Computers

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Buying a computer:

Before buying:

• Decide:
  • Who will use it?
  • What will it be used for?
  • Do you need a portable (e.g. notebook) computer?
  • Macintosh or PC? – Macintosh is easier to use, much more widely used in schools – PCs have more software available
  • What type(s) of software do you need and want to use on it?
  • What kind of discs do you want to read or burn (CDs, DVDs, single use or rewritable)
  • How fast does the computer need to be (gigahertz)?
  • How many programs and files will you need to store on the hard drive (megabytes, gigabytes)?
  • How much memory (or RAM) is required for the program(s) you want to run?

Children:

Before your child uses a computer:

• Encourage your child to:
  • Alternate the hand they use to operate the mouse
  • Take breaks often
• Take steps to prevent your child from accessing or altering valuable or inappropriate files

While your child is using the computer:

• Watch for your child:
  • Rubbing his/her wrists or elbows — might indicate early stages of serious injury
  • Accessing inappropriate material (especially if they’re online)

Laptops/notebooks:

• Consider buying an alarm to let you know if someone grabs it

If carrying (e.g., on a trip):

• Watch it at all times – they’re highly pilferable

Using computers:

As often as feasible and appropriate:

• Change positions – to minimize risk of repetitive motion injuries, etc.

Every 5-10 minutes:

• Save to hard drive

After 30 minutes of work and after each session:

• Save to a back-up CD, DVD, or flash drive
• Consider saving the file under a new name (e.g., add a letter or number to the end of the name) and save the old version in case the new version has a problem
• Place back-up CD or DVD in safe place (e.g. fireproof safe)

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