Are you sitting comfortably? - Part 3

In this third and final part of our mini series on comfortable computing, Ian Waugh investigates rodent handling and the inherent problems of taking notes with a notebook...

Mousey mousey

The mouse has been cited as one of the main culprits of RSI although poor arm and wrist positions on the keyboard also play their part. However, it's easy to strain your arm and wrist by incorrect or excessive use of the mouse. Here are some suggestions how to minimise problems.

• Place the mouse to the immediate right or left of the keyboard so you don't have to stretch to reach it.
• As with using the keyboard, keep your forearm and wrist straight, don't angle your wrist.
• Don't grip the mouse tightly, use a light touch and click the buttons gently.
• Don't hold onto the mouse if you're not using it as this will cause strain.
• If you want to use a keyboard pull-out (such as those typically fitted under so-called computer desks), make sure you can get both keyboard and mouse on it otherwise you will have to continually stretch to reach the mouse.
• Do not rest your wrist on the edge of the desk while using the mouse as this puts pressure on the wrist and the desk edge will cut into it.

Take note

The same considerations apply to using a notebook as to using a desktop. However, the fact that the keyboard and screen are at fixed positions to each other brings with it additional considerations.

• Follow the same general guidelines for using a laptop as for using a desktop, particularly to ensure that you are sitting comfortably. If working away in an hotel, for example, sit at a desk and use blankets and towels to adjust your seat height and to support your back.
• If the keyboard lies flat and parallel with the desk, consider raising the back to elevate it a little.
• Tilt the screen so it's as close to parallel with your face as possible.
• Position yourself and the computer so the screen does not attract glare.
• If using a notebook for long periods of time, take more regular breaks, change your position more often and walk around more.
• If you have to use a laptop for long periods in a fixed location, see if you can plug it into a proper monitor which you can then place in a better position.
• If you use a laptop while lounging on a chair or a sofa, or if you indulge in a cable-free keyboard with a desktop computer, it's still important to remember the guidelines. Don't slouch or hunch, support your back, keep your head and neck relaxed, don't angle your wrists and take regular breaks.

In conclusion

Most of the guidelines we've presented here are common sense but it's surprising how many people will simply sit down at a computer and use the "settings" left by the previous occupant. You may well be capable of working at it for a few hours or even days or weeks but if you are causing strain in a part of your body you are simply storing up problems for later on.

It's like getting into a car. You don't jump into a car you haven't driven before, switch on and drive away - unless you're in the movies. You adjust the car seat, the rear-view mirror and the side mirrors and familiarise yourself with the controls before you drive away.

Setting up your computer area to suit you personally will have the same effect - of keeping you healthy longer.

Ian Waugh
Read More of Ian's music reviews and tips at www.making-music.com