FREE ESSAY ON LIVING WITH COMPUTERS

LIVING WITH COMPUTERS

Ergonomics is the study of the physical relationships between humans and their tools, such
as computers. Office chairs should be adjustable in height and should have lower-back
support and arm rests. Desks that allow proper keyboard height and special ergonomic
keyboards have been developed to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a type of repetitive
stress injury. To avoid damaging your eyes, avoid starring at the screen for long
periods, position yourself from the monitor between two and five feet from your eyes,
make sure no bright lights reflect off your screen, and use a monitor that has a
relatively large screen without noticeable flicker.
The computer industry has become know the fast pace rate of obsolescence, with both
hardware and software being replaced every couple of years. Some of the leading toxic
wastes coming form homes and offices are heavy metals used extensively in batteries, such
as cadmium. Although some experts recommend leaving computers on all the time, this
practice was shown to consume unnecessary amounts of electricity. One response has been
the development of energy star equipment, which conserves electricity even when left on.
Our legal system is gradually developing a code of laws to provide a legal framework for
working with computers and on the Internet. The most prevalent breach of law in
cyberspace is software piracy, the illegal copying or use of a program. Copyright laws
relevant to computers and software are covered by the Copyright Act of 1976 and the
Software Piracy and counterfeiting Amendment of 1983. Instead of building copy protection
into their programs, most software developers discourage privacy among organizations by
offering site licenses and network versions. 
Software viruses are parasitic programs that can replicate themselves, infect computers,
and destroy data. Users can protect their data and software by using an anti-virus
program. Hardware is sometimes stolen for the value of the data stored on it rather that
for the value of the machine itself. 
Government, legal professionals, and computing professionals continue to debate
computer-related ethical questions and attempt to develop laws that protect the freedoms
of computer users while limiting immoral or illegal use of computers. Few actual laws,
however, have been created or enforced to requiring computer users to let their own sense
of ethics guide them. Practices such as excessive e-mailing, sharing objectionable or
illegal material, and theft of intellectual property all create ethical questions for
everyday computer users.
It is my opinion that if we are to live comfortably with computers, we must first use
common sense to realize that everything we do has a cause and effect. We must take on the
responsible as humans to utilize technology to change the World for the better, because
if we don't, the misuse of technology will eventually be the downfall humankind. 
Bibliography
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