If you already have your computer set up, you may want to skip this section. If you are looking to improve your current workplace or you have recently purchased a pc; keep reading. Finding a good workplace only takes a little planning and thinking.

When searching for a power outlet, keep in mind that you will need to plug in the: monitor, system unit, printer, and maybe a light source. An easy and cost-effective way to plug all of these things in at the same time is through the use of a surge protector. A surge protector is A device that employs some method of surge suppression to protect electronic equipment from excessive voltage (spikes and power surges) in the power line. Even if you have a surge protector, its best to turn your system off during a major storm.

You will need a phone jack for DSL, fax machine, or dial-up internet service. Make sure that a phone jack is nearby.

I'm definetly not going to tell you how to decorate your home. You definetly want to make sure that your desk is functional. You will need a flat surface for your monitor, keyboard and mouse. Some desks have a sliding tray for the keyboard. This will save space in the future. If you are a large person, the sliding tray may get in the way when typing. If you have a small tower system, you can usually slide this under the desk within hands reach. This will make it convenient when you need to change cds, turn the machine off, etc. Place your speakers somewhere nearby so that you can adjust the volume. You may want to be careful places speakers with large magnets very close to your monitor. It may warp the image over time. You usually don't have to worry about this from the newer speakers, but you can never be to careful. I have personally ruined a monitor (and tv) over a few years from this.

Don't forget that you need some space to work. There will be times where you may need to write a few things down. You may want to place a fax machine in arms reach as well. A desk with a cabinet space for manuals, cds, printer paper, etc is definetly a good thing to have as well.

I'm sure you have heard all the horror stories of carpal tunnel syndrome. Don't worry. It isn't something that you can develop overnight. It is from repeated stress over a period of time. In most cases, people simply work through the pain because their job demands it. If you are even slightly uncomfortable, make sure you adjust your mouse and keyboard so that your wrists are flat as you type. You may want to invest in a keyboard pad and a mouse pad with a wrist rest. (These items are very cheap)

Make sure you can see the monitor without straining. You don't want to be too close to the screen. When looking at the monitor for extended periods of time, make sure you look away occasionally. You blink less when looking at a computer screen. This is definetly a strain on your eyes. You also want to make sure you keep the monitor at eye level. This doesn't mean that you need to grab a few phone books and have the screen directly at eye level. It simply means that you need to angle the monitor high enough that you don't have to strain your neck to look at it. Constantly looking at the monitor at a downward angle is a no-no. Many people forget to make sure that there monitor doesn't have an annoying glare from nearby windows when choosing a computer location. You don't have to worry about this since I have warned you a ahead of time.