|
BOOT CAMP 239 (20/08/02)
MICE, KEYBOARDS AND MONITORS, part
2
This week, in part two of our short series on basic input and
output devices we focus on the keyboard. The one that came with your PC is
almost certainly a cheap and cheerful type that sells in bulk for a pound or
two. They are okay for composing the odd email but if you need to do any kind of
serious text or data entry then not only could it be slowing you down, it may
even be causing you physical damage!
Expert opinion is still divided over the root causes of
repetitive strain injury (RSI) but there is little doubt that the modern PC
keyboard and word-processing software encourages faster typing speeds. The most
plausible explanation is that the keys on many PC keyboards have a very light
action and relatively short travel – compared with a typewriter – which has a
percussive effect on finger joints, over time this can result in discomfort and
pain. The design of computer keyboards, monitors and inappropriate furniture can
also encourage poor posture, which can lead to a range of problems in the arms,
neck and lower back.
If, like me, you have ever suffered from a nagging ache or
pain in the fingers or wrist after a long typing session your keyboard could
well be to blame; my own discomfort disappeared within a couple of days of
changing to a new keyboard. The keyboard in question was an ‘ergonomic’
split-field type, with the keys arranged in two groups on a slightly curved and
sloping case, with built-in palm support. This design allows the hands to remain
in a much more natural and relaxed position and the curvature and divided keys
means the fingers have shorter distances to travel.
There are several variations on the ergonomic theme and it’s
worth trying a couple of models out for size at your local computer dealer, if
possible on a desk at normal working height. Palm and wrist supports or pads,
whether they are built in or not can also make a difference. Pay particular
attention to the ‘feel’ of the keys, the action should be firm with some
damping, to cushion the impact. Adjustable feet are worth having, so it can be
angled for maximum comfort but make sure they’re steady and unlikely to
collapse, especially if you are a ‘thumper’ or a ‘pecker’.
A standard Windows keyboard generally has a compliment of 105
keys but nowadays many aftermarket models have between 109 and 130 keys. The
extra ones are usually assigned to additional functions such as PC power
(standby, sleep and wake-up), Internet and email functions, volume control and
user-defined ‘hot keys’, where you can set a key or key combination to do a
particular job, such as open an application or call up a menu option. You can
also get keyboards with built-in pointing devices, like trackballs and touch
pads – similar to the ones on laptops – replacing the mouse. The touch pads on
some models are large enough to be used as small writing tablets. Some extra
functions can be genuinely useful but just remember that there’s also more to go
wrong…
Advanced keyboards are normally recognised as standard
keyboards by Windows and to access the extra functions it is necessary to load a
driver or utility program on a supplied floppy or CD-ROM. Keyboard driver
programs can sometimes be a bit flaky and it’s not unknown for them to conflict
with other applications so it is important to read the system requirements on
the box, note any warnings and pay particular attention to the operating system
requirements if you are using Windows XP.
The majority of Windows keyboards use the standard PS/2 mini
DIN type plug to connect to a socket on the PC’s back panel. To assist
identification and distinguish it from the mouse, which uses exactly the same
type of connector; the keyboard socket and sometimes the plug as well is
coloured purple. Never connect or remove the keyboard whilst the PC is running.
Keyboard controller chips on PC motherboards are notoriously delicate and if you
zap it the whole motherboard will have to be replaced.
A growing number of keyboards have USB connectors and these
can be used as a ‘hub’ for other USB devices, including mice. Whilst there are
no performance benefits to this arrangement it can be a convenient way of
cutting down back panel clutter since both devices share a single lead, moreover
it makes it easier to connect other devices that you may only use occasionally,
like a transfer lead for a digital camera or a memory card reader.
Cordless keyboards have a mixed reputation. The downside is
that like cordless mice they usually entail more cables than conventional
‘wired’ devices, for the receiver module and power supply/charger. Wireless
keyboards are usually powered by rechargeable batteries and like all
rechargeable gadgets, have a nasty habit of running down at the most inopportune
moment. They can also be subject to interference from a variety of sources,
including other wireless devices, remote controls and even the radio transmitter
at the local minicab office.
If you have a disability, visual impairment or are
left-handed it’s worth knowing that there are a multitude of adapted and custom
designs available, there’s also an apparently endless succession of
‘alternative’ layouts, meant to overcome the essentially redundant QWERTY
layout. Another area you may want to investigate are keyboards designed for
specialist applications, these include ‘ruggedised’ and water/spill proof types,
point of sale (POS) models for use with computerised cash registers, keyboards
with separate number pads and even high security keyboards with biometric
fingerprint recognition pads. Details of companies manufacturing and marketing
specialist and custom designs can be found on the Internet.
Next week – monitors
JARGON FILTER
BIOMETRICS
Identification of individuals by measuring or analysing
unique biological markers, such as fingerprints, patterns in the retina or iris
and facial recognition
DIN
Deutsche Institut fuer Normung. German standards
organisation and a member of the International Standards Organisation,
developers of the round multi-purpose, multi-pin plugs and sockets used on
computers and hi-fi equipment
USB
Universal
Serial Bus, high-speed industry standard connection system for
peripherals
TOP TIP
Since we’re talking about keyboards here’s a couple of
shortcuts worth remembering when you are using Internet Explorer. Pressing F11
toggles the display between normal and full-screen views, handy if the Start
menu bar obscures parts of the web page you’re looking at. Should you want to
make the Start menu reappear just press Ctrl + Esc or the Windows key (WinKey),
you can use the mouse or cursor buttons to make a selection or make it disappear
again by clicking into an empty area of the web page.
NEXT
|