BKCMUSRG.RVW 951205 "The Computer User's Survival Guide", Joan Stigliani, 1995, 1-56592-030-9, U$21.95/C$31.95 %A Joan Stigliani %C 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472 %D 1995 %G 1-56592-030-9 %I O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. %O U$21.95/C$31.95 800-998-9938 707-829-0515 fax: 707-829-0104 nuts@ora.com %P 296 %T "The Computer User's Survival Guide" Like the earlier "Zap" (cf. BKZAP.RVW), this book covers the various physical ills that can be related to computer use. Stigliani covers the basics, RSI (repetitive strain injury) eyestrain, stress and EMF (electromagnetic fields). More research has gone into this work than went into "Zap", and the bibliography gives a good, broad sampling of related literature (if not, sometimes, the best in a given field). Throughout the book there are practical exercises that can help the normal user deal with complaints. In the Preface, Stigliani recommends the book to managers and business people. This advice makes a lot of sense, since managers have much more control over the work environment in the office. Unfortunately, but in line with many other similar works, she fails to provide justification and background which would allow business owners to make a business case for committing the resources necessary to reorganize the workspace, and purchase more "healthy" equipment. In addition, business people may be uncomfortable to find some suggestions (such as the exhortation to ameliorate the effects of EMF by using crystal pendants) and the general tone of the writing to be a bit "New Age". It would be a mistake to see the book as "flaky" because of this minor predilection: the important parts of the book are thoroughly researched and well supported. Practical help for users, a useful guide for managers and a good introduction for health practitioners. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995 BKCMUSRG.RVW 951205 ====================== roberts@decus.ca rslade@vanisl.decus.ca Rob.Slade@f733.n153.z1.fidonet.org Frequent advice to Internet newcomers: State your business, avoid eye contact, leave quietly, and no one gets hurt. Author "Robert Slade's Guide to Computer Viruses" 0-387-94311-0/3-540-94311-0