Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
differences, computer designers are attempting to develop systems that provide a great deal
of flexibility. In fact, the revolutionary design of Apple's iMac computer came about through
concerns for users' comfort. After using basically the same keyboard design for over a decade,
Microsoft introduced a new split keyboard called the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.
The keyboard provides improved ergonomic features such as improved angles that reduce
motion and how much you must stretch your fingers when you type. The design of the
keyboard also provides more convenient wrist and arm postures which make typing more
convenient for users.
Computer users who work at their machines for more than an hour per day should con-
sider using LCD screens, which are much easier on your eyes than CRT screens. If you stare
at a CRT screen all day long, your eye muscles can become fatigued from the screen flicker
and bright backlighting of the monitor. LCD screens provide a much better viewing expe-
rience for your eyes by virtually eliminating flicker while still being bright without harsh
incandescence. Also, remember to blink! We tend to focus hard on the screen and blink much
less than normal. The result is red, dry, itchy eyes. A few drops of artificial tears and changing
focus away from the screen periodically to rest the eyes has been found to help.
In addition to steps taken by hardware manufacturing companies, computer users must
also take action to reduce repetitive stress injury (RSI) caused by overuse of the computer
through repeated movements that affects muscles, tendons, or nerves in the arms, hands, or
upper back. For example, when working at a workstation, the top of the monitor should be
at or just below eye level. Your wrists and hands should be in line with your forearms, with
your elbows close to your body and supported. Your lower back needs to be well supported.
Your feet should be flat on the floor. Take an occasional break to get away from the keyboard
and screen. Stand up and stretch while at your workplace. Do not ignore pain or discomfort.
Many workers ignore early signs of RSI, and as a result, the problem becomes much worse
and more difficult to treat.
It is estimated that nearly 2 billion personal computers have been sold worldwide. This
creates a tremendous disposal problem because personal computers and monitors contain
lead, mercury, cadmium, and other metals defined as hazardous according to federal laws
that govern their disposal. Congress is considering placing an “e-fee” that would be paid like
a sales tax on personal computers, computer monitors, TVs, and some other electronic
devices to cover the cost of their safe disposal. The annual cost could be in the neighborhood
of $300 million. In the meantime, most personal computer manufacturers have implemented
recycling programs and many are trying to redesign their products to reduce material that
cannot be easily recycled. Many firms also specialize in the recycling of old personal com-
puters. Unfortunately, some recycling programs ultimately send electronics waste to devel-
oping nations in Africa and Asia where it is disposed in environmentally unfriendly ways.
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As you've seen throughout this topic in the “Ethical and Societal Issues” boxes, ethical issues
deal with what is generally considered right or wrong. As we have seen, laws do not provide
a complete guide to ethical behavior. Just because an activity is defined as legal does not mean
that it is ethical. As a result, practitioners in many professions subscribe to a
code of ethics
that states the principles and core values that are essential to their work and, therefore, govern
their behavior. The code can become a reference point for weighing what is legal and what
is ethical. For example, doctors adhere to varying versions of the 2000-year-old Hippocratic
Oath, which medical schools offer as an affirmation to their graduating classes.
Some IS professionals believe that their field offers many opportunities for unethical
behavior. They also believe that unethical behavior can be reduced by top-level managers
developing, discussing, and enforcing codes of ethics. Various IS-related organizations and
associations promote ethically responsible use of information systems and have developed
useful codes of ethics. The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the oldest
computing society, founded in 1947, and boasts more than 80,000 members in more than
code of ethics
A code that states the principles and
core values that are essential to a
set of people and, therefore, govern
their behavior.
