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Questions tagged [ergonomics]

Questions about optimizing your workspace and computer setup to reduce effort and strain or to improve your physical performance on a computer task when using it. Questions that are not talking about the ergonomics of computer hardware are off topic.

64 questions
107
votes
32 answers

My fingers are cold when using my computer - solutions?

I am a programmer and sit at a computer ten hours a day - and even though the rest of me is nice and warm, my fingers are as cold as ice. Are there any gadgets or tricks to keep your fingers warm while typing/mousing? Gloves do not seem like a good…
Kjensen
  • 6,814
58
votes
6 answers

What's the correct monitor height for large monitors?

Conventional ergonomics guides suggest aligning the top of the monitor to where the operator looks at straight on. It seems doubtful that that still applies to today's 24" and 30" and larger displays. What was the reasoning behind that rule? …
Anonymouse
  • 681
48
votes
15 answers

How do I hit the “Ctrl” key without straining my pinky?

When I'm using Chrome, Powerpoint, Notepad++, etc. I take a lot of advantage of the keyboard shortcuts in those programs. However, this gets a bit tedious and straining, having my pinky stretch down to the Ctrl key every time I need to save, for…
digitxp
  • 14,884
44
votes
4 answers

Setting mouse sensitivity per device in Windows 7?

Is there any way (built-in or 3rd party application) to set per-device mouse sensitivity settings in Windows 7? Two mice behave differently and constantly need to switch sensitivities when switching between which mouse is in use.
pithyless
  • 561
30
votes
18 answers

What do you do about wrist pain?

I use the computer for many more hours per day than any human should, and consequentially I have wrist pain. It hurts to hold the mouse in my hand. Typing is fine, and I've learned how to stop using the mouse. Mostly. I'm otherwise entirely…
andrewrk
  • 312
29
votes
5 answers

How far from the computer screen is it recommended to sit?

I would like to know if there is any recommendations about how far from the computer screen it is good (healthy) to sit when I work in front of the computer long days. In an ergonomic perspective.
Jonas
  • 28,660
17
votes
6 answers

Adjust screen brightness automatically at night

Can anyone tell me how to automatically dim my monitors when it gets dark at night?
Nifle
  • 34,998
13
votes
11 answers

Monitor utilities

I'm a big fan of good monitor usage, but only currently use a few utilities to help me attain display nirvana across several systems and monitors. Part of this is due to not knowing what's available. Please list one monitor utility that you use and…
Adam Davis
  • 4,405
11
votes
4 answers

Solutions for one-handed typing on a regular keyboard

Are there any well-established solutions for using a computer efficiently with the left hand on the keyboard exclusively, and the right on the mouse; optimized for, but not limited to programming? One thing I've heard of is the one-handed Dvorak…
Kos
  • 1,043
  • 11
  • 21
11
votes
6 answers

Tips for getting latte or soda out of your keyboard?

For the first time in my entire life yesterday, I accidentally spilled some latte in my ergonomic keyboard. The keys are starting to stick a bit now, and I was just wondering if there was some way to get those keys unstuck short of buying a new…
leeand00
  • 23,552
10
votes
6 answers

What health and ergonomic factors should an all-day computer user take into account?

Many computer users don't think much about the detrimental (and beneficial?) effects of using a computer for 7+ hours per day. What should be considered when creating and sustaining a good working environment for computer use, in order to help…
Alistair Knock
  • 864
9
votes
7 answers

Are there effective Anti-glare screens?

I've got a laptop with a glossy screen, and have considered several so-called 'anti-glare' filters, since this glossy thing really gives me a headache. The one I tried might have protected the screen from scratches, (and I don't let a cat anywhere…
EFraim
  • 555
8
votes
4 answers

What is a good external trackpad for a Mac?

I am getting a laptop stand for my MacBook Pro to help with ergonomics when at my desk. Getting an external keyboard isn't a concern, but I have become accustomed to using the trackpad and gestures instead of a mouse. Is there a quality external…
g .
  • 824
8
votes
2 answers

How to calculate the ideal keyboard layout for programmers?

I'm thinking about creating a new keyboard layout for programming. Now I mostly program in HTML, JavaScript/jQuery/CoffeeScript, CSS/LESS/SASS, though I may dabble in shell scripting & RegEx soon, with perhaps LUA, C++, & Java in a few years. I…
tomByrer
  • 217
8
votes
9 answers

What kind of eye wear can I use to protect my eyes from being irritated from staring at a screen all day?

Many of us stare at computer screens all day. Lately, my eyes have been irritated from prolonged staring at my computer screens. Does anyone use or know of any eye wear technology that helps with this? About five years back, I bought a pair of…
dr dork
  • 370
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