Toshiba 3200 User manual

®

2
Toshiba Magnia®
3200 User’s Guide
Contacting Toshiba
If you need assistance:
❖www.support.toshiba.com
Download the latest drivers, view detailed installation instructions, and access the
latest server information
❖InTouch®Center
Calling within the United States [phone]
Calling from outside the United States [phone]
For troubleshooting information, see If Something Goes Wrong on page 236.
SV138-0102M2
TOSHIBA

3
Model: Toshiba Magnia 3200
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his
own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
❖This device may not cause harmful interference in a commercial area.
❖This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Contact: Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
9740 Irvine Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92618-1697
[phone]
EU-Declaration of Conformity
NOTE: Only peripherals complying with the FCC Class A limits may be attached to this computer. Shielded
cables must be used between the external devices and the computer’s parallel port, PS/2™keyboard port, PS/
2 mouse port, USB port, and monitor port. Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly
approved by Toshiba, or parties authorized by Toshiba, could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
TOSHIBA EU Declaration of Conformity
EU Übereinstimmungserklärung
Déclaration de conformité UE
Declaración de conformidad de la UE
Dichiarazione di conformità UE
EU Försäkran om Överensstämmelse
Toshiba declares that the product: Toshiba Magnia 3200 (SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001, SYU3809U-
R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2, SYU3809U-R00Z3)
conforms to the following standards:
Toshiba erklärt, daß das Produkt: Toshiba Magnia 3200 (SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001, SYU3809U-
R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2, SYU3809U-R00Z3)
folgenden Normen entspricht:
Toshiba déclarent que le produit cité ci-dessous: Toshiba Magnia 3200 (SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001,
SYU3809U-R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2,
SYU3809U-R00Z3) est conformé aux normes suivantes:
Toshiba declaran que el producto: Toshiba Magnia 3200 ((SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001, SYU3809U-
R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2, SYU3809U-R00Z3)
cumple los siguientes estándares:

4
This product is carrying the CE-Mark in accordance with the related European Directives. Responsible for CE-Marking
is Toshiba Europe, Hammfeldamm 8, 41460 Neuss, Germany.
Notice to user of EN55022
Toshiba dichiara, che il prodotto: Toshiba Magnia 3200 (SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001, SYU3809U-
R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2, SYU3809U-R00Z3) è
conforme alle seguenti norme:
Toshiba intygar att produkten: Toshiba Toshiba Magnia 3200 (SYU3800U-00001, SYU3800U-00002, SYU3800U-00003, SYU3809U-R0001,
SYU3809U-R0002, SYU3809U-R0003, SYU3800U-000Z1, SYU3800U-000Z2, SYU3800U-000Z3, SYU3809U-R00Z1, SYU3809U-R00Z2,
SYU3809U-R00Z3) överensstämmer med föijande normer:
Supplementary Information: “The product complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC.”
Weitere Informationen: “Das Produkt entspricht den Anforderungen der Niederspannungs-Richtlinie 73/23/EG und der EMC-
Richtlinie 89/336/EG.”
Informations complémentaires: “Ce produit est conforme aux exigences de la directive sur les basses tensions 73/23/CEE et de la
directive EMC 89/336/CEE.”
Información complementaria: “El Producto cumple los requisitos de baja tensión de la Directiva 73/23/CEE y la Directiva EMC 89/
336/CEE.”
Ulteriori informazioni: “Il prodotto é conforme ai requisiti della direttiva sulla bassa tensione 73/23/EG e la direttiva EMC 89/
336/EG.”
Ytteligare information: “Produkten uppfyller kraven enligt lägspänningsdirektiver 73/23/EEC och EMC-direktiv 89/336/EEC.”
EMC-emission: EN50081-1
EN55022
EN60555-2
EN61000-3-3
1992
1994
1987
1995
EMC-immunity: EN50082-1
EN61000-4-2
EN61000-4-3
ENV50204
EN61000-4-4
EN61000-4-5
EN61000-4-6
EN61000-4-11
1997
1995
1998
1995
1995
1995
1996
1994
CD:8kV, AD:15kV
10V/m, 80-1000MHz, 1kHz 80% AM
10V/m, 895-905MHz, 200Hz 50% PM
AC-line: 2kV, Signal-line: 1kV, f: 5kHz, Polarity:+/-
AC-line: 1kV / 2kV, Polarity; +/-
10V emf, 0.15-80MHz, 80% AM
30% 10ms, 60% 100ms, >95% 5000ms
Safety: EN60950
A1
A2
A3
A4
1992
1993
1993
1993
1995
1997
CAUTION: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

5
Warning Labels
Warning labels are attached to various components. Read these labels carefully.
CD-ROM Safety Instruction
The CD-ROM drive employs a laser system. To ensure proper use of this product, please read the CD-ROM instruction
manual carefully and retain for future reference. Should the unit ever require maintenance, contact an authorized
service location. Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified may result in
hazardous radiation exposure. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure.
Location of the required label
Copyright
This guide is copyrighted by Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. with all rights reserved. Under the copyright
laws, this guide cannot be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Toshiba. No patent liability is
assumed, however, with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
©2002 by Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
CAUTION: This appliance contains a laser system and is classified as a “CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.” To use this
model properly, read the instruction manual carefully and keep it for your future reference. In case of any trouble
with this model, please contact your nearest authorized service provider. To prevent direct exposure to the laser
beam, do not try to open the enclosure.
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified in the owner’s
manual may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT TO IEC 60825-1
LASER KLASSE 1
N ACH IEC 60825-1
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
LASER KLASSE 1

6
Export Administration Regulation
This document contains technical data that may be controlled under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations, and
may be subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to export. Any export, directly or indirectly, in
contravention of the U.S. Export Administration Regulations is prohibited.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this manual, including but not limited to any instructions, descriptions and product
specifications, is subject to change without notice.
TOSHIBA CORPORATION AND TOSHIBA AMERICA INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. (TOSHIBA) PROVIDE NO
WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND
HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH REGARD TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING. TOSHIBA ASSUMES NO LIABILITY
FOR ANY DAMAGES INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY TECHNICAL OR TYPOGRAPHICAL
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN. IN NO EVENT SHALL TOSHIBA BE LIABLE FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON TORT,
CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS MANUAL OR ANY OTHER
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE USE THEREOF.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
Trademarks
Magnia is a registered trademark and InTouch is a registered trademark of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
Intel, Pentium, LANDesk, and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Wake-on-Lan is a registered trademark and PS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, its logos, MS-DOS, Windows, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows NT, and MS are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox, Inc.
EZ-SCSI and SCSISelect are registered trademarks of Adaptec, Inc.
NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell Corporation.
Other product names and trademarks belong to the individual companies concerned.
Express 500 and MegaRAID are registered trademarks of American Megatrends, Inc.

7
Table of Contents
About this guide......................................................................................... 14
Other documentation................................................................................. 15
Safety icons............................................................................................... 15
Other icons used.............................................................................. 16
Warning, danger and caution labels.......................................................... 16
EPS-R power supply unit caution label............................................ 17
EPS-R cage Warning and Danger labels......................................... 17
Service options.......................................................................................... 17
Maintenance contracts.............................................................................. 17
Cleaning the server................................................................................... 18
Setting up your work environment............................................................. 18
Developing good work habits........................................................... 18
Arranging your work area................................................................. 19
Seating and posture......................................................................... 19
Using your arms and wrists.............................................................. 20
Chapter 1: Getting Started ................................................................. 21
Make sure you have everything................................................................. 21
Installing optional internal devices............................................................. 21
Environmental considerations ................................................................... 21
General environmental considerations............................................. 21
Power requirements .................................................................................. 24
Front of the server..................................................................................... 24
Limiting access to server controls.................................................... 25
Server controls, indicators and drives.............................................. 25
Removing and replacing the server panels............................................... 31
Removing the side panel (pedestal model)...................................... 31
Replacing the side panel (pedestal model)...................................... 32
Removing the top panel (rack models) ............................................ 33
Replacing the top panel (rack models)............................................. 33
Isolating EPS-R cage and cooling fan unit failures.................................... 34
Indication of a failure........................................................................ 35
Rear view of the server ............................................................................. 36

8
Power supply unit............................................................................. 37
Identifying the AC power connector and I/O signal ports................. 38
Expansion slots................................................................................ 39
Connecting peripheral devices.................................................................. 40
Connecting AC power................................................................................ 41
Inside the server........................................................................................ 42
Motherboard..................................................................................... 42
Cooling fans..................................................................................... 42
CPU sockets .................................................................................... 42
SM card............................................................................................ 43
Internal battery................................................................................. 43
Memory bank................................................................................... 43
Expansion slots................................................................................ 43
Turning on the server ................................................................................ 44
Using Wake-On-LAN®..................................................................... 44
Power On Self Test (POST)....................................................................... 45
Booting the server..................................................................................... 45
Starting the server from the floppy disk drive................................... 45
Starting the server from the hard disk drive..................................... 46
Starting the server from the CD-ROM drive..................................... 46
BIOS setup................................................................................................ 47
Backup diskettes ....................................................................................... 47
Creating backup diskettes................................................................ 47
Setting the system configuration............................................................... 48
BIOS Setup Utility ............................................................................ 48
Onboard SCSI Utility........................................................................ 48
Setting up a disk array (RAID)................................................................... 48
Installing software...................................................................................... 49
Turning off the server ................................................................................ 49
Performing a normal shutdown ........................................................ 49
Performing an abnormal system shutdown...................................... 50

9
Chapter 2: Connecting Hardware Devices......................................... 51
Installing optional devices ......................................................................... 51
Before you start................................................................................ 51
Maintenance overview............................................................................... 53
Working on rack-mounted servers ................................................... 54
Cooling fans ............................................................................................. 57
Removing and installing an intake fan.............................................. 57
Removing and replacing the primary exhaust fan............................ 60
Removing and replacing the redundant exhaust fan........................ 63
Memory modules....................................................................................... 66
Installing memory modules.............................................................. 67
Removing a memory module........................................................... 69
CPU module.............................................................................................. 70
Installing a CPU module................................................................... 71
Internal battery.......................................................................................... 74
Replacing the internal battery.......................................................... 74
SCSI devices............................................................................................. 76
Assigning SCSI IDs.......................................................................... 76
Detecting SCSI Devices (SAF-TE)................................................... 76
Terminating SCSI devices................................................................ 77
Removing device bay spacers ......................................................... 77
Installing SCSI devices .................................................................... 77
Removing SCSI devices .................................................................. 80
Installing extended depth devices ............................................................. 81
Hard disk drives (HDDs)............................................................................ 84
Downgraded server operation.......................................................... 84
RAID failures.................................................................................... 85
Installing a hard disk drive......................................................................... 86
Replacing a hard disk drive.............................................................. 87
Expansion cards........................................................................................ 90
Restrictions on PCI expansion cards............................................... 90
Setting IRQ levels............................................................................. 90
Cautions when adding RAID controllers and SCSI host adapters... 90
Installing expansion cards................................................................ 91
Removing expansion cards.............................................................. 92

10
Installing a RAID controller............................................................... 93
Power supply units .................................................................................... 96
EPS-R power supply units ............................................................... 96
Chapter 3: System Configuration Setup............................................. 99
BIOS Setup Utility...................................................................................... 99
Starting the BIOS Setup Utility......................................................... 99
Changing the BIOS settings........................................................... 101
BIOS settings................................................................................. 101
Onboard SCSI Utility............................................................................... 108
Starting the SCSI Utility ................................................................. 108
Menu configuration......................................................................... 108
SCSI Utility keyboard commands................................................... 109
Setting devices............................................................................... 109
Disk array (RAID) settings....................................................................... 112
Installing the RAID Utility................................................................ 112
Automatic rebuilding with a hot spare ............................................ 113
Rebuilding the disk array using Power Console Plus..................... 113
Additional options for MegaRAID BIOS setup................................ 114
Chapter 4: Hardware Diagnostics .................................................... 115
HW Diagnostics Program Main Menu ..................................................... 116
Diagnostics Test (01. DIAGNOSTIC TEST)................................... 117
Running Test (02. RUNNING TEST).............................................. 119
Log Utilities..................................................................................... 131
Chapter 5: Server Setup Tool........................................................... 135
Starting SST............................................................................................ 135
Starting SST on another system.................................................... 136
Main Menu ..................................................................................... 137
Raid Configuration ......................................................................... 138
Simplified RAID Configuration Setup............................................. 139
Operating System Installation........................................................ 140
Windows 2000 Quick Installation ................................................... 141
Windows NT 4.0 Quick Installation ................................................ 152
Windows 2000 Manual Installation using SST............................... 165

11
Windows NT 4.0 Manual Installation using SST............................ 165
Windows 2000 / Windows NT 4.0 Manual Installation without SST 165
Post Installation (Windows 2000)................................................... 167
Post Installation (Windows NT 4.0)................................................ 167
NetWare Installation....................................................................... 168
NetWare 5.1 Post-Installation Procedure....................................... 171
Additional Software Manual Installations................................................. 172
HarnessEye/web............................................................................ 172
Toshiba Display Power Save Driver................................................ 172
AFT and ALB functions ........................................................................... 173
What are the AFT and ALB functions?........................................... 173
Setting up AFT and ALB functions (for Windows NT).................... 173
Chapter 6: Management Software ................................................... 174
HEW modules ......................................................................................... 174
Module Roles................................................................................. 176
Security ................................................................................................... 177
Operating environment............................................................................ 177
Module Configuration Notes........................................................... 177
Management Console.................................................................... 178
Management Proxy........................................................................ 178
Agent.............................................................................................. 178
Before Installing Harness Eye/web.......................................................... 179
Installing HarnessEye/web...................................................................... 181
Removing HarnessEye/web.................................................................... 186
Using HarnessEye/web........................................................................... 187
Initial Screen .................................................................................. 187
Management Proxy Main screen ................................................... 188
Agent List screen ........................................................................... 189
Error Log ....................................................................................... 190
Agent tab........................................................................................ 191
Error Log........................................................................................ 192
Hardware Profile screen................................................................. 193
Software Profile.............................................................................. 194
Sensor Status................................................................................. 195

12
IDE RAID Status ............................................................................ 196
SCSI RAID Status screen.............................................................. 198
S.E.L. (System Event Log)............................................................. 200
Automatic Server Restart screen................................................... 205
Remote Power Control screen....................................................... 206
Front Panel Indicators screen ........................................................ 208
Performance screen....................................................................... 209
Configure Alerts screen ................................................................. 211
Filter Settings tab........................................................................... 212
Advanced Setting tab..................................................................... 215
Agent Entry screen ........................................................................ 216
Data Base screen........................................................................... 218
Alert Delivery Configuration screen ............................................... 220
Agent Information Add/Delete Tool ......................................................... 225
Starting the tool.............................................................................. 225
Using the tool................................................................................. 225
Management Proxy Add/Delete Tool....................................................... 226
Starting the tool.............................................................................. 226
Using the Tool ................................................................................ 226
Alert Message Function .......................................................................... 227
Starting the Function...................................................................... 227
Using the Function......................................................................... 227
Local Configuration Tool.......................................................................... 230
Starting the tool.............................................................................. 230
Using the tool................................................................................. 230
Remote Management.............................................................................. 233
Connection from the Guest............................................................ 234
Verifying Connection on the Guest Side ........................................ 235
Verifying Connection on the Host Side........................................... 235

13
Chapter 7: If Something Goes Wrong.............................................. 236
Identifying the problem............................................................................ 236
Startup sequence.................................................................................... 237
Error checking................................................................................ 237
Startup problems............................................................................ 238
Application software problems................................................................. 238
Common hardware problems.................................................................. 239
The front panel power indicator light is not on ............................... 239
The screen is blank........................................................................ 239
Characters are distorted or do not display properly....................... 239
The FDD indicator light is not on.................................................... 240
The HDD status indicator lights are not on .................................... 240
The hard disk drive does not respond............................................ 240
The FDD indicator does not light.................................................... 240
An error is displayed during POST operation,
or POST stops midway .................................................................. 240
Loading of RAID controller BIOS stops midway............................. 241
Cannot install the OS..................................................................... 241
The OS does not boot, or the OS bootup stops midway................ 242
Windows NT/2000 is locked or cannot be used............................. 242
The power button does not function after a system abort.............. 242
Remedy when Windows NT/2000 is Usable ........................................... 243
Remedy when Windows NT/2000 is Unusable ....................................... 243
Abnormal system shutdown.................................................................... 244
Before calling for service......................................................................... 244
Toshiba Technical Support ...................................................................... 244
Appendix A: Specifications............................................................... 245
Appendix B: Interface....................................................................... 254
Appendix C: Jumper Settings........................................................... 263
Appendix D: Sensor List................................................................... 265
Appendix E: Unit Logs...................................................................... 268

14
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Toshiba Magnia 3200 server, which combines high
performance with great flexibility.
❖Supports up to two Intel®Pentium®III processors - 1.4 GHz, 1.26 GHz, or 1.13 GHz
❖512 KB secondary cache
❖128 MB high-speed ECC memory, expandable to 4GB
❖48x speed IDE CD-ROM drive
❖Server setup-support software
❖HarnessEye/Web integrated server management software
❖Integrated network adapter which supports Wake-on-LAN®, Automatic Load
Balancing (ALB), and Automatic Fault Tolerance (AFT) functions
❖Pedestal models quickly and easily convert to 5U rack mount with a rack mount kit
❖Supports up to six (73 GB) SCSI hot-swappable, RAID-ready, SCA drives
❖Dual channel, 64-bit Ultra 160 SCSI PCI Raid controller option
❖Three 5.25-inch device bays (one occupied by the CD-ROM drive)
❖Optional redundant power supply
❖Easy-to-upgrade memory modules and expansion cards, no tools needed
❖Split-front panel providing three levels of physical security
About this guide
This guide introduces the features of the Toshiba Magnia 3200 server and explains how
to set up, configure, and maintain the server. Before using your Toshiba server, refer to
this guide to gain an overall understanding of operating procedures and safety
precautions.

Other documentation 15
Other documentation
In addition to this user’s guide, the Toshiba Server Setup Tool CD contains:
❖The Safety Instruction Guide for Toshiba Servers, which contains general safety
information.
❖Other related documentation.
Check the readme.txt file for a complete list of the documentation provided on the
Toshiba Server Setup Tool CD.
Toshiba also provides you with:
❖A Toshiba Magnia®3200 Quick Start Card, which identifies the major server
components, and provides a quick reference on connection, setup, and system
configuration information.
❖Warranty information
Safety icons
All safety instructions must be read carefully and fully understood, before attempting to
use your Toshiba Magnia®3200 server.
This guide contains the safety instructions that must be observed in order to avoid
personal injury or damage to your server. The safety instructions have been classified
according to the seriousness of the risk, and the following icons highlight these
instructions as follows:
DANGER: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in death or
serious bodily injury if the safety instruction is not observed.
CAUTION: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in damage
to equipment or property if the safety instruction is not observed.
WARNING: This icon indicates the existence of a hazard that could result in bodily
injury if the safety instruction is not observed.
NOTE: This icon indicates information that relates to the safe operation of the
equipment or related items.

Warning, danger and caution labels 16
It is extremely important that basic safety practices are followed when installing and
maintaining the system.
Other icons used
Additional icons highlight other helpful or educational information:
Warning, danger and caution labels
CD-ROM caution label
TECHNICAL NOTE: This icon highlights technical information about the server.
HINT: This icon denotes helpful hints and tips.
DEFINITION: This icon indicates the definition of a term used in the text.
CLASS 1 LASER
PRODUCT TO IEC 60825-1
LASER KLASSE 1
N ACH IEC 60825-1

Service options 17
EPS-R power supply unit caution label
Three labels are affixed to the server’s power supply components—one attached to the
EPS-R power supply unit and two attached to the EPS-R power supply cage.
EPS-R cage Warning and Danger labels
Service options
Toshiba offers a full line of service options built around its warranty programs. Refer to
the warranty and service material included with the server for registration information, or
visit our web site at www.support.toshiba.com.
Maintenance contracts
Periodic maintenance and inspection is essential to keeping the server fully operational
and assuring its safe use. Toshiba recommends obtaining a maintenance contract with
DANGER: Never remove the caution labels. If the labels are illegible, consult your
authorized service repair office or sales office.
CAUTION: Never use the handle of the EPS-R power supply unit to lift or move the
server. Using the handle in this manner can cause severe damage to the power
supply, the EPS-R cage, and/or internal server components.

Cleaning the server 18
an authorized Toshiba Magnia service provider. For more information, use the following
InTouchsm Center numbers:
Calling within the United States [phone]
Calling from outside the United States [phone]
Cleaning the server
If the server’s exterior case is dirty or stained, clean it with a soft cloth. If necessary,
moisten the cloth with water. Never use harsh chemicals to clean the server.
Setting up your work environment
You can work more comfortably and efficiently by thoughtfully organizing your work
space. Developing good work habits is the best way to avoid strain and stress to your
hands, back, neck and eyes.
Developing good work habits
The key to avoiding discomfort or injury from repetitive strain is to vary your activities. If
possible, schedule a variety of tasks into your working day. Finding ways to break up the
routine can reduce stress and improve your efficiency.
❖Take short breaks from typing.
❖Take short breaks to change position, stretch your muscles, and rest your eyes. A two
or three minute break every half hour is more effective than one long break after
several hours.
❖Stretch spontaneously throughout the day to reduce tension.
❖Avoid performing repetitive activities for long periods. Intersperse repetitive activities
with other tasks.
❖To reduce eye strain, look away from the computer every 15 minutes or so, and focus
your eyes on a distant object for 30 seconds.
WARNING: Using the computer keyboard incorrectly may result in discomfort and
possible injury. If your hands, wrists, and/or arms bother you while typing, stop
using the computer and rest. If the discomfort persists, consult a physician.

Setting up your work environment 19
Arranging your work area
Carefully planned placement of your computer and desktop tools can help you avoid
stress-related injuries and make working more efficient. Adjusting the lighting can make it
easier to see your work and reduce eye strain.
❖Place the keyboard on a flat surface, directly in front of you, at a comfortable distance.
When you use the keyboard, your arms and hands should be in a relaxed position
with your forearms parallel to the floor. You should be able to type without twisting
your body or neck.
❖Place the monitor so that its top is at eye level. If you wear bifocal or progressive
lenses, position the monitor slightly lower.
❖Adjust the screen to avoid reflections and glare.
❖Set your paper holder at the same distance as the screen. If possible, adjust the
holder so that the paper is at the same height as the screen.
❖Position the monitor so that sunlight or bright indoor lighting does not reflect off the
screen. Use tinted windows or shades to reduce glare.
❖Avoid placing the monitor in front of a bright light that could shine directly in your eyes.
❖If possible, use soft, indirect lighting in your computer work area.
Seating and posture
Correct posture and computer placement
When using the computer, sit comfortably. Proper seating is a primary factor in reducing
strain.
❖Position your chair so that the keyboard is at or slightly below the level of your elbow.
You should be able to type comfortably with your shoulders relaxed.

Setting up your work environment 20
❖Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips. If necessary, use a footrest to
raise the level of your knees and ease the pressure on the back of your thighs.
❖Adjust the back of your chair so that it supports the lower curve of your spine. If
necessary, use a cushion to provide extra back support.
❖Sit with your back straight so that your knees, hips and elbows form approximately
90-degree angles when you work. Do not slump forward or lean back too far.
Using your arms and wrists
❖Keep your wrists straight while typing. If necessary, adjust the keyboard and chair
height to keep wrists straight.
❖Avoid resting on your wrists while typing.
❖Use a light touch on the keys and mouse.
❖Avoid bending, arching, or twisting your wrists. Keep them in a relaxed, neutral
position while typing.
❖Exercise your hands, wrists and arms several times during the day to improve
circulation.
Regular attention to your work habits can make your time at the computer more
productive.