but light sources, air circulation, and the location of electrical outlets also
can affect the way you arrange your workspace.
Comfort
Although no single working position is ideal for everyone, here are a few guidelines to
help you find a position that suits you best.
Sitting in the same position for a long time can cause fatigue. A good chair can make
a big difference. The backrest and seat should adjust independently and provide good
support. The seat should have a curved front to relieve pressure on the thighs. Adjust
the seat so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are either flat on the
floor or on a footrest.
When using the keyboard, keep your forearms parallel to the floor and your wrists in a
neutral, comfortable position. Try to keep a light touch on the keyboard and your
hands and fingers relaxed. You can change the angle of the keyboard for maximum
comfort by adjusting the position of the keyboard feet.
Adjust the monitor so the top of the screen is at, or slightly below, eye level. Place the
monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, usually 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 in.), and
position it so you can view it without having to twist your body. Also position other
equipment you use regularly, such as the telephone or a mouse, within easy reach.
Glare and lighting
Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections from overhead lights, windows,
and other light sources. Even reflected light from shiny surfaces can cause annoying
reflections on your monitor screen. Place the monitor at right angles to windows and
other light sources, when possible. Reduce overhead lighting, if necessary, by turning
off lights or using lower wattage bulbs. If you install the monitor near a window, use
curtains or blinds to block the sunlight. You might have to adjust the Brightness and
Contrast controls on the monitor as the room lighting changes throughout the day.
Where it is impossible to avoid reflections or to adjust the lighting, an antiglare filter
placed over the screen might be helpful. However, these filters might affect the clarity
of the image on the screen; try them only after you have tried all other methods of
reducing glare.
Dust buildup compounds problems that are associated with glare. Remember to clean
your monitor screen periodically using a soft cloth that is moistened with a
nonabrasive liquid glass cleaner.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001
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