Before you start to type, you should read this important
advice about
keyboard use
You may have been typing for many years without problems, but
as full ten finger touchtyping is so much faster, it puts more strain
on the hands if you
don't do it right. Problems which would otherwise be so small you
barely notice
them can become much more serious. Back pain, eye strain and carpal
tunnel injuries (repetitive strain injury) can result from improper use
of a computer. Take time to learn the correct hand and seating
positions before you proceed with using this program
Don't get put off using this program because of all the
warnings you see here. Remember, the advice you see here is important
for any use of a computer. It is just particularly important
that you follow the advice if you are learning to type quickly.
Visit the following links
Microsoft's
Healthy Computing Guide
Information
about the causes and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The following points are important:
- Feet flat on the floor.
- Chair high enough that your thighs slope downwards
slightly. If you don't have a height adjustable chair, use cushions or
pillows to get the right height. A footrest may also be useful.
- The desk should be high enough for your forearms to be
roughly parallel to the floor.
- The centre of the screen should be just below eye height,
so you are looking very slightly downwards. Use slabs of wood or even
old telephone books to increase its height if necessary
- Your arms should reach all the keys on the keyboard without
stretching. You will have to move your elbows to reach the numerical
keypad (at the right hand side) and the function keys on the top row.
- The screen should be in a comfortable position, and free
from
distracting reflections. Arrange the monitor behind the keyboard to
avoid having a twist to the left or right in your neck or back.
- Your wrists should be fairly straight: they shouldn't be
bent back too much. Experiment using a wrist pads. Not all wrist pads,
including those that are fitted to the keyboard, will be suitable for
your keyboard and monitor layout.
- Wear glasses if you need them, otherwise you'll really need
them
- Take breaks every now and then, move around and stretch,
particularly your hands and fingers. Also, let your eyes focus on
something a long way away from time to time - take a look out of a
window.
- Any feeling of undue stress or strain is a sign
that something is wrong! stop the typing course immediately and
seek medical advice. You won't be able to type quickly if you have to
recover from RSI!
- This advice is provided in good faith but without
liability. Square Eyes Software
cannot be held liable in loss or injury caused by obeying this advice.
You type at your own risk. (i.e. please don't sue me. It's your fault
not mine)
Laptop computers are completely different again. You
may have a manual supplied with the computer (either printed manuals or
programs on your computer) which advises you on healthy use of your
computer.