When operating a computer, the operator interacts with it physically and psychologically. This topic deals with the physical and psychological effects a user may face when operating a computer. Therefore, we need to study the physical and psychological means of making people's use of computer more safely or comfortably. So, the science of the physical and psychological means of making people's use of computer more safely or comfortably in order to avoid computer syndromes is referred to as computer Ergonomics. In general term, Lauden (1998) defined Ergonomics as an applied science that concerned with the limitations and capabilities that needed to be considered in order that people will interact most effectively and safety.
The physical comforts to consider to best suit one's personal preference are: How chairs are built, desks and screens are designed.
The Psychological Ergonomics to consider here involved the Man-to-computer interface. Man-to-computer interface is the point at which a user (Man) physically interacts with a computer system. Now computers are designed and programmed to minimize the exhaustive use of keyboards The introduction of object-Oriented Languages has greatly helped the computer programmers to develop a user interface with menu objects, icons or graphic menus so that computer commands can be issued by a mouse instead of the continuous use of keys on the computer keyboard. This has reduced some psychological syndromes induced by computer used.
Physical Ergonomics
Ear Protectors are designed to protect the in coming noise form the mainframe computers. The sources of the noise in this machine could be from magnetic tape drives and impact printers. Because of this noise computers are redesigned to used noiseless printers like Laser Jet and Ink Jet printers
Flexible chairs:
Flexible workstation furniture has to be used to perform best operation with a computer. With flexible chair, a computer user will be able to stretch to and fro, chair should be rounded in front and should be padded.
Keyboards should be approximately 26 to 27 inches from the floor.
Vision Ergonomics:
The areas that need ergonomic attention are: The display screen, the light conditions in the room and the health of the user in terms of visual capabilities.
poor CRT or display screen had led to eye, and stress problems. Thus display screen is redesigned to adjustable screen heights, adjustable screen luminance and contrast. For visual safety the viewing distance to the screen is between 18 and 28 inches, Screen view angle is 10 to 20 degree below the horizontal, Mandatory rest breaks for all operators, Periodic vision tests for all operators, the workroom light glare or reflection should be off the shiny surface of the CRT screen. A screen that tilts can be easily adjusted off the light glare. Anti - glare surface can be built. General room lighting is recommended to be set at 30 to 50 foot candles.
Those whose primary job is CRT interaction should have yearly eye examinations and have eye glasses adjusted if necessary. Anyone who works with CRT should be educated in the ergonomics involved
