C H A P T E R
Dragon NaturallySpeaking User’s Guide
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Healthy Computing
he best way to stay healthy at your computer is to stay relaxed.
Many of us tense up around computers. Cultivating calmness will
make your computer much more comfortable to use.
Equally important is choosing the right equipment and positioning it to
fit your body. Your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and chair should be set up
to cause minimal strain.
Voice care is also vital. Radio announcers and disc jockeys depend on
their voices for their livelihood. Using speech recognition, you’re also
depending on your voice.
Ergonomics and posture
Good ergonomics—setting up your equipment to properly fit your
body—are essential for healthy computing. Adjusting your monitor or
keyboard even an inch or two can make a big difference by reducing
tension in your neck, shoulders, and hands. If you’re already
experiencing pain or discomfort while typing, consult a qualified health
professional.
When adjusting your workstation, comfort should be your main guide.
The suggestions that follow work for most people.
A good ergonomic setup for speech recognition is the same as a good
setup for typing. Set your chair height so that your feet are flat on the
ground and your hips are an inch or two above your knees. If the chair is
the proper height, your body weight will be supported partly by your
feet and partly by the chair seat.
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