Shape shifters - web links

One thing that became immediately apparent when researching the article for issue 211 was the huge amount of information available on IT strains.

Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has extensive entries on IT-related strains, and also a good introduction to ergonomics. It's a very long entry that covers a lot of ground, so it may be worth having a brief look at this, and then heading over to the related entries on Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and posture.

A good place to explore further is the BBC's healthy living site, which has a good guide to work-related RSI. The site also has good links to work station ergonomics and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

We also mentioned Microsoft's list of keyboard shortcuts for its software, which can be found here.

Another fantastic resource is AbilityNet, a charity that works on bringing technolgoy to disabled people. The site's guide to customising computers, Myway, has straightforward, step - by - step instructions for all kinds of things involving computer use, from slowing down the mouse cursor to using voice recognition. The instructions on MyWay cover Windows 95 through to Windows XP.

We also discussed keyboard trays in the article - these are expensive, but if you want to hang on to a particular desk, they may be worth the price. Healthy Computing has a guide here. We found a tray on KVMChoice.com for £109 excluding VAT. At this sort of price - before all the faff of fitting the drawer - it may be worth heading down to your local ofice supply store to pick out a new desk, however.

The Typing Injury FAQ is a site devoted to providing information on, well, typing injuries. it boasts forums, product listings and alll kinds of information.

Open Ergonomics is a comprehensive (if occasionally terrifying) site with plenty of illustrations and information on setting up your computing environment, finding the right office equipment and identifying symptoms. Similar sites include healthycomputing.com and an ergonomics site provided by Office Interiors Ltd,