Computer Monitor / Screen Adjustment

[Fergal]

Do you have any useful tips on how to adjust your computer monitor / screen so that it is easy on the eyes when reading large amounts of text?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[wormy]

Yes, buy an LCD monitor if you don't have one already. If you have a CRT then one of those tinted non glare covers will help somewhat.

Next, change your desktop theme so that all text appears as white on black instead of black on white. There is one special Desktop theme within windows which has as many colors as possible being grey and black and application text is white, it is usually meant for people with weak eyes but it is great for everyone if they are reading a huge amount of text in one go.

[pendelton]

You can also use the zoom feature that is on most programs to enlarge the font, or, if it is a locally saved file just select all and increase the font size to what is comfortable.

[harshads]

You can use MS word where you can copy paste the content and then you can increase the font size of that content to the sufficient amount.As this is not the good tip but you can use it if you don't want to install any software on the computer and it is cheap.
Otherwise you can choose other options which are stated above by respected members.

[Fergal]

Thanks for suggestions. Text / Font size is not an issue, but I find my home PC monitor very tiring. Maybe it has something to do with glare / brightness or something.

It's just over a year old and a Dell flat screen.

[pendelton]

Check the refresh rate along with minimizing any glare on it. A bad refresh rate will give the screen an odd flicker that you do not notice, till your eyes hurt.

[BlueEew]

I have some suggestions. Make sure your computer chair is higher then the monitor. So when you look forwards, your are looking just above the top of your monitor.

Then have the monitor slightly tilted upwards. Very little tilt. That is what I do. :) Also my monitor is very large. ;)

[rachael24]

Good tips...I was thinking the same thing about having the monitor above your eyes. It helps alot!

[Fergal]

BlueEew, I've tried your tips and they appear to be helping, so thanks for that.

Pendelton, how do I adjust the refresh rate and is there a preferred setting?

[pendelton]

In XP, if you have your monitor installed, you can right click anywhere on the screen off of an icon, select properties, then the settings tab, then the advanced button, then the monitor tab. Then, finally, the Settings button. Mine is left at plug n play, so there is nothing more that I can tell you. I guess I should install it, if I can find the CD.

Some monitors have it in their menu, so search through that to see what all it has listed.

A preferred setting is what is comfortable for you, defaults are either the lowest, highest, or average setting. As you adjust it you will see the difference.

Check the temperature too, 9300k is bright, 6500k is dimmer, and 5000k looks green to me.

My monitor is set at 1600x1200, 70MHz, and 9300k and I do not suffer from eye strain except for marathon times spent at the computer.

Also try degaussing your monitor.