Tech
How High Should Your Monitor Be?

In this modern era, most of us spend maximum time gazing at our desktop or laptop screens. Whether you’re a gamer or a casual office worker, computer ergonomics is an important thing to consider for everyone.
As a matter of fact, poor postures lead to back pains, eye strains, muscle fatigue, headaches, or even musculoskeletal disorders! Apart from just the incorrect sitting positions, an improper monitor setup can also lead to such issues.
You should always use the one-arm distance rule to identify how far to sit from the monitor. Along with that, learning to adjust the screen height is also equally essential.
Ideal Height of the Monitor
According to office ergonomics research on 40 workstations, nearly 45% percent of the employees had unsupported back postures. This resulted in serious ergonomic deficiencies among the workers, where 58% suffered from eyestrain, 43% had back aches, 45% with shoulder issues, 30% faced wrist & neck pains, and 35% suffered arm discomfort.
Also, multiple researchers claim that an ideal computer user sits for 4 to 5 hours (on average) in front of a monitor. Therefore, it’s pretty much sure that musculoskeletal discomforts are quite common.
After successful research on workstation chairs and computer screen height adjustments, it was concluded that users who followed ergonomic measures had significantly reduced work-related upper quadrant musculoskeletal pains. Therefore, we highly recommend adopting all the necessary conditions defined below to set the appropriate height for your monitor.
Position Upper Bezel at Eye Height

When our eyes rest in a natural position, we perceive things that are straight ahead and more downward than upwards. Thus, experts recommend adjusting a monitor’s height such that its upper bezel is either at eye level or slightly lower (somewhere around 2 to 3 inches).
It’s fine to adjust the VDU height up to 18 degrees lower. This is a conclusion from a journal that claims that there were no changes in the neck posture relative to the trunk. However, the subject’s atlantooccipital and upper cervical joints were noticed to be bent.
Keep the Center of the Monitor Below Eye Level

The second thing to note is that the center of the monitor should always be below your eye level. We suggest aiming for about 15 to 20 degrees, not lower than that.
Never consider positioning the top of the screen above your eyes, even as minimum as 15 degrees. If you do so, you’ll need to look up all the time, which eventually hurts both the eye and neck muscles.
Position Screen to Reduce Glare

Despite proper height adjustment, we often tend to miss out on screen glares. While there’s a myth that staring at computer monitors for hours harms your eyes, this certainly holds true if you have made zero contribution to the lightning.
One of the common methods to reduce screen glares is by tilting the monitor a little backward (up to 10 or 15 degrees), making it face you. This can make the display much clearer. However, in cases where the lights are right above, you may require positioning the screen a little downwards.
Ensure You’re Seated Ergonomically
The final thing to ensure is that you have adopted an appropriate sitting posture for good ergonomics. For a 20/20 vision, it’s best to keep an arm’s distance. Along with that, it’s also essential to consider your elbow height, elbow-to-seat distance, seat height, and proper footrest.
If you’re hunching too much or sitting uncomfortably, know that you haven’t positioned yourself or the monitor correctly. Indeed, there are more things to consider when talking about ergonomics, which we shall discuss in later sections of this article.
Additional Tip:
Along with adjusting your monitor’s height and ensuring ergonomics, doing exercises every 20 minutes is a bonus point. Consider moving your wrists and fingers, twisting your waists, and stretching all the other parts (arms, shoulders, chest, legs, etc.). In fact, Stanford University’s Environmental Health & Safety guide recommends looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes (20-20-20 rule).
Ergonomic Setup for Multiple Monitors

For dual monitors, determine the dominant display first and place it right before you. Next, seat the secondary screen on your preferred side, forming half of the semi-circle. If you prioritize both displays, ensure their inner edges touch and are placed forming a semi-circle. As in a single monitor setup, adjust both of their heights such that the top of the screens aligns with the eye level or is slightly below.
Even when using three or more monitors, it’s important to align all the displays with your eye level. Also, consider moving a little further from the screens for achieving an optimal viewing angle.
However, the case might be different in a stacked monitor configuration. Although these setups are not considered best for ergonomy, you can adopt certain sets of rules to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. We advise focusing mainly on the primary display and using the other screens just for optional tasks.
How to Properly Adjust Monitor Height?
A monitor’s placement is usually preferred below the operator’s eye level (about 10 to 20 degrees). If it’s kept too low, you’ll have to bend your neck to look down. Slowly, the shoulders also hunch forward, leading to strains, aches, and pains.
However, if you wear bifocals or PALs (Progressive Addition Lenses), the monitor height should be much lower than in normal conditions. Since you’re going to see through the lower part of the glasses, it might be troublesome to look straight ahead. So, we recommend placing the screen 20 to 30 degrees below the eye level and also tilting it backward as required.
The general idea is to move the monitor based on your comfort rather than bending or shifting yourself in awkward positions. Therefore, you may even require constantly altering the height of the display, chair, and desk.
Investing in Monitor Ergonomics
We suggest the following equipment for adjusting the monitor height and further improving ergonomics:
- Monitor arm
- Laptop stand (for laptop users)
- Ergonomic chair
- Ergonomic desk
- Ergonomic footrest
Monitor mounts or arms are excellent tools that let you configure the monitor’s height, depth, distance, and angle. You can comfortably move them around and place the mounted display in a preferred position. This doesn’t just improve ergonomics, but also adds aesthetics to your setup.
If you’re a laptop user, it’s even more difficult to align the screen to the eye level. For this purpose, we recommend getting a dedicated stand that slightly elevates the laptop’s height. This adds extra workspace to your setup and helps prevent the device from overheating.
Moving on, users who connect an external display to their laptop also need to keep certain things in mind. Firstly, avoid keeping the device in front of the monitor. This forces you to constantly move the head upwards and downwards, which can indeed lead to neck and eye strains.
Instead, opt for placing your laptop in a stand and make this your primary screen. Now, you can further join dual, triple, or multiple monitors to its adjacent left and right.
Sometimes, adjusting the monitor height isn’t enough. For good ergonomics, you may require upgrading your chair and desk too.
Getting an ergonomic desk can also be beneficial as it offers better height adjustments. You can even move it forward/backward to maintain a proper distance from the monitor. Likewise, you may opt for a footrest to comfortably place your feet, which can further help reduce back pressure and improve blood circulation.

Tech
Why I Ditched Microsoft Excel for Google Sheets (And Why You Should Too!)

Hey there, fellow spreadsheet enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my journey from being a die-hard Microsoft Excel fan to becoming a Google Sheets official nerd. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision, but after experiencing the wonders of Google Sheets, there’s no turning back.
I’ve done so many other tech reviews, it just felt right to do one on Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets. So, grab your virtual seat, and let’s dive into why you need to stop using Microsoft Excel and start embracing the awesomeness of Google Sheets.
Excel, We Had a Good Run…
I’ve had a long and fruitful relationship with Microsoft Excel. We’ve tackled countless budgets, analyzed heaps of data, and even played the occasional game of spreadsheet Sudoku (admit it, we’ve all been there). But as the years rolled on, it became evident that Excel had its limitations, and it was time for a change.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Excel
Don’t get me wrong; Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to crunching numbers and performing basic calculations. It’s like that trusty old calculator you had in high school. However, when things get complex, Excel can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – frustrating and time-consuming.

Why I Fell Out of Love with Excel:
- Collaboration Nightmares: Ever tried collaborating with multiple people on an Excel file? It’s like trying to play a symphony with a broken piano. Google Sheets, on the other hand, offers real-time collaboration. It’s like having a jam session where everyone is in sync.
- Formula Frustration: Excel’s formulas are like a secret society’s code. Nested IF statements? Array formulas? It’s a maze. Google Sheets simplifies this with a user-friendly formula bar that guides you, making complex calculations less intimidating.
- Data Size Drama: Excel has its limits, and sooner or later, you’ll bump into them. Large datasets can bring Excel to its knees. Google Sheets handles big data gracefully, giving you the freedom to analyze without constraints.
- Dated Data Visualization: Creating charts and graphs in Excel is like painting with finger paints. Google Sheets offers sleek, modern data visualization options that can turn your data into works of art.
- Mobile Accessibility: In a world where we’re always on the move, Excel’s mobile app falls short. Google Sheets’ mobile app is user-friendly and lets you access your spreadsheets from anywhere, anytime.
- Automatic Backup: Excel doesn’t automatically save your work, and one wrong click can erase hours of effort. Google Sheets automatically saves your changes, so you can breathe easy knowing your work is secure.
- Free or Affordable: Let’s talk money. Excel can be pricey, especially if you need advanced features. Google Sheets offers a free version and affordable subscription options that won’t break the bank.
- Data Security: Sharing sensitive information via Excel can be risky. Google Sheets provides secure, permission-based sharing, ensuring your data stays safe and sound.

Why I Fell in Love with Google Sheets:
Now that you know why I had to part ways with Excel, let me tell you why Google Sheets became my new spreadsheet crush:
- Seamless Collaboration: Real-time collaboration is a game-changer. With Google Sheets, my team and I can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously, leaving version control issues in the past.
- User-Friendly Formulas: Google Sheets’ formula bar guides you through creating complex formulas, making even the trickiest calculations manageable.
- Data Freedom: The freedom to work with large datasets without worry is liberating. No more hitting Excel’s limits and sacrificing data.
- Modern Data Visualization: Visualizing data has never been easier. Google Sheets offers sleek chart options that help convey insights effectively.
- Mobile Magic: Google Sheets’ mobile app keeps me productive on the go. I can access and edit my spreadsheets from my smartphone or tablet without a hitch.
- Automatic Peace of Mind: Knowing that Google Sheets saves my work automatically is a weight off my shoulders. No more “did I save that?” moments.
- Budget-Friendly: Google Sheets’ free version has impressive features, and their paid plans are affordable, making it accessible to all budgets.
- Top-Notch Security: Secure sharing options ensure my data remains confidential, granting access only to those who need it.
In Conclusion
Breaking up with Microsoft Excel wasn’t easy, but transitioning to Google Sheets was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s more than just a spreadsheet tool; it’s a game-changer for productivity, collaboration, and data analysis. So, my fellow spreadsheet fanatics, it’s time to make the switch. Embrace the future with Google Sheets, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Trust me; your spreadsheets will thank you!

Tech
How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

The UK’s elections watchdog revealed on Tuesday it had been the victim of a “complex cyber-attack” potentially affecting millions of voters.
It also emerged personal details of police officers in Northern Ireland were published accidentally.
But what can you do if you are concerned your data may have been leaked, and how can you prevent issues?
How safe is my data?
Generally, when public organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) respond to Freedom of Information requests they should remove any identifying data.
But in this case the force published confidential details by accident, leaving some officers and their families with concerns about their safety.
However, an average person affected by a data leak or hack should not panic.
Regarding the cyber-attack affecting UK voters, the Electoral Commission has apologised to those affected but says on its website the data it holds is “limited, and much of it is already in the public domain”.
“According to the risk assessment used by the Information Commissioner’s Office [the data regulator] to assess the harm of data breaches, the personal data held on electoral registers, typically name and address, does not in itself present a high risk to individuals,” it says.
This information could be combined with other bits of data about you, such as what you share on social media, to identify you – but this takes a lot of time and cyber criminals will generally only target prominent individuals like this.
And unless you have opted out of being named on the open electoral register, much of this information will already be publicly available online.
If you are concerned about a different data breach, and are worried your information may have been lost, there are also websites which will tell you if your email was part of a known data breach.
The Electoral Commission specifically recommends people use the free online service Have I Been Pwned (sic) to check this.
What can I do to keep my data safe?
If you believe your password to an account may have been compromised, it makes sense to change it.
But you should be mindful not to respond to any emails recommending this, as they could be attempting to scam you – instead you should visit the website as normal, and change your password there.
This is also why it is important to have different passwords for different accounts.
By always keeping different log-in credentials, a future hack is less likely to affect you seriously as the hackers will not be able to use your data beyond accessing a single service you used.
Another thing people can do is to remain vigilant online to avoid any data loss.
Recent research from Barclays released on Wednesday shows that 87% of all scams take place on tech platforms, such as dating apps, social media and online marketplaces.
It says these scams are on the rise, and it wants tech platforms to shoulder some of the liability.
“Without the joint help of tech organisations, the Government, and regulators, we risk enabling the unchecked growth of what is now the most common crime in the UK, hurting countless individuals, and costing our economy billions each year,” says Barclays CEO Matt Hammerstein.
“Our data shows that tech platforms – particularly social media – are now the source of almost all scams. However, there is no current legislative or regulatory framework obliging the tech sector to support the prevention of these crimes, as there rightly is for banks.”
But there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe online, which can help protect your data – and your wallet.
These include using a strong password for each site you visit, avoiding emails from people you do not know, and being careful when visiting unfamiliar websites.

Tech
The Rising Importance of Managed IT Services with Proficiency in Apple Devices for Today’s Business Landscape

In the rapidly evolving world of business technology, there’s an undeniably prominent shift toward Apple devices. Their sleek designs, unparalleled security features, and user-friendly interfaces have made them a favored choice among business professionals. Yet, the challenge remains: how do businesses ensure they’re tapping into the full potential of these devices while ensuring security, efficiency, and smooth integration into existing systems? Enter managed IT services companies, particularly those that are Apple aficionados.
If you’re a business owner or decision-maker, you’ve likely encountered the classic dilemma: hiring in-house IT specialists or outsourcing. With the increasing reliance on Apple devices in modern businesses, it’s not just about finding IT support but the right IT support.
Why Apple?
Apple’s ecosystem is unique. It’s not merely about devices but also the secure, interconnected universe they create. An iPhone syncs seamlessly with a MacBook or an iPad, leading to an integrated working experience. However, with this high level of sophistication comes the necessity for specialized knowledge.
“You wouldn’t hire a general handyman to fix a specific issue with your car. Similarly, hiring general IT support might not do the trick for businesses that rely on Apple devices. They need specialists,” points out Aaron Kane of Machero in Chicago.
The Perks of Outsourcing to Apple-Savvy Managed IT Services
The advantage of partnering with a managed IT service familiar with Apple’s world is multi-fold. They bring a deep understanding of Apple’s operating systems, know the best practices for integration, and can troubleshoot issues specific to Apple products. This expertise is often hard to find in generic IT teams.
Furthermore, such companies can help businesses deploy Apple devices in a way that they’re used to their maximum potential. They understand the nuances of iOS, macOS, and other Apple-specific software and can guide businesses in deploying tools and applications best suited to their needs.
Ed Anderson of Dyrand Systems in Vancouver (Visit their website) echoes this sentiment. “Modern business operations demand agility. And in a landscape dominated by Apple devices, you need IT support that speaks Apple’s language fluently. Outsourcing to managed IT services that are Apple specialists is more than a trend; it’s a strategic move.”
The Security Element
Security is one of Apple’s hallmarks. Yet, the best hardware and software security features can be undermined if not handled appropriately. Regular updates, patches, and knowledge of potential threats specific to Apple’s ecosystem are crucial.
Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services emphasizes the security component. “When we talk about Apple devices, we’re looking at a different kind of architecture, both in hardware and software. The threats these devices face, while fewer than others, are unique. A managed IT service team that is well-versed in Apple’s realm is your best bet against potential cyber threats.”
In Conclusion
Today’s business world isn’t just about adopting the best technology and understanding and integrating it seamlessly into one’s operations. With their growing popularity in the corporate world, Apple devices come with their own demands and intricacies. While these devices offer many advantages, leveraging them requires specific skills and expertise.
The choice is clear for businesses keen on not just surviving but thriving in today’s tech-centric environment. Partner with a managed IT service that knows Apple inside out. It’s an investment that promises smooth operations and a competitive edge in a landscape where technology is the game-changer.

-
Tech9 months ago
Apple introduces iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
-
Tech9 months ago
Differences between virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality
-
Tech9 months ago
Chrome 92 is now available: improvements to PiP video calls, web tracking and more
-
Tech9 months ago
10 Steps to Make Your First Mobile App
-
Tech1 year ago
How To Create Free Business Logos Using Adobe Spark
-
Tech9 months ago
Everything You Need to Know About FBISD Skyward Family Access
-
NEWS8 months ago
10.10 01 Piso wifi, pause time: What is it?
-
Tech11 months ago
Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro: How to use the iPhone’s latest software trick