General Computer Safety
Explore foundational computer safety practices to prevent accidents and health issues associated with technology usage. This guide covers why food and drink should be kept away from computers, how to properly manage personal belongings, and the importance of knowing what each cable does. Learn effective troubleshooting methods for common computer problems and discover ergonomic guidelines to maintain a comfortable work environment, ultimately preventing strain and injury. Stay safe while enjoying technology!
General Computer Safety
E N D
Presentation Transcript
General Computer Safety Foundations of Arts, TV & Film
Computers = Bad Day • Technology…ain’t it fun? • Have you ever had a bad day that involved a computer? • Share your experience with a partner
Food & Drink • NO food or drink near the computers • Where should we keep them? • At your desk • In your back pack • The trash • AWAY from equipment • But WHHHYYYYY???
Books, Backpacks, & Personal Items • Put backpacks on back of chair or under table • Out of walkways • Not on computers, keyboards, etc • Fire hazards
Books, Backpacks, & Personal Items • Cell phones • Put in book bag • Cell phone policy • Not a charging station .
Books, Backpacks, & Personal Items • Materials Needed • Binder • Paper • Writing utensil (pen, pencil) • Items NOT needed • Sports equipment • Band instruments • Projects from other classes
What do the cords do? • Computer cords – TAKE A LOOK
Network Cable • Q: What does this cord do? • A: Connects the computer to: • School network (Shared Drives, Home Drive, etc) • Internet • Printers • Problem: The Student Shared is not showing up under MY COMPUTER • Solution(s): • Check network cable (both ends) • Log off and log back on, Restart
VGA (Monitor) Cable • Q: What does this cord do? • A: Connects the computer to: • Display • Problem: My computer screen is black • Solution(s): • Check that VGA cable is plugged in (both ends) • Check power of computer & monitor
Computer or Monitor Power Cord • Q: What does this cord do? • A: Connects the computer or monitor to: • Power Supply • Problem: My computer or monitor won’t turn on • Solution(s): • Check power supply (both ends) • Check surge protector power
Actually 3 cables in 1 • Q: What does this cord do? • A: USB, Keyboard and Mouse • USB – usually mouse • Green – another mouse option • Purple – keyboard • Problem: My mouse or keyboard doesn’t work • Solution(s): • Check that cords are plugged in to the right port (they are labeled) • For USB mouse – try another USB port
Speaker cable • Q: What does this cord do? • A: Connects the speakers to the computer • Problem: I can’t hear any sound • Solution(s): • Check that cord is plugged in to the green port on the back (or head phone port on the front) • Turn speakers on
Surge Protector • Q: What does it do? • A: Provides power for multiple devices at once • Problem: All of the computers went out at once • Reason: • (Most likely) Someone kicked the surge protector off • Power surge • Solution: Check surge protector and reboot computers
Cable Safety • Keep hands and feet away from electrical cables • Under computer desks is not a foot rest • Avoid pulling on computers and monitors to prevent unplugging them • USB cords, monitor cables, keyboard and mouse cables are ok to touch • Avoid touching electrical cables and surge protectors
Mind Your Manners • No running or horseplay • Keep your hands to yourself • Computer etiquette • “My” computer • Printer etiquette • Check your documents before you print • Ask for permission to print • Do not line up at the printer (one student at a time at the printer) • HP 4250 – learn it, LOVE IT, WRITE IT DOWN, tattoo it in your brain
Ergonomics • The study of the relationship between workers and their environment, especially the equipment they use. (Dictionary.com) • Proper Ergonomics includes the following: • Sitting with back straight, shoulders relaxed, feet flat on floor • Adjust chair height so eyes are level or slightly higher than the monitor • Keep wrists straight while using keyboard and mouse • Future health problems that could occur from not developing proper habits: • Back/neck strain • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Repetitive stress syndrome
Back/Neck Strain • Causes of Neck Strain • Too much time in awkward position • Hunched over steering wheel or computer • Holding phone in crook of neck • Sleeping in position that strains the neck • Any form of neck trauma • Whiplash • Fall • Symptoms • Difficulty and pain when moving or rotating the head or neck • Stiffness in back or neck
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • What is it? • When the nerve that connects the fingers to the muscles becomes compressed because of swelling • Causes of Carpal Tunnel • Excessive, repetitive movements of the wrist and hands • Most causes are unknown • Symptoms • Fingers fall asleep at night • Burning pain and numbness in forearm
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- Prevention • Health conditions and diseases make it more likely • Exercise, stay healthy, avoid smoking • Use ergonomic guidelines • Proper body mechanics • Evaluate daily routine – could changes be made? • Take frequent breaks • Rest • Change positions • Alternate with another activity
Repetitive Stress Syndrome • An injury to a part of the body that is caused by overusing or exerting too much stress on that body part • Result from using the body in a way it is not designed for or capable of comfortably working
Internet Safety • How to tell if a website is safe for using personal information. • Sharing personal information on the web. • Posting pictures on the internet (and how they can never be taken back) • How they don’t really know who is on the other side of a chat room or instant messaging