You may have been taught how to stretch your arms, legs, wrists and back while working on a computer.  You may also be aware that you need to do this every 40 minutes to 1 hour. But did you know you need to stretch your eyes too?

This exercise is always forgotten and, when done regularly, will help you increase your focusing abilities and avoid computer related headaches.

This works best if you can look as far into the distance as possible. (Outside your office or study window for example) Look into the distance. Find the distance you can focus at and focus for a few seconds. Now focus on your hand for about 5 seconds. Now look into that distance again for 5 seconds. Do this a few times, maybe even go for a short walk if you haven't already. This will help prevent eye strain.

When you're looking at a computer screen for a long period of time your eye muscles stay in the same position. It is completely unnatural for us to be so focused on one point for a long period of time. You need to stretch those eye muscles and refocusing is the best measure. It doesn't work for everyone but you may even increase the time you have before needing glasses or a lens upgrade.

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2. Latest tech news
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Microsoft will discontinue the further development of Java in 2004. This suggests that Internet Explorer will stop having Sun Java updates. If Sun Java continue to develop the programming language for web sites and Microsoft stop developing a browser that can read those developments, does this mean we'll go back to the good old days of needing other internet browsers to view pages? Netscape and Opera? Or will it mean that people will stop going to sites that aren't compatible with Internet Explorer? Time will tell.

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3. Holiday ideas
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Well, it's that time of year again and we're coming up to, a public holiday, school holidays, study holidays, Christmas and New Year. Yes, it is only a few days until Christmas. Check out the Christmas countdown clock at http://www.emailsanta.com/clock.html and a cool countdown with a dynamic java clock attached to your mouse pointer here: http://home.pcmagic.net/dcliff/xmascountdown.htm If you're wanting to get away from it all, Bali is the choice of most Australians though many don't take the time to visit Lombok which really shows you Indonesia's best side. If you'd like to find out more about Bali and Indonesia, visit this site here: Indonesia

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4. Computer Fairs
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Computer Fairs are the best places to pick up bargain hardware and software.  If you can get a warranty with the item you buy then you can probably save a fortune as there will be dealers there selling items at below cost price.

Christine and I attended the Computer Fair at Parramatta Town Hall with some friends. After paying $2.50 each entry, we explored about 50 or more tables and dealers, packed with every computer peripheral you could think of.

Our friends grabbed a WindowsME second hand laptop for a very good price and I got hold of some software I'd been wanting for half the price I expected to pay. (Genuine product, no copies)

What you'll also find at the computer fairs are small businesses selling stock that they couldn't sell in their stores. And as they are expecting cash, you can get hold of all sorts of bargains.

Having said that I would not recommend buying chips or motherboards that are not protected or do not come with a warranty from second hand sellers. Unless it is so cheap that the price doesn't matter, you are taking a risk with your computer if you install a faulty part. If you wish to upgrade the memory in your computer, we can order those parts in and install them for you.

For more information on computer fairs' locations and dates visit http://www.computerfairs.com.au

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4. Latest site updates.
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As always, links are added to the links page every month. You can view the updated page at http://www.computerwebhelp.com/ebay-sitesell-amazon.html

Here is a quick rundown of off site links added.
World Currency Exchange site (Online calculator. Put the amount in, choose the currency you want to convert from and to, then press calculate)
World Times and Dates (See the time and date in major cities around the world. Great for knowing when to call family and friends overseas)
Darpa Fact File (What top projects are the US government spending their development money on? This gives a full list)
Live365 (Internet Radio Stations. Hundreds to choose from)
Sydney Trip Planner (From 131500 site. Type in the address you are leaving from and the address you're going to and it will show you the best route using Sydney transport. This is very useful for getting a guide as to how long it will take but the system only lists major stops. Ring 131500 if you need more info)

There are others. I'll let you find them for yourself. If you have any suggestions for links, please let me know and I'll consider them.

That's it for this issue. Hope you have a great month.

Best regards

The Team at Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd
 

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Copyright 2002 Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd

ABN 54 065 417 665

Mention of products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither a recommendation nor an endorsement. Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of these products. Unless otherwise indicated all pricing is RRP in Australian dollars correct at time of publication. All URL's are correct at time of emailing. Product specifications are subject to change. No responsibility is taken for information read from the off site links.