Being one of the people who help course creators has its advantages – I get to preview the material that goes into a course. Bonus! One of our recent additions to the eBrainz clutch of courses has been Jane’s course on pain-free computing. You might think that’s not for you because you don’t sit at a computer long enough to risk a problem. Think again. Jane actually challenges you to keep a diary of how long you are actually at the computer researching topics of interest, answering email, chatting on Skype, updating your Facebook page or browsing YouTube. Just try it for a week, and I think you’ll be amazed at how much time you and the screen come face-to-face.
Jane’s course material actually prompted me to go looking for a reminder program that will demand I take a break. I get so engrossed, often with my shoulders tense as I work towards a deadline, that hours can go past. At the end of the day I’m tired and sore.
Well I found two options. I’m currently using one from Scirocco called Take a Break. If you want to try this free program go here. The program can be set to vary the time you work between breaks and the time you are encouraged to move away from the computer. You can reset it or turn it off whenever you want (though that’s cheating). There is also another free one to try called Eyes Relax.
So those wee programs take of getting you to stop working – now you have to do something to ease the muscle tension. That’s when you try out the exercises Jane recommends to stop those sore shoulders or aching backs ... or simply shortcut the whole process and take her course in keeping you computing healthy!
While you’re there on the net on the respected Cnet site look up some of the free software on this software programs page – like free anti-virus software for Avast and AVG. They are two programs I have used and both are tops for ease of use and reliability. TIP: Don’t try installing anti-virus software if you already have one installed. Uninstall the first version before installing the second. At best you’ll slow up your computer majorly, at worst they will both not work properly.
Happy course creation
From the Team at eBrainz
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