Some Advantages and Disadvantages of using Computers

A user is defined as any person who utilizes the information given by a computer.

Advantages

The main advantage of computers is that it made human lives much easier.

Computers improves business and the money making process.  I am sure you can think of a lot of ways in which a person can make an income using a computer. Think youtube, google adsence and facebook.

It increases the speed by which data is sent and received. (Communications)

Computers are very dependable for research.

Disadvantages

When it comes to computers the main risk is strained eyes. Working for long periods of time on the computer can worsen your existing eye conditions. Some symptoms may include eye discomfort, headaches, itchy eyes and difficulty in focusing. It is important to rest the eyes while working on the computer.

Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems

Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness can occur from improper placement of the computer monitor,

mouse or document you are working from. If these items are not placed correctly, the muscles of your

neck and shoulders are constantly working to keep the head and arms in an awkward position. Phone use

while keying can also contribute to neck and shoulder pain from cradling the phone to your ear.

Reducing Risks for Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems:

• Your line of vision should hit the top of the monitor, the mouse should be next to the

keyboard at the same height, and a document holder should be used to make sure paperwork

is at the same distance, angle and height as the monitor.

• Arrange the computer equipment in a straight line so you are not twisting your back.

• To reduce telephone related muscle stress, use the speaker function or purchase a headset.

A chair that does not provide support for the lower back, or lumbar, can cause back pain. If there

is no lumbar support, back muscles experience fatigue because they must do more work to keep the body

in an upright position. An unsuitable chair also adds to poor posture, such as slouching, that puts pressure

on the spine.

• Get a good chair that is adjustable and allows the user to move the seat pan up and down, the

arm rests in and out and the seat back forward and back. Chairs should be adjusted so the feet

can be placed squarely on the ground or a footrest. Chairs should also come in a few different

sizes to best fit the user.

Vision

Many people who use computers for prolonged periods of time complain of eyestrain, eye fatigue,

eye irritation and blurred vision. Fortunately, correcting these problems can be relatively easy and

inexpensive.

Helpful Hints:

• To reduce glare, tilt the screen down slightly so that that overhead lighting does not hit the

screen. Place monitors at right angles to windows so glare does not hit the screen or the user’s

eyes. Use blinds or curtains for controlling sunlight glare. Reduce room lighting to half-normal

office levels and use task lighting for paper work and other tasks. Try these methods before

relying on glare screens, as they are dust collectors and require continuous cleaning.

• If there is flicker, or small and illegible characters, make sure the computer is operating

properly and that the screen and characters are big enough to read comfortably. Prolonged,

intense viewing of the monitor can also cause flickering sensations.

 Take breaks by looking away from the screen for ten seconds; make phone calls or do other

work and give your eyes a rest.

Dryness and irritation are also common complaints. Keep computers and desk areas clean to

keep dust levels down and help reduce eye irritation. Don’t forget to blink when working at a

computer. Eyes need lubrication and with computer work, especially in a dry workplace,

blinking is especially important, as is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Wearing

contact lenses can aggravate the problem.