i/s Back Issues

Volume 13

No. 2  November/December 1997

Computer Corner Q&A

Q: Is there software that can help me prevent repetitive strain injuries by prompting me to take breaks?

A: Yes.The ATIC Lab maintains a page that lists Web sites of typing break software at http://web.mit.edu/atic/www/break.html

ATIC Lab staff have evaluated some of these programs. Here are three that they recommend.

  ErgoMinder (Macintosh and Windows)
ErgoMinder gives you friendly reminders to move and stretch in timed intervals. The Ergo-Dudes (cartoon characters) pop up, along with text descriptions of exercises that help prevent RSI and promote good posture.

ErgoMinder Lite for the Macintosh is freeware; the full version for Macintosh or Windows is $25. You can download a free evaluation copy from http://www.vision.net.au/~macsol/

  Stretch Break (Windows)
Stretch Break reminds you to take breaks by inviting you to perform low-impact stretches. These are illustrated by on-screen animations. You can select how long to wait between sessions and the number of stretches per session (defaults are 30 minutes and 3 stretches). You can also delay or cancel the stretches. This program costs $44.95. To download a free evaluation copy, go to http://www.paratec.com/

  Xwrits (Athena)
This freeware program pops up an X window with a graphic of a hand in pain when it's time to take a break. You can set the number of minutes between breaks and how long the break lasts. There's also an option to lock the keyboard during the break.

To access xwrits, type the following at the athena% prompt:

add eddietwo; xwrits &

To read the xwrits manual page, type man xwrits

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