Useful links Tom's Hardware (the most famous hardware web site) Ars-Tehnica (for computer technology enthusiasts)

The term hardware covers a large number of different devices and components, such as a computer, monitor, printer, presentation and other equipment. On these pages we will try to provide basic advice and criteria for selection of these devices and components, as well as to describe their function and how to use them.

The Criteria for Selecting Computer Equipment

Considering that different computers differ greatly, the criteria for their selection also vary. However, there are some common elements. In general, when selecting hardware pay attention to the following: ergonomics, production quality and robustness (a feature which is particularly important when a computer is handled by a lot of different people), power consumption (with portable equipment also the autonomy without external power supply), quality of design (what it looks like) and the size (how much space it takes up), the price and the price/quality ratio.

Useful links - ergonomics Comupter Work (National Institute for Working Life, Sweden) Ergonomics for Computer Workstations Cornell University Ergonomics Web Healthy Computing (IBM) Ergonomics of hardware and software (FER, instruction materials)

Unfortunately, when selecting computer (and software) equipment, the least attention is paid to ergonomics. Working with computers can cause many discomforts which can have short-term, as well as long-term consequences on the user's health. Some of the problems are noise, inconvenient body position, eye strain, eye sight difficulties and other health problems. In time we will give more space to this topic as another important factor in selection of computer equipment. In the meantime we invite you to visit Internet pages which cover this topic.