Monitors:



It is important to have a clear and stable image on the monitor, to prevent eye strain and to discourage leaning forward. The main points to be aware of are:

1. When buying a system, prioritise monitor quality over processor speed. It will give a much more enjoyable computing experience and be a longer-lasting investment.
2. Choose a TFT monitor if possible. They are now superior to CRT monitors in ergonomics - they have no flicker or focus problems, they are brighter with excellent contrast, and they can often be positioned further away from the eyes.
3. When choosing a TFT monitor look for height adjustment, and, unless you are using a digital signal connection, check magazine reviews (eg. at www.pcpro.co.uk), to make sure it does not suffer from pixel jitter.
4. More expensive TFT monitors tend to have more even backlighting, and shorter response times - for movies and games - but these may not be important to you. There are plenty of budget-end TFT monitors which are prefectly satisfactory for office use.
5. CRT monitor tubes deteriorate with age. Old screens can be fuzzy and have poor contrast. Sometimes they can be re-focussed by experts, but on the whole intensive computer use should be carried out on a reasonably new screen.
6. Many CRT monitors are not run at their correct design settings, because the drivers for the video system have not been installed. Check (in Control Panel, Display) that the 'refresh rate', also called 'vertical frequency' is at least 75 Hz (Hertz). 85 Hz is preferred, especially on bigger monitors. Set a suitable resolution: 1024x768 on 17" monitors, 1152x864 on 19", and 1280x1024 on 21". The very best monitors may be OK at one setting higher than this.
7. Specify a major brand where possible. Cheap CRT monitors often give poor image quality and emit more radiation. Read magazine reviews, for expert advice. On the whole, a smaller high quality monitor will be more readable than a larger cheap one. Go for a 'natural flat' screen if you can afford it.
8. Treat 15" TFT or 17" CRT as the minimum size for general use (CRT screens are measured across the outside of the glass tube, which is typically 2" beyond the visible area). Small screens encourage users to sit too close.
9. Unless it's a TFT with height adjustment, DON'T put the monitor directly on the desk (like our photo!). It will be too low.