Lighting - @Xi Computer Corporation MTower User Manual

Chapter 7, Computing Comfort and Safety

Lighting

Choose a monitor that is sharp enough to read without straining your eyes, and one
that is bright enough to match the ambient lighting.
Operate your monitor only at a comfortable brightness and contrast. Do not adjust
the brightness to its maximum setting for continuous operation. Running your
monitor with the external-brightness adjustment at its maximum setting, especially
when new, results in an image that eventually appears less clear. Using this setting
continuously also reduces the overall life of your monitor.
Follow these guidelines when using your monitor:
• If you have an older monitor, turn down the screen brightness control if you
leave the computer turned on for extended periods. Otherwise, the image on
the screen can be imprinted (or "burned into") the screen. You can also use a
screen saver program, which dims or varies the image on the screen when the
computer has been idle for a specified period of time. These programs come
with Windows, and are also available from independent suppliers, user groups,
and the Internet.
• Make sure that the ventilation openings on the monitor are clear and
unobstructed.
• If there is interference on the monitor screen or on a television or radio near
your computer, move the interfering equipment farther away.
Generally, the light coming from the monitor should match the brightness of the
ambient lighting: a monitor that is too dim or too bright can cause eyestrain. To
reduce eyestrain and headaches, avoid using lighting that causes glare and bright
spots on the monitor.
If your overhead or other lights are too bright and are causing reflections or are
overpowering your display, you can solve the problem inexpensively by making a
shield for your monitor, wearing a baseball cap or eye shade, or changing the angle
of the light. If your office has fluorescent lighting, try removing one or two bulbs
from the fixture directly over your work area.
If your work space has an outside window, make sure the window is not in front of
or behind the display screen. Daylight overcomes the monitor, making the screen
hard to read and increasing your chance of eyestrain. Placing the monitor at a 90°
angle from the window is the best choice.
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