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.
