Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
For example, the keyboard shown in Figure 12.6 has a split design, so
that your hands extend straight from your wrists when typing, rather
than curving inward. This keyboard also has a built-in wrist rest in front.
Figure 12.7 shows an ergonomically designed mouse; notice how the
hand and thumb fit naturally on it at rest.
© iStockphoto.com/photosoup
Figure.12 7
An ergonomic mouse.
© iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer
Figure.12 6
An ergonomic keyboard.
Quick Review
1 What can you do to prevent eyestrain?
2 Why is it important to adopt a correct posture when sitting at a computer?
3 What are two ways to reduce your risk of hand and wrist pain when using a mouse and keyboard?
Environmental Issues in
Computer Disposal
Computers are made of more than just their metal or plastic case. They
contain components such as a motherboard, hard drive, display, and
peripherals. These components contain all sorts of different materials,
some of which may be toxic to the environment.
To avoid damaging the environment, it's imperative that you dispose
of your computer properly when you no longer want it. Dumping a
computer in a landfill could cause heavy metals and poisons such as
arsenic from the components to enter the area's water supply, putting the
population at risk. Similarly, incinerating a computer could release ele-
ments such as mercury and cadmium into the atmosphere, which could
be harmful to those nearby.
Many countries now have regulations that govern the disposal process.
In some cases, these regulations require computer retailers and manufac-
turers to contribute toward having the computer recycled. This makes
the disposal process much safer and easier.
