Computer Operation | ICT for AP TET 2022

7.1          Computer Users

ser is an agent, either a human agent (end-user) or software agent, who uses a computer or network service. Users are also widely characterized as the class of people that use a

system without the complete technical expertise required to understand the system fully. Computer users can be classified into the following categories based on the way they think about computers.

Application-oriented Users

The vast majority of computer users are application-oriented. They have training and experience exclusively with commercial software. They understand concepts peculiar to computers such as files, folders, saving, and deleting. They live in a WYSIWYG world; although they may be aware that what they see on the screen is not an entirely accurate representation of what the computer is actually doing, they are not interested in understanding hidden implementations. They have learned how to map their thinking onto the capabilities of the applications they regularly use, and they accept whatever limitations that thinking may impose. They are pragmatic, learning as much as they need to get their work done. A new problem requires a new piece of software. Spreadsheet

―programmers‖  fall  into  this category,  as  may  some programmers who work primarily with application scripting tools such as Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications. Nearly all commercial

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software is targeted at this group of users, who can be considered

―computer-literate.‖

Goal-oriented users

The second largest group consists of goal-oriented users. These users focus exclusively on the goals they want to accomplish and neither understands nor cares about the software they use to accomplish those goals. This could be called the ―I just want to type a letter‖ group. They only see the final product. They do not care about, for example, the difference between a word processor document and a PDF image of that same document, so they do not understand why they can make textual edits to one and not the other. They could be described as ―computer-illiterate,‖ even if they work with computers on a regular basis. Many very intelligent people, scientists and scholars, fall into this category. They are frustrated by the limitations of the software they use because they do not understand the reasons for those limitations. Though they may use common  terms  such  as  ―files,‖  they  typically  map  those  concepts onto their real-world metaphorical analogues, resulting in confusion. (―Why can‘t I keep this picture in my email file?‖)

Original Computer Users

The third and smallest group of computer users ironically, the original computer users is comprised of hackers. Hackers are computer-oriented computer users. They have learned how to think like a computer, to understand the processes the computer goes through. They favor small tools (e.g. the command line, shell scripts) over large applications because they want to be in precise control of what the computer is doing at all times. They comfortably work  with  data  in  ―raw‖  formats  such  as  text  files.  This  does  not necessarily mean they are tied down with minutiae of implementation; often they can work at much higher levels of abstraction than other users. Hackers tend to seek out the abstract

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patterns inherent in whatever end result they are working towards, then implement those patterns in the computer. A new problem rarely requires new tools, merely a new application of existing tools. They will create whatever new tools are needed to bring the computer up to the level of the problem, rather than trying to adapt the problem to fit the computer. On the other hand, their solutions tend to be brittle, with a lot of exposed complexity that makes them unsuitable for non-hacker users.

7.2             System Booting

When we start our Computer, there is an operation which is performed automatically by the Computer which is also called as Booting. In the Booting, System will check all the hardware‘s and Software‘s those are installed or Attached with the System and this will also load all the Files those are needed for running a system. In the Booting Process all the Files those are Stored into the ROM Chip will also be Loaded for Running the System. In the Booting Process the System will read all the information from the Files those are Stored into the ROM Chip and the ROM chip will read all the instructions those are Stored into these Files. After the Booting of the System this will automatically display all the information on the System. The Instructions those are necessary to Start the System will be read at the Time of Booting. There are two Types of Booting.

1. Cold Booting: when the System Starts from the Starting or from initial State Means when we Starts our System this is called a cold Booting. In the cold Booting the System will be started from its beginning State means first of all, the user will press the Power Button, then this will read all the instructions from the ROM and the Operating System will be automatically gets loaded into the System RAM.

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1. Warm Booting: The warm Booting is that in which System Automatically Starts when we are Running the System, For Example due to Light Fluctuation the system will Automatically Restarts So that in this Chances Damaging of system are more, and the System will not be start from its initial State So May Some Files will be Damaged because they are not Properly Stored into the System.

7.3             Occupational Health and Safety

• Basic Description of Occupational health and safety Occupational health and safety is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goal of all occupational health and safety programs is to foster a safe work environment. As a secondary effect, it may also protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities, and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment. It  may involve             interactions      among            many                  subject    areas,    including occupational medicine, occupational (or industrial) hygiene, public health, safety engineering, chemistry, health physics. Occupational health should aim at:
  • The promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations;
  • The prevention amongst workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions;
  • The protection of workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health;
  • The placing and maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physiological and psychological capabilities;

These regulations are concerned with the working environment. They place a duty on employers to make sure that the workplace is

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safe and suitable for the tasks being carried out there, and that it does not present risks to employees and others.

7.3.2        Regulation For Maintaining Health and Safety

The regulations for maintaining health & safety in the working environment, includes:

1. maintenance of the workplace, equipment, devices and systems
   1. ventilation
   1. temperature in indoor workplaces
   1. lighting
   1. cleanliness and waste materials
   1. room dimensions and space
   1. work stations and seating
   1. condition of floors and traffic routes
   1. falls or falling objects
   1. windows and transparent or translucent doors, gates and walls
   1. windows, skylights and ventilators
   1. ability to clean windows, etc. safely
   1. doors and gates
   1. escalators and moving walkways
   1. sanitary conveniences
   1. washing facilities
   1. drinking water
   1. accommodation for clothing
   1. facilities for changing clothing
   1. Facilities for rest and to eat meals.

7.3.3          Why Occupational Health and Safety

Some reason for occupation health and safety are;

1. Occupational health and safety promote health and safety procedures in organizations.

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1. Help to recognize hazards and measure health and safety risks, set suitable safety controls in place, and give recommendations on avoiding accidents to management and employees in an organizations.
   1. An effective training program can reduce the number of injuries and deaths, property damage, legal liability, illnesses, workers’ compensation claims, and missed time from work.
   1. Safety training classes help establish a safety culture in which employees themselves help promote proper safety procedures while on the job. It is important that new employees be properly trained and embraces the importance of workplace safety as it is easy for seasoned workers to negatively influence the new hires.

7.3.4          Safety and Health Hazards

The terminology used in OSH varies but generally speaking a hazard is something that can cause harm if not controlled. The outcome is the harm that results from an uncontrolled hazard. A risk is a combination of the probability that a particular outcome will occur and the severity of the harm involved. ―Hazard‖, ―risk‖, and

―outcome‖  are  used  in  other  fields  to  describe  e.g.  environmental damage, or damage to equipment. However, in the context of OSH,

―harm‖   generally   describes   the   direct   or   indirect   degradation, temporary or permanent, of the physical, mental, or social well- being of workers. For example, repetitively carrying out manual handling of heavy objects is a hazard. The outcome could be a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) or an acute back or joint injury.

7.3.5        Nigerian Occupational Health and Safety Bill

The Bill to enact a law that would take care of the health and safety of industrial workers passed through second reading on the floor of the Senate on 25^th February, 2009. The bill sponsored by Senator

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Chris Anyanwu which was committed to the senate committees on Labor, Health seeks amongst other things to ensure that employers of labor are properly protected.

Highlights of Nigerian Occupational Health and Safety Bill

1. To make further provisions for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons at work
   1. To make provisions  for protecting others against  risks to safety or health in connection with the activities of persons at work
   1. To establish the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health to create a general framework for the improvement of working conditions and the working environment
   1. To prevent accidents and departures from health arising out of or in the course of work
   1. To ensure the provision of occupational safety and health services to workers in all sectors of economic activity
   1. The bill is also to establish the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Hazards and for related issues with the following functions
   1. To ensure employee safety and health in Nigeria by working with employers and employees to create better working environments
   1. To act as a regulatory agency by issuing safety and health standards that is enforceable under Nigerian safety law.

7.4              Computer Health and Safety

• Description Of Computer Health And Safety

The number of computers in the workplace has increased rapidly over the last few years and it is now quite normal for most staff in organizations to be exposed to computer usage. The Health and Safety at Work Act lays down legal standards for computer

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equipment and requires employers to take steps to minimize risks for all workers. Improving health and safety practice should be taken seriously, although it need not take much time or expense. Measures employers should take include:

1. Understanding the law – make sure someone in your organization has a health and safety brief covering all areas, not just computers.
   1. Being aware of the health risks – the government officially recognizes some of the risks although there are some grey areas you’ll need to make up your own mind about.
   1. Assessing the risks – using procedures set out in the law – be systematic and get help if you need it. Get a health and safety audit done by a competent organization if necessary.
   1. Taking steps to minimize the risks – this may only involve taking simple measures.
   1. Training all users to recognize the risks – if people aren’t aware of the dangers they can’t take adequate precautions to protect their health.
   1. Taking users views seriously – if users feel there is something wrong there often is.

7.4.2            Risks within Computer Environment

The main risks associated with using computers include:

1. Musculoskeletal problems
   1. Eye strain

Hint‘ Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported, although it is thought these are caused by the dry atmosphere and static electricity associated with display units rather than by the display units themselves.

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Musculoskeletal problems

These can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems which include

1. Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome – by far the most important as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity
2. Back and neck pain and discomfort
3. Tension stress headaches and related ailments

Causes of Musculoskeletal Problems

1. Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
2. Inadequate lower back support
3. Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
4. An ergonomically poor workstation set up

Eye Strain

Computer users can experience a number of symptoms related to vision as follow:

1. Visual fatigue
2. Blurred or double vision
3. Burning and watering eyes
4. Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses Computer work hasn’t been proven to cause permanent eye damage, but the     temporary       discomfort   that      may     occur   can         reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction.

Causes of Eye Strain

1. Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue
2. Glare from bright windows or strong light sources
3. Light reflecting off the display screen
4. Poor display screen contrast

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7.4.3          Precaution to Prevent Risk Associated With Computer

Musculoskeletal     Problems:     General     precautions     to    avoid musculoskeletal problems include:

1. Taking regular breaks from working at your computer – a few minutes at least once an hour
   1. Alternating work tasks
   1. Regular stretching to relax your body
   1. Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if you need to
   1. Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level
   1. Avoiding gripping your mouse too tightly – hold the mouse lightly and click gently
   1. Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for applications you regularly use (to avoid overusing the mouse)
   1. It is also important to have your workstation set up correctly. Your workstation includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, seating, desk, and where appropriate, footrest (to enable you to put your feet flat if they would otherwise not reach the floor), wrist rest, and document holder.

Monitors should

1. Swivel, tilt and elevate – if not use an adjustable stand, books or blocks adjust the height
2. Be positioned so the top line of the monitor is no higher than your eyes or no lower than 20° below the horizon of your eyes or field of vision
3. Be at the same level and beside the document holder if you use one
4. Be between 18 to 24 inches away from your face

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Keyboards should

1. Be detachable and adjustable (with legs to adjust angle)
2. Allow your forearms to be parallel to the floor without raising your elbows
3. Allow your wrists to be in line with your forearms so your wrists does not need to be flexed up or down
4. Include enough space to rest your wrists or should include a padded detachable wrist rest (or you can use a separate gel wrist rest which should be at least 50 mm deep)
5. Be placed directly in front of the monitor and at the same height as the mouse, track ball or touch pad

Chairs should

1. Support the back – and have a vertically adjustable independent back rest that returns to its original position and has tilt adjustment to support the lower back
2. Allow chair height to be adjusted from a sitting position
3. Be adjusted so the back crease of the knee is slightly higher than the pan of the chair (use a suitable footrest where necessary)
4. Be supported by a five prong caster base
5. Have removable and adjustable armrests
6. Have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and rounded edges to distribute the weight and should be adjustable to allow the seat pan to tilt forward or back

Tables and desks should

1. Provide sufficient leg room and preferably be height adjustable
2. Have enough room to support the computer equipment and space for documents
3. Be at least 900 mm deep
4. Have rounded corners and edges

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Avoiding Eyestrain

Precautions that can be taken to avoid eyestrain include:

1. Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances
2. Blinking regularly
3. Keeping the air around you moist – for example using plants, open pans of water or a humidifier (spider plants are said to be particularly good for this and removing chemical vapors from the air)
4. Adjusting the screen height / seating so that when sitting comfortably your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen
5. Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort
6. Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background
7. Adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it flickering
8. Positioning monitors to avoid glare (e.g. not directly in front of windows)
9. Keeping your monitor the screen clean
10. Keeping the screen and document holder (if you use one) at the same distance from your eyes
11. Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity
12. Regular eye testing – do this at least once every 2 years and more frequently if necessary – especially if you are experiencing eye problems related to using display equipment. Indicate the distance from your eyes to the monitor to your optician and talk to them regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals.

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