Understanding Computers

in a Changing Society
5e
Deborah Morley

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Learning Objectives

1. Understand the potential risks to physical health resulting

from the use of computers.
2. Describe some possible emotional health risks associated
with the use of computers.
3. Explain what is meant by the term “digital divide.”
4. Discuss the impact that factors such as nationality, income,
race, education, and physical disabilities may have on
computer access and use.
5. List some types of assistive hardware that can be used by
individuals with physical disabilities.

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Overview

• This chapter covers:

– The impact of computers on our physical and emotional
health
– Strategies individuals can use to lessen health risks
– Issues related to the access of technology
– The impact of computers on our environment

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

• Physical Health
– Repetitive Stress Injuries(RSI)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (keyboard use)
• DeQuervain’s tendonitis
– Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
– Backaches
– Heat from laptops
– Noise-induced hearing loss
• 60/60 rule
– Phone and texting-related car accidents
– Possible radiation risks from wireless devices

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 4

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

– What is Ergonomics?
• The science of fitting a work environment to the people
who work there
– Designing a safe and effective work space
– Properly adjusting furniture and hardware
– Using ergonomic hardware
• Proper work environments can prevent many physical
problems

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 5

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

– Workspace Design
• Proper placement and adjustment of all
furniture and equipment
– Desk and chair
– Keyboard and monitor
– Workplace lighting or glare
• Using good workspace design principles can help avoid
physical problems
– Contributes to fewer employee absences, higher
productivity, and lower insurance
costs
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 6
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 7

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

• Using good workspace design principles is more

difficult with portable computers and mobile devices
– Attach and use separate mice and keyboards
when
possible
– Use docking stations or notebook stands with
portable computers
» Docking stations connect computers to
permanent hardware, such as a keyboards,
mice, monitors, etc.
» Notebook stand raises a notebook up to a
better
height
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5 Edition th
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
8
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 9

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 0
 Computers and Health

– Ergonomic Hardware
• A variety of devices available that are designed to avoid
physical problems due to the use of a computer
– Ergonomic keyboards and trackballs
– Document holders
– Antiglare screens
– Keyboard drawers
– Wrist supports
– Computer gloves

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 1
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 2
 Computers and Health

– Good User Habits and Precautions

• Finger and wrist exercises
• Frequent breaks in typing
• Good posture
• Relaxation or stress breaks
• Rotate tasks
• Close curtains and blinds to reduce glare
• Computer glasses to combat eyestrain

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 3
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 4
 Computers and Health

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 5
 Computers and Health

• Emotional Health
– Stress of Ever-Changing
Technology
• Many jobs require
computer use now
that didn’t in the
past
• Workers must
continually learn
new skills to keep
up to date

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 6
 Computers and Health

– Impact of our 24/7 Society

• People may feel they are
“on call” all the time
– Cannot get away from
work
– Difficult to relax
– No distinction
between work time
and personal time

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 7
 Computers and Health

– Information Overload
• Use good Internet search
techniques
• Efficiently manage
incoming email
– Delete emails that
won’t be read
– Use email filters
– Open email messages
only a limited
number of times
daily
– Flag important
messages
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 8
 Computers and Health

– Burnout
• A state of fatigue or frustration brought on by overwork
– Reevaluate schedule, priorities, and lifestyle
– Take a break or get away for a day
– Say no to additional commitments
– Eat properly and exercise regularly
– Internet and Technology Addiction
• The problem of overusing, or being unable to stop
using, a computer or the Internet
• Includes compulsive use of Internet, a preoccupation
with being online, lying about or hiding Internet
activities, and inability to control the behavior
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 1
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 9
 Computers and Health

• Considered a serious disorder

• Effects anyone of any age, race, or social class
• Includes addiction to emailing or text messaging, social
networking, online gaming, online shopping
• Can result in loss of relationships, job loss, academic
failure, health problems, financial consequences, child
custody, suicide, and more
• Growing problem in worldwide
• Can be treated similarly to other addictions

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 0
 Access to Technology

• The Digital Divide

– The gap between those who have access to technology
and those who don’t
– Can have a digital divide within a country, as well as
between countries
– U.S. Digital Divide
• Indications are that the divide continues to
shrink
• 80% of US population are Internet users
• Important to ensure all citizens have an
equal chance to be successful in this country
• Some people choose not to use computers or go
online
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 1
 Access to Technology

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 2
 Access to Technology

• Global Digital Divide

– Some countries have access to technology and others do
not have the same access
– Perhaps more dramatic than the U.S. digital divide
• Only 30% of the world’s population is online
• North America has highest number of Internet users
• Africa has one of the lowest rates of Internet use
– Technology can provide telemedicine and education to
remote areas

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 3
 Access to Technology

– New projects are emerging

that may help to reduce
the global digital divide
• Variety of wireless
internet projects to
bring wireless Internet
to remote areas
• One Laptop Per Child
(OLPC) program (XO
laptop)

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 4
 Access to Technology

• Assistive Technology
– Hardware and software designed for use by individuals
with physical disabilities
– Access has improved due to Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act
– Assistive Input Systems
• Braille keyboards, keyguards, one-handed keyboards
• Switches, foot controlled mice, head pointing systems,
eye tracking systems
• Can also be used by general population as desired

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 5
 Access to Technology

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 6
 Access to Technology

– Assistive Output Systems

• Screen readers
• Braille displays
• Braille printers
• Windows and Mac OS include a screen reader, on-
screen keyboard, speech recognition capabilities, and
setting that magnify the scree, change text size and
color, etc.

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 7
 Access to Technology

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 8
 Environmental Concerns

• Green Computing
– The use of computers in an environmentally friendly
manner
– Energy consumption and heat are key concerns
today
• Energy Star Program
– Volunteer labeling program that identifies and
promotes energy-saving devices
– Developed in 1992
• Eco-labels
– Environmental performance certifications
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 2
© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 9
 Environmental Concerns

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 0
 Environmental Concerns

– Energy Consumption and Conservation

• Power consumption and heat generation by computers
are key concerns
• Today’s computers are faster and more powerful and
use more energy and run hotter than earlier computers
• Ways to save energy include
– Consolidating servers
– Powering down computers when not in use
– Using desktop virtualization
– Utilizing cloud computing

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 1
 Environmental Concerns

• Energy-saving features
– Devices that can go into very low-power sleep
mode when not in use
– Low-power consumptive chips and boards
– High-efficiency power supplies
– Energy-efficient flat-panel displays
– Liquid cooling systems
– CPUs that power up and down on demand
• Energy vampires
– Devices that use power even when turned off

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 2
 Environmental Concerns

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 3
 Environmental Concerns

– Alternate Power
• Solar power
– Solar panels
• Portable fuel cells chargers

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 4
 Environmental Concerns

– Green Components
• Computers today are using more recyclable hardware
and packaging
• Use of toxic chemicals also being reduced
– Cadmium and mercury are banned
• Mobile phones are also going green
– Made out of recyclable plastics

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 5
 Summary

• Computers and Health

• Access to Technology
• Environmental Concerns

Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, 5th Edition 3

© 2013 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. This edition is intended for use outside of the U.S. only, with content that may be different from the U.S. Edition.
May not be scanned, copied, duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part. 6