| Your new computer has arrived and you don't have a | | | | your feet don't rest comfortably on the floor, buy a |
| clue how to set thing up but you know you have to | | | | footrest. Your feet should be resting flat on the floor. |
| start somewhere. To start off on the right foot start | | | | The following items you want to make sure you have |
| by setting up your work area properly. Your computer | | | | with your brand new computer when setting up: |
| will be a valuable tool for you and the family, so it's | | | | - Monitor. This houses the computer screen. Position |
| worth taking time to plan your computer space and | | | | your monitor to avoid reflections, but avoid facing a |
| system well, to ensure it is both easy and safe to use. | | | | bright window yourself as this may lead to eyestrain. |
| Ideally, it would be best to convert a small room, or a | | | | - Keyboard. You must make sure your keyboard is on |
| corner of a larger one, into an office, so everyone in | | | | a stable and level surface within easy reach. Leave |
| the family can use the computer without being | | | | enough space in front for hands and wrists and ensure |
| disturbed. Make sure the selected area has adequate | | | | that the desk is at the correct height. |
| space and several electrical outlets, not just for your | | | | - Printer. Position your printer near the system unit. |
| equipment but for a desk lamp. If you will be sending | | | | Make sure there is sufficient space around it for |
| faxes from your computer, or connecting to the | | | | loading the paper trays. |
| internet, you also need to be near a telephone jack. | | | | - Mouse. Place the mouse to the left or right of your |
| Set aside some time, maybe 3 to 4 hours to set up | | | | keyboard to minimize arm movement. Use the mouse |
| your computer properly. Think carefully about how to | | | | pad to create the correct amount of friction for the |
| arrange your area. A poorly laid out system will be | | | | mouse, and be sure there is room to move the mouse |
| irritating and may even prevent you from getting full | | | | back and forth. |
| use of your computer. Also, it's a good idea to spend | | | | - Speakers. For the best sound quality, speakers |
| some time reading those manuals. You need to know | | | | should be well spaced apart at desk level or higher, not |
| where to plug in the different cables. | | | | pushed under the desk. Ensure that the computer is |
| Another thing you want to make sure is you do have | | | | situated so that others are not disturbed by computer |
| the proper computer desk. It's best to be able to alter | | | | games or alert sounds. |
| the height of the monitor and keyboard, and tuck the | | | | - System unit also known as the hard drive. This is the |
| keyboard away when not in use. Your PC desk should | | | | part of your computer that connects everything |
| be a comfortable height for typing so that the lower | | | | together. Leave space so that you can plug in the |
| part of your arms are parallel to the floor. | | | | cables easily. Don't leave cables trailing. |
| Make sure you have an adjustable chair, which each | | | | Make sure when you set up your computer, you have |
| member of the family can adjust for good posture and | | | | each part that is listed because knowing exactly |
| maximum support. Your adjustable chair will support | | | | where to place each of these parts will ensure a safe |
| your back and can be adjusted for each family user. If | | | | and efficient work area. |