Making the Most out of Your Keyboarding Experience

A computer keyboard sure has come a long way; you can buy keyboards with programming options where you define your own shortcuts or commands. Flashier models can fold up, roll up or even light up. You can even get a flexible, foldable, spill proof, full sized silicone keyboard. After years of working on rectangular models using ordinary square shaped keys with rectangular designs we now have ergonomic keyboards designed to relieve stress on fingers, wrists, arms, shoulders, necks and backs.

Just imagine the first computer keyboards being designed from mechanical typewriters that weren't even using power to function. Keyboards generally operate using comparable technology even if they offer different features. It comes down to the fact that circuits and switches will translate the keystrokes typed with a signal that a computer can comprehend.

Cleaning-Computer Keyboard

Most people tend to put off cleaning a computer keyboard thoroughly until they begin to notice the keys starting to stick. There are in fact a few people that make it a weekly routine to keep a keyboard clean and in tip-top shape. For those of you that don't fall into that category let's look at some simple methods to get your keyboard cleaned up and ready to go.

The items that you may need to have on hand include; a dust mask if dust irritates you or you are allergic to dust, household cleaning fluid that cleans plastic well and is nonabrasive, Endust for Electronics, a soft rag and a can of compressed air (aerosol can). Always check instructions in the owner's manual if you still have one to refer to. If you have no specific instructions about your model then use these to clean up your keyboard.

Completely disconnect the computer and disconnect your keyboard from the computer. Use the aerosol can of compressed air spraying between the keys to force dust, dirt and grime out. Spraying at different angles works to dislodge dirt from every little crevice. Pick up the keyboard, turn it upside down shaking gently and tapping on each side to dislodge even more dirt. After loosening more dirt set it back down on the table and re-spray using the compressed air again.

When you feel that you have done a thorough job of removing the dirt use a rag with cleaning fluid or Endust for Electronics on the keyboard. Be sure to use the manufacturer's instructions; if none available just spray a small portion of cleaner or Endust for Electronics on the rag and wipe down the chassis and keys thoroughly. When the keyboard is all dry reconnect it to the computer, reconnect the computer to the power and turn it on.

Maintaining Good Posture Using a Keyboard

When using any type of keyboard on a computer for an extended length of time it is very important to maintain proper posture. Little by little you may begin to notice odd pains, muscle spasms, stiffness or pains in the neck and back after sitting incorrectly using a keyboard.

Set up your computer and keyboard properly for your comfort. Adjust the monitor on a desktop so that the screen is being viewed near eye level; the angle should be set for viewing downward at about 35 degrees. Place the keyboard in front of your arms and experiment moving the keyboard until you find a comfortable location where your wrists are straight and elbows are at your sides.

Fingers should be able to rest properly on the home row keys. At the same time your shoulders should be straight (not slumped) and in a relaxed position. The mouse should be correctly positioned to the left or right side of the keyboard according to your requirements.

Laptop users may want to invest in an external/USB keyboard to be positioned on a tray below the monitor to avoid being hunched over the keyboard which is too close to the screen when the laptop is designed as one unit. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a real problem for computer users and you should try anything to prevent it from happening.

To conform to good posture your back should be straight, feet are flat on the floor, wrists are stretched out straight and the elbows are bent horizontally at about 90-95 degree angles. Your rear should be firmly positioned against the back of the chair, while your head should be facing straight at the monitor approximately 18”-30” away from it.

Breaks taken away from the computer for a couple of minutes every half-hour are good for stretching, walking and giving your eyes a break as well. Using a computer keyboard is not rocket science but using some good old fashioned common sense is going to save you from a bunch of problems later on.