Because most of us literally "plant" ourselves in front of our computers, ensuring your computer workstation is set up properly to protect your health -- based on the "face time" we spend in front of it day and night -- is a good thing to do.
According to an online report by Cornell University, you should spend most of your time on the front end, determining the wheres, hows and whys of your daily computer usage, how your body will best adapt to that work and the actual layout versus the costs. Cornell professors have produced a great list of the top 10 concerns, mainly questions, you should consider to make your computer work less stressful and harmful to your health, before you spend a nickel on a new system.
- How will the computer be used and who will be using it?
- What kind of computer will be used?
- What furniture will you use?
- What chair will be used?
- What kind of work will the computer be used for?
- What can you see?
- Improve your posture.
- Keep important items close at hand.
- Arrange computer tools (mouse and keyboard) on your desk properly.
- Where will the computer be used?
Cornell University Ergonomics Web