This lecture was produced several years ago by Kathy Hansen, a CIS instructor here at Shasta College. Most of what she says is still accurate. It is interesting that ergonomics falls under ethics.
If EVERYBODY had good ethics, there would be no need to
worry about computer crime, the security of our possessions or the loss of
privacy and confidentiality.
Everybody would have respect for everyone else’s property and privacy.
Since this is not the case, billions of dollars are spent
by industry each year to improve computer security.
No matter how complex the safeguards are made; however, an inventive mind
can usually find a way to get around the defenses established.
You need to know that it is illegal and unethical to
duplicate copyrighted software or use a copy that you have not paid for.
This is a difficult ethic to stand by.
How hard is it to tell your brother he can’t have a copy of your new
software when he has just spent two days getting your car running for you?
The illegal copying of software is known as Software Piracy.
It is estimated that for every legal copy that is purchased, there are
eight to ten illegal copies. That
means that the price we pay for software is close to 10 times more than it would
be if everyone paid for their own copies.
Then, software would be affordable for everyone.
A disk or a CD doesn’t look like much, but there are years of research
and man-hours in the development and testing of that sophisticated code that
makes our computers run so smoothly.
It is true, that the software companies aren’t looking at each individual but instead are keeping careful watch on the business or university that buys only one copy of a software program. Perhaps they are only trying it out, so only need one copy. If, however, it ends up on all the computers in the organization without a licensing agreement, the fines are prohibitive. The punishment is also harsh for those individuals caught with a warehouse of blank CDs and equipment that is duplicating illegal copies. So if you make a copy of something you didn’t pay for, be aware you are cheating and examine your ethics.
I
have to sneak one more item in here for your protection—ergonomics.
Ergonomics is the use of research to design systems and devices for safe
human operation, especially as it refers to computer usage.
There can be many unhealthy side effects unless a workstation is properly
designed to take in a variety of factors—eyestrain, back problems, RSI
(repetitive strain injury)—and this can be very serious; you can completely lose
the loss of a hand.
Most of these problems can be avoided with a properly
designed workstation. There are
pneumatically adjustable chairs so that you can be comfortable and sit with your
feet firmly on the floor. Keyboards
have also been designed to avoid RSI, but the height of the keyboard (so that
your wrists are not at an awkward angle) may be even more important.
The monitor should be able to be tilted and swiveled to suit the user and
to avoid glare from a window or light.
Notice the ergonomic figure is looking straight at or down into the
monitor, and the arms come into the keyboard almost level.
If you have to tilt your head up to look at your monitor, your neck and
shoulders will soon feel the strain.
There are a few easy steps that you can take to avoid
injury. Take breaks or at least
exercise at your desk by rotating your wrists or rolling your shoulders.
Taking a short walk is even better.
Keep your fingernails short.
Position your keyboard to avoid bending your wrists when you type.
Place the back of your seat so that your lower back is supported.
Ponder this question. Why
should employers care whether the work stations are designed to avoid the back
problems, eye strain, carpal tunnel, etc?
Final word of wisdom.
Repetitive strain injuries seem to be aggravated or more prominent when
there is a lot of stress on the job, long commutes, dissatisfaction with
management, and stressful events in one’s personal life.
SO, in addition to paying proper attention to physical aspects, get a job
you like and BE HAPPY.