Computer Ergonomics – Save Yourself A Headache

When you set up your computer desk, how did you do it?

Most of us drag a table or desk against a wall, drop a keyboard, mouse and monitor on it, the box on the floor, plug everything in and start working. And a month later your right shoulder aches, you’ve tried a wrist rest and three different mice to no avail, and you get a headache if you’re at your desk for more than half an hour.

A few easy adjustments and you can avoid these pains.

Start with your chair – it should be a comfortable height, and put the surface of your desk one or two inches above your elbows. If you are going to spend a few extra dollars on your desk setup, or plan on replacing anything, a nice chair will make the most difference to you.

Next is your monitor. The center of your monitor should be at eye level when you are comfortably seated, and far enough back so you can easily see the entire monitor.

Keyboard / Mouse – most people prefer a keyboard tray. I agree with this, as long as the tray is large enough to hold your mouse comfortably as well – if your mouse doesn’t fit on the tray, you must then either have the mouse too high for comfort or the keyboard too low. But as long as the height is comfortable, the surface of your desk will work just fine for your keyboard and mouse as well. This is a matter of comfort and preference.

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Software Everyone Needs – and Wants

Whether a computer is old or new, for work or personal use, there are some kinds of programs I always like to install. It makes life easier for me, whether it’s my computer or someone else’s.

Anti virus – Some current, reliable anti-virus software is necessary. It should update automatically. Keeping a second anti-malware program installed as a backup is a good plan in case something manages to sneak past your security.

How to Recycle an Old Computer

Have a computer? (I’m going to guess ‘yes’) Have an old computer? Still in that corner or closet?

We know the environmentally responsible thing to do is to recycle them. I am often offered “old” or “broken” computers when I am updating or installing a system for someone because they know they should “recycle it, or something”. The question they can’t answer is: “How?”

Everyone has a few options available:

5 Easy Steps to Speed Up Windows

Computers are everywhere, yet most people are so intimidated by these devices that they do little maintenance and – like failing to change the oil in your car – suffer the cost of such laxity.

But here’s the big secret: anyone who can use Windows can perform these five easy steps to a faster – and happier – computer experience.

1. Empty the Recycle Bin – Look at your desktop. See your Recycle Bin? When did you last empty it? Those files are in the recycle bin for a reason – and it’s probably time to get rid of them.

Anti Virus Software – Help Your Computer Stay Protected

Keep Your Computer Safe from Malware

Most people assume that if they have some anti-virus software installed, their computer is safe and protected. Good software however, is only as good as it’s user. If you don’t keep your anti virus software updated, your system is vulnerable. If your anti virus software is fairly current, it should update frequently – my free software downloads and installs new definitions every day.

Sadly there are more than just viruses at loose on the web today. Malware, in the form of spyware, rootkits, trojans and more can infect your system, causing more problems. Here’s a quick explanation of some flavors of malware:

Time to Expand!

In a normal business day here, there are endless trips from our office area to our storage space to get keyboards, servers, toner, motherboards, and endless other computer electronics. It recently became obvious that it was time to upgrade from a string of storage units to a single location.

After deciding how much space we need, setting a budget, shopping the space available in our market and the million other steps along the way, we found our new location.

You Knew It Was Coming – the Fat Free Blog!

Well, you knew it was coming! Here’s the Grand Opening of the Fat Free Blog – your place to hear what this group of authors has to say about aftermarket computer electronics! Our authors from Fat Free Parts encompass over 60 years worth of experience with computer electronics, from tech support to network administration, databases to web sites, they have endless tips, tricks and details that can only come from the daily experiences of working with computers.

From reviews to disposal, identifying great deals to spotting pigs-in-a-poke, we’ll give you weekly updates with ideas on how to get more mileage out of your depreciated computer equipment and when to cut your losses. We’ll tell you about our latest favorite new products, the old reliable parts we keep reviving and anything between that strikes us as interesting!

Feedback and comments are always welcome! You can subscribe to our blog using the link in the upper right of this page, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, connect via LinkedIn – Fat Free Parts is all about the customers, so tell us what you think!

Thanks for stopping in, and we’ll see you next week!