Apple Power Macintosh 8100-80, Power Macintosh 8100-80AV User Manual



Power Macintosh

Getting Started

Setup and important health-related information
for the Power Macintosh 8100/80 and 8100/80AV

K Apple Computer, Inc.

© 1994 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may
not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple. Your rights to the
software are governed by the accompanying software license agreement.

Startup sound created and performed by Stanley Jordan. © 1993 Apple Computer, Inc.
The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the US and other

countries. Use of the “keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without
the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark infringement and unfair
competition in violation of federal and state laws.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is
not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

Apple Computer, Inc.
20525 Mariani Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014-6299
[phone]

Apple, the Apple logo, APDA, AppleTalk, EtherTalk, LaserWriter, LocalTalk, MacTCP,
Macintosh, and StyleWriter are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.

Apple AudioVision, AppleCD, AppleColor, Apple Desktop Bus, PlainTalk, GeoPort,
Macintosh PC Exchange, Power Macintosh, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc.

Adobe, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, PageMaker, and PostScript are trademarks of
Adobe Systems Incorporated, which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.

CompuServe is a trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
Exposure is a registered trademark of Preferred Publishers, Inc.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.
Macintosh Basics was developed using VideoWorks Interactive. VideoWorks Interactive is a

trademark of MacroMind, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Motorola is a registered trademark of Motorola Corporation.
NuBus is a trademark of Texas Instruments.
PowerPC and the PowerPC logo are trademarks of International Business Machines

Corporation, used under license therefrom.
QMS is a registered trademark, and ColorScript is a trademark of QMS, Inc.
QuarkXPress is a registered trademark of Quark, Inc.
Quattro is a trademark of Borland International, Inc.
SuperPaint is a registered trademark of Aldus Corporation.
Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc.
Ventura Publisher is a registered trademark of Ventura Software, Inc.
WordPerfect is a registered trademark of WordPerfect Corporation.
Write Now is a trademark of T/Maker Company.
Simultaneously published in the United States and Canada.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an

endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the
performance or use of these products.

Con tents

Communications regulation information vii

Preface Welcome to Power Macintosh ix

Part I Setting Up Your Computer and Learning the Basicsi

1Setting Up 1

Plugging in the computer 2
Installing an expansion card 3
Connecting a monitor 4
Connecting th e mouse and keyboard 8
Connecting oth er devices 9
Tur ning the computer on 9
Problems turning on your computer? 12
What’s next? 13

2Safety and Health Information 15

Safety instr uct i ons 15
Health-related information about computer use 17
What’s n ext? 21

iii

3Learning to Use Your Computer 23

Part 1: Starting the Macintosh Basics tour 24

Part 2: Practici ng your new skills 28
Answers to the review questions 32
Clues on your screen 42
Tur ning the computer off 43

4Basic Skills 45

Working with icons 46
Working with windows 48
Working with documents 50
Working with disks 52
Organizing your desktop 54
Working with pull-down menus 55
Keyboard shortcuts in the Finder and in directory dialog boxes 56

Part II More About Your Macintoshi

5Expanding Your Co mp uter and Connecting Other Equipment 59

Installing an expansion card 59
Expanding memory 68
Installing other internal devices 68
Your computer at a glance 69
Connecting hard disks and other SCSI devices 72
Connecting a printer 77

iv

Contents

Connecting an additional monitor 78
Connecting a trackball or other input device 78
Connecting a microphone 79
Connecting a GeoPort Telecom Adapter or modem 80
Connecting to a high-speed network 80
Attaching a security lo ck 82

6Using Software With Your Power Macintosh 83

Usi ng Po w er Macintosh application programs 83
Usi ng o lder Macintosh programs 85
The software programs that came with your computer 86

7Using Stereo Audio 87

About your computer’s sound ports 88
Connecting an audio device 89
Recording an alert sound 92
Connecting external stereo sp eakers 93
Playing audio CDs 94

8Using Video With Your Power Macintosh 8100/80AV 95

Example of a Macintosh system for working with video 96
About your computer’s video ports 97
Connecting a VCR to view video images or capture frames 100
Recording video movies 105
Recording a computer presentation on videotape with voice annotation 105
Usi ng a television as a monitor 109

Contents

v

Part III Troubleshootingi

9Solutions to Common Problems 115

When you run into trouble 115
Solutions to common problems 118

10 Reinstalling System Software 127

Do you need to install system software? 128
Star ting up from a built-in CD-ROM drive 128
Starting up from a floppy drive 129
Reinstalling system software 130
Custom installation 132
Reinstalling the CD-ROM software 132
Copy ing syst em s o ftware from the Power Maci ntosh CD disc 134

Appendix Exchang i ng Files With DOS or Windows 137

Macintosh PC Exchange at a glance 137
Using DOS-format disks on your Macintosh 138
Opening DOS documents on your Macintosh 141
Assigning Macintosh programs to DOS documents 142
Saving documents onto a DOS-format disk 151

Index 155

vi

Contents

Communications regulation information

FCC statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. See instructions if interference to
radio or television reception is suspected.

Radio and television interference

The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency
energy. If it is not installed and used properly—that is, in strict accordance with Apple’s
instructions—it may cause interference with radio and television reception.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These specifications are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

You can determine whether your computer system is causing interference by turning it off. If
the interference stops, it was probably caused by the computer or one of the peripheral devices.

If your computer system does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct
the interference by using one or more of the following measures:

m Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.
m Move the computer to one side or the other of the television or radio.
m Move the computer farther away from the television or radio.
m Plug the computer into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio.

(That is, make certain the computer and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by
different circuit breakers or fuses.)

If necessary, consult an Apple-authorized service provider or Apple. See the service and support
information that came with your Apple product. Or, consult an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. You may find the following booklet helpful: Interference
Handbook (stock number 004-000-00493-1). This booklet, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission, is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402.

IMPORTANT

could void the FCC Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.
This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that included the use of Apple

peripheral devices and Apple shielded cables and connectors between system components. It is
important that you use Apple peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between
system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets,
and other electronic devices. You can obtain Apple peripheral devices and the proper shielded
cables and connectors through an Apple-authorized dealer. For non-Apple peripheral devices,
contact the manufacturer or dealer for assistance.

Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Apple Computer, Inc.,

Communications Regulation Information

vii

DOC statement

DOC Class B Compliance This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio

noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the radio interference regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.

Observation des normes—Classe B Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits

radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la Classe B
prescrites dans les règlements sur le brouillage radioélectrique édictés par le Ministère des
Communications du Canada.

VCCI statement

CD-ROM drive

WARNING

equipment’s manual may result in hazardous exposure.

WARNING

this product is harmful to the eyes. The use of optical instruments, such as magnifying lenses,
with this product increases the potential hazard to your eyes. For your safety, have this
equipment serviced only by an authorized Apple service provider.

If you have an internal Apple CD-ROM drive in your computer, your computer is a Class 1
laser product. The Class 1 label, located on the computer, indicates that the drive meets
minimum safety requirements.

Making adjustments or performing procedures other than those specified in your

Do not attempt to disassemble the cabinet containing the laser. The laser beam used in

viii

Class 1 label

Communications Regulation Information

Welcome to Power Macintosh

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Macintosh. Your computer is
designed to give you the highest performa nce combined with real ease of
use—it’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to expand. This manual will
guide you through the setup procedure, tell you how to expand your
Macintosh, and provide many tips on using your new system.

Your Macintosh is powered by the new microprocessor (or “chip”).
This microprocessor was designed by Apple Computer, Inc., Motorola, Inc.,
and IBM Corporation. The microprocessor uses Reduced
Instruction Set (RISC) technology to deliver very high performance at the
lowest possible cost. Th e RISC microprocessor represents the state
of the art in microprocessor design.

Your new Macintosh will r un almost all your existing Macintosh software,
but for best perfor ma nce a nd greatest speed, look for the new software
programs designed especially for Power Macintosh computers. You’ll find
Power Macintosh programs at any software store that carries products for
Macintosh.

ix

Setting Up Your Computer and
Learning the Basics

Chapter 1 Setting Up
Chapter 2 Safety and He alth Information
Chapter 3 Learning to Use Your Computer
Chatper 4 Basic Skills

Part I of this book provides the information you need
to set up and learn about your Macintosh. It includes
instr ucti ons for

m

Setting up the computer and turning it on

m

Using the computer safely

m

Learning basic M acintosh skills

If you are new to the Macintosh, go through all
the chapters in this section. You’ll find a tutorial
in Chapter 3 that will acquaint you wi th
Macintosh skills.

If you’re an exper ienced Macintosh user, go through
the setup instructions in Chapter 1 and read the
health and safety info rmat ion in Chapter 2, then
proceed to Part II, “More About Your Macintosh.”

part

I

Follow the instructions in this

Keyboard cable

Monitor cable

(sometimes built into the monitor)

Monitor power cord

(sometimes built into the monitor)

Computer power cord

Monitor

Keyboard

Macintosh computer

Adapters for composite video

(Power Macintosh 8100/80

AV only)

Mouse

section to set up your computer

1

Setting Up

Setting up your computer involves these steps:

m Plugging in the computer
m Connecting a

monitor

m Connecting th e

mouse and
keyboard

m Tur ning the

computer on

1

Pluggin g in the computer

Before you plug your Macintosh into a wall socket, carefully read all the
installation instructions in Chapter 1. Then, before you connect anything to
your Macintosh, follow the instructions below to plug it in. Th e plug grounds
and protects the computer from electrical damage while you are setting up.

When you are ready to begin:

1Plug the socket end of the computer’s power cord into the recessed power plug (marked

with the symbol ≤) on the back of the computer.

2Plug the other end of the power cord into a three-hole grounded outlet or power strip.

Choose a power outlet to which you have easy access.

WARNING

This equipment is intended to be electrically grounded. Your
Macintosh is equipped with a three-wire grounding plug—a plug that
has a third (grounding) pin. This plug will fit only a grounded AC
outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact a licensed electrician to replace the outlet with a
properly grounded outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding
plug!

2

Chapter 1

IMPORTANT

Power cord plug

Power cord socket

Be sure at least one end of the power cord is within easy reach so

that you can unplug th e computer when you need to.

If the computer starts up: If you hear a tone, the computer has started up and
you need to turn it off before proceeding. The power switch is located on the
back of the computer and is marked with the symbolI. Press the switch to
turn the computer off.

Installing an expansion card

If you purchased any expansion cards for your Macintosh, install them now
(see “Installing an Expansion Card” in Chapter 5 for instructions). If you
don’t have an expansion card, go on to the next section, “Connecting a
Monitor.”

Setting Up

3

Connecting a monitor

You can connect many types of monitors to your Macintosh, including:
m Apple AudioVision monitors. AudioVision monitors include built-in

speakers, a microphone, video, and an ADB port (for an input device such
as a keyboard).

m Most standard monitors. See the Te ch ni c al In for m a t i o n booklet that came

with your computer for a complete list.

This section contains instructions for connecting both types of monitors. To
connect a monitor from a manufacturer other than Apple, also refer to the
instructions that came with the monitor.

Connecting the monitor’s power cord

Monitors have two cords to conn ect: a power cord and a monitor cable. To
connect the monitor power cord:

1Place the monitor where you will be using it.

Keep in mind these considerations:
m Allow a few inch es for air circulation around the computer and monitor.

4

m Make sure the top of the screen is slightly below eye level when you’re

sitting at th e keyboard.

m Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections on the screen from

overhead lights and windows.

m Consult “Arranging Your Office” in Chapter 2 for suggestions about

locating your computer equipment.

2Connect the monitor’s power cord to the monitor.

On some monitors, the cord is already attached.

Chapter 1

3Plug in the monitor’s power cord.

Monitor power socketMonitor power cord

Some power cords are designed to plug into the back of your computer. You
can also plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet (an adapter may
be needed).

Some monitors have to be connected to a grounded power outlet, not to the
computer’s power socket. Check the information that came with the monitor.

Setting Up

5

Connecting the monitor cable

High-density monitor port
(for connecting an
AudioVision monitor)

Second monitor port
(for connecting a
standard monitor)

After you plug in the monitor’s power cord, you connect the monitor cable to
the computer’s monitor port. Your computer has two monitor ports: a standard
monitor port, and a high-density monitor port for AudioVision monitors. The
high-density port accepts a monitor with a screen 16 inches or smaller
(measured diagonally).

6

You can connect one or two monitors of either type, or one of each type.
To connect the monitor cable:

1Attach the monitor cable to the monitor.

On some monitors, the cable is already attached.

Chapter 1

2Attach the monitor cable to one of the monitor ports on the back panel of the computer.

AudioVision monitors
are connected here.

Standard monitors
are connected here.

If the monitor is a n AudioVision model, such as the Apple AudioVision 14,
attach the monitor cable to the computer’s high density monitor port. If the
monitor is a standard model, attach the monitor cable to the standard monitor
port.

If you have an AudioVision monitor, see the information that came with the
monitor to use its special features.

Setting Up

7

Connecting the mou se and keyboard

ADB icon

You have a choice of several keyboards for your Macintosh. They are all
connected the same way.

1Plug the mouse cable into the port on either side of the keyboard.

Most right-handed people prefer to use the mouse with their right hand; most
left-handed people prefer to use their left hand. Plug the mouse into the port
on the side you prefer.

The plug and the port are marked with the same icon (◊). Align the icons
before you insert the plug. The positions of the port and icon on your
keyboard may be different from those pictured.

8

Chapter 1

By the way: The ◊ icon is called the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) icon.

2Plug the keyboard cable (both ends are the same) into the other port on the keyboard.
3Plug the keyboard cable into the port on the back of the computer marked with the

◊

icon.

Some monitors have a port to which you can connect the keyboard or mouse.
See the information that came with your monitor.

Connecting other devices

If you are new to the Macintosh: It’s a good idea to get some experience with
your computer before connecting other devices, such as a pri nter or scanner.
Go through the rest of the material in Part I, including th e learning materials
in Chapter 3.

When you are ready to connect other devices to your Macintosh, follow the
instructions in Chapter 5.

Turning the computer on

To tur n on the computer for the first time, follow these steps.

1 Turn on the monitor.

See the information that came with your monitor for the location of the power
switch. On Apple monitors, the power switch has this icon:I.

By the way: You only need to turn on the monitor once. From now on, the
monitor will turn off automatically when you shut down the computer, and it
will turn on automatically when you start up the computer. (If the monitor is
not plugged into the computer, it must be turned on separately each time you
turn on the computer.)

Setting Up

9

2 Turn on your computer by pressing the Power On key.

Yo u’ ll find the Power On key at the top of the keyboard. You can recognize
this key by the triangle outline on it.

10

Chapter 1

3Check to see what’s on your screen.

m If you see the Macintosh desktop, shown here, your system software is

already set up correctly. Skip now to “

What’s Next?”

Hard disk icon

Macintosh desktop

m If you see a blinking question mark, you need to install system software on

the co mputer’s hard disk. (System software is a set of programs the
computer uses to start itself up.)

See “Reinstalling System Software” in Chapter 10 of this book for
information on installing system software.

m If you see anything else on your screen, or if you see nothing at all, see the

next section, “Problems Turning on Your Computer?”

IMPORTANT

If you need to turn off your computer at any point, please see
“Turning the Computer Off” at the end of Chapter 3. It is very important to
use the correct procedure for shutting down your Macintosh before turni ng it
off.

Setting Up

11

Prob lems tu rning on your computer?

If you don’t see anything on the screen, check these items to see if you can
identify the problem.

m Is the computer plugged into a power source? If it is plugged into a power

strip, is the power strip turned on?

m Is the computer turned on? T he power-on light on the front panel should

be on.

m Are the keyboard and mouse cables connected correctly? (Don’t disconnect

the keyboard or mouse cables while your computer is on. You could
damage your equipment.)

m Is the monitor power cord plugged in?
m Is the monitor turned on? (Check the power-on light on the front of the

monitor.)

m Is the monitor’s cable attached firmly to both the monitor and computer?
m Is the brightness control on the monitor adjusted correctly? (On Apple

monitors, the brightness control is marked with the symbol¤.)

12

Chapter 1

What’s next?

Yo u’ve completed setting up your computer. Next, be sure to read Chapter 2,
“Safety and Health Information,” which contains important tips on working
safely and comfortably with your computer.

Then continue with one of the following steps:
m If you are new to the Macintosh, turn to Chapter 3, “

Learning to Use Your

Computer.”

m If you are an experienced Macintosh user, turn to Part II, “More About

Your Macintosh.”

m If you want to install application software on your computer, refer to

Chapter 6 of this book a nd to the Macintosh Reference for information on
setting up your programs and managing memory. You’ll n eed this
information to properly set up any software programs specifically designed
for Power Macintosh computers.

If you have questions about your computer that are not covered in this book,
consult the Macintosh Reference.

Setting Up

13

Read this section to learn how to

use your computer safely

and comfortably

2

Safety and Health Information

Safety instructions

For your own safety and that of your equipment, always take the following
precautions.

Tur n off the computer completely and disconnect the power plug (by pulling
the plug, not the cord) if any of the following conditions exists:

m The power cord or plug becomes frayed or oth erwise damaged.
m You spill somethi ng into the case.
m Your Macintosh is exposed to rain or any other excess moisture.
m Your Macintosh has b een dropped or the case has otherwise been

m You suspect that your Macintosh needs service or repair.
m You want to clean the case (use only the recommended procedure

For additional safety:

damaged.

described below).

m If you ever need to remove the cover of your computer, replace it before

you use the computer.

m Never tur n on your computer with any of the i nternal parts removed.
m Never tur n on your computer with any parts of the exter nal closure

removed.

15

Be sure that you always do the following:
m Keep your Macintosh away from sources of liquids, such as wash basins,

bathtubs, shower stalls, and so on.

m Protect your Macintosh from dampness or wet weather, such as rain, snow,

and so on.

m Read all th e installation i nstructions carefully before you plug your

Macintosh into a wall socket.

m Keep these instructions handy for reference by you and others.
m Follow all instructions and warnings dealing with your system.

WARNING

Electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused. Operation
of this product, or similar products, must always be supervised by an
adult. Do not allow children access to the interior of any electrical
product and do not permit them to handle any cables.

To cl e an the case, do the following:

1 Turn off the computer and then disconnect the power plug. (Pull the plug, not the cord.)
2Wipe the surfaces lightly with a clean, soft cloth dampened with water.

WARNING

If you have a problem with your computer and nothing in the
manuals that came with the computer solves the problem, consult the
service and suppor t information that came with your computer for
information on how to contact an Apple-authorized service provider or
Apple for assistance.

16

Chapter 2

Health-related information abou t c o mputer use

Muscle soreness, eye fatigue, and other discomforts and injuries sometimes
associated with using computers can o ccur from performing any number of
activities. In fact, misuse of the same muscles during multiple activities can
create a problem that might not otherwise exist. For example, if you engage in
nonwork activities that involve repetitive stress on the wrist—such as
bicycling—and also use your computer keyboard improperly, you may
increase your likelihood of developing wrist problems. Some individ uals are
at greater risk of developing these problems because of th ei r h ealth,
physiology, lifestyle, and general exposure to stress. Work organization and
conditions, such as workstation setup and lighting, also play a part in your
overall health and comfort. Preventing health problems is a multifaceted task
that requires careful attention to the way you use your body every hour of
every day.

The most common health effects associated with using a computer are
musculoskeletal discomfort and eye fatigue. We’ll discuss each area of
concern below. For information about electric and magnetic emissions, look
in the reference material that came with your computer.

Musculoskeletal discomfor t

As with any activity that involves sitting for long periods of time, using a
computer can make your muscles sore and stiff. To minimize these effects, set
up your work environment carefully, using the guidelines that follow, and take
frequent breaks to rest tired muscles. To make working with your computer
more comfortable, allow enough space in your work area so that you can
change position frequently and maintain a relaxed posture.

Another type of musculoskeletal concern is repetitive stress i njuries (RSIs),
also known as cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). T hese problems can
occur wh en a certain muscle or tendon is repeatedly overused and forced into
an unnatural position. The exact causes of RSIs are not totally understood, but
in addition to awkward posture, such factors as the amount of repetition, the
force used in the activity, the individual’s physiology, workplace stress level,
and lifestyle may affect the likelihood of experiencing an RSI.

Safety and Health Information

17

RSIs did not suddenly arise when computers were invented; tennis elbow and
writer’s cramp, for example, are two RSIs that have been with us for a long
time. Although less common than other RSIs, one serious RSI discussed more
often today is a wrist problem called carpal tunn el syndrome, which may be
aggravated by improper use of computer keyboards. This ner ve disorder
results from excessive pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the
wrist to the hand.

This section offers advice on setting up your work area to enhance your
comfort while you use your computer. Si nce the effects of repetitive
movements associated with using a computer can be compounded by those of
other work and leisure activities to produce or aggravate physical problems,
proper use of your computer system must be considered as just one element
of a healthy lifestyle.

No one, of course, can guarantee that you won’t have problems even when you
follow th e mos t expert advice on using computer equipment. You should
always check with a qualified health sp ecialist if muscle, joint, or eye
problems occur.

Eye fa ti g ue

Eye fat igue can occur whenever the eyes are focused on a nearby object for a
long time. This problem occurs because the eye muscles must work harder to
view an object that’s closer than about 20 feet (6 meters). Improper lighting
can hasten the development of eye fatigue. Although eye fatigue is annoying,
there’s no evidence that it leads to permanent damage.

18

Whenever you’re engaged in an activity that involves close-up work—such as
reading a magazine, doing craft work, or usi ng a computer—be sure to have
sufficient glare-free lighting and give your eyes frequent rest breaks by
looking up and focusing on distant objects. Remember to have your eyes
examined regularly.

To prevent discomfort and eye fatigue:
m Arrange your work space so that the furniture is properly adjusted for you

and doesn’t contribute to an awkward working posture.

m Take frequent shor t breaks to give your muscles and eyes a chance to rest.

Chapter 2

Arran ging your office

Thighs horizontal

Shoulders relaxed

Screen positioned to avoid
reflected glare

Forearms and hands

in a straight line

Forearms level

or tilted up slightly

Lower back supported

Feet flat on the floor

Top of the screen at or slightly
below eye level (You may need
to adjust the height of your
monitor by placing something
under it or by raising your
work surface.)

Clearance under work surface

45–70 cm (18–28 in.)

Here are some guidelines for adjusting the furniture in your office to
accommodate your physical size and shape.

m An adjustable chair that provides firm, comfortable suppor t is best. Adjust

the height of the chair so your thighs are horizontal and your feet flat on
the floor.

The back of the chair should support your lower back (lumbar region).
Foll ow the ma nufacturer’s i nstructions for adjusting the backrest to fit your
body properly.

m When you use th e computer keyboard, your shoulders should be relaxed.

Your upper arm and forearm should form an approximate right angle, with
your wrist and hand in roughly a straight line.

Safety and Health Information

19

You may have to raise your chair so your forearms and hands are at the
proper angle to the keyboard. If this makes it impossible to rest your feet flat
on the floor, you can use a footrest with adjustable height and tilt to make up
for any gap between the floor and your feet. Or you may lower the desktop to
eliminate the need for a footrest. Another option is to use a desk with a
keyboard tray that’s lower than the regular work surface.

m Position the mouse at the same height as your keyboard. Allow adequate

space to use the mouse comfortably.

m Arrange the monitor so the top of the screen is slightly below your eye

level when you’re sitting at the keyboard. The best distance from your eyes
to the screen is up to you, although most people seem to prefer 18 to 28
inches (45 to 70 cm).

m Position the monitor to minimize glare and reflections on the screen from

overhead lights and windows. You may want to use a tiltable monitor
stand. The sta nd lets you set the monitor at the best angle for viewing,
helping to reduce or eliminate glare from lighting sources you can’t move.

Av oiding fatigue

m Change your seated position, stand up, or stretch whenever you start to feel

tired. Frequent short breaks are helpful in reducing fatigue.

20

m Use a light touch when typing or using a mouse and keep your hands and

fingers relaxed.

m Some com puter users may develop discom fort i n thei r ha nds, wrists, or

arms after intensive work without breaks. If you begin to develop chronic
pain or discomfort in your hands, wrists, or arms, consult a qualified
health specialist.

m Allow adequate workspace so that you can use your keyboard and mouse

comfortably. Place papers or other items so you can view them easily while
using your computer. A document stand may make reading papers more
comfortable.

m Eye muscles must work harder to focus on nearby objects. Occasionally

focus your eyes on a distant object, and blink often while you work.

m Clean your screen regularly. Keeping the screen clean helps reduce

unwanted reflections.

Chapter 2