Followup-To: sci.med
Summary: software tools to help out injured typists
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.c+health
Date:         Fri, 14 Aug 1992 10:03:25 -0700
Reply-To:     Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>
From:         Dan Wallach <dwallach@NAS.NASA.GOV>
Subject:      FAQ: Typing Injuries (3/3): Software Monitoring Tools [montly
              posting]
Comments: To: c+health@iubvm.ucs.indiana.edu

Archive-name: typing-injury-faq/software
Version: 1.2, 17th July 1992

This FAQ is actually maintained by Richard Donkin <richardd@hoskyns.co.uk>.
I post it, along with the other FAQ stuff.  If you have questions, you want
to send mail to Richard, not me.  -- Dan


	    Software Tools to help RSI by monitoring typing
	    -----------------------------------------------

This file describes tools, primarily software, to help with RSI by
monitoring typing.

Please let me know if you know any other tools, or if you have info
or opinions on these, and I will add the info to this file.

  Richard Donkin                           Hoskyns Group plc
  Internet mail:                           190 City Road,  LONDON  EC1V 2QH
    Work:  richardd@hoskyns.co.uk          Tel: +44 71 251 2128
    CIX:   richardd@cix.compulink.co.uk    Fax: +44 71 251 2853


    Tool: At Your Service (commercial software)
    Available from:
	US: Bright Star, +1 (206) 451 3697
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
    Description:
	Provides calendar and other functions, also warns you when
	to take a break (configurable).  Has a few recommendations
	on posture, and exercises.  Not sure if it requires
	sound hardware.

    Tool: AudioPort (sound card and software)
    Available from:
	US: Media Vision, +1 (510) 226 2563
    Platforms: PC
    Description:
	A sound card to plug into your PC parallel port.
	Includes 'At Your Service'.

    Tool: Lifeguard (commercial software)
    Available from:
	Visionary Software
	P.O. Box 69447
	Portland, OR  97201
	Tel: (503) 246-6200
    Platforms: Mac, DOS (Windows version underway)
    Description:
	Aimed at preventing RSI.  Warns you to take a break
	with dialog box and sound.  Includes a list of exercises
	to do during breaks, and information on configuring your
	workstation in an ergonomic manner.  Price: $59.95.

    Tool: EyerCise (commercial software)
    Available from:
	RAN Enterprises
	One Woodland Park Dr.
	Haverhill, MA  01830
	Tel: 800-451-4487
    Platforms: DOS, Windows, OS/2 PM
    Description:
	Aimed at RSI and eye strain, this appears to warn you of when
	to take breaks.  A demo disk is available.  Quote from advert
	follows, courtesy of Julie A. Fores:

	"EyerCise is a Windows program that breaks up your day with periodic
	sets of stretches and visual training exercises.  The stretches work
	all parts of your body, relieving tension and helping to prevent
	Repetitive Strain Injury.  The visual training exercises will improve
	your peripheral vision and help to relieve eye strain.  Together these
	help you to become more relaxed and productive."

	"The package includes the book _Computers & Visual Stress_ by Edward C.
	Godnig, O.D. and John S. Hacunda, which describes the ergonomic setup
	for a computer workstation and provides procedures and exercises to
	promote healthy and efficient computer use.  An on-line Repetitive
	Strain Injury checklist will help you set up your workplace to prevent
	RSIs.  Cost is $69.95 including shipping and handling."

    Tool: Typewatch (freeware)
    Available from:
	    Email to richardd@hoskyns.co.uk
	    anonymous ftp soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/typewatch.shar
    Platforms: UNIX (tested on SCO and SunOS)
    Description:
	    Warns when to take a break, logs typing activity to a file.
	    Crude but effective.

    Tool: hsh (public domain)
    Available from:
	    anonymous ftp soda.berkeley.edu:pub/typing-injury/hsh.shar
    Platforms: UNIX (don't know which ones)
    Description:
	    allows one-handed typing and other general keyboard remappings.
	    Only works through tty's (so, you can use it with a terminal or
	    an xterm, but not most X programs).
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU