The potential risks from using computer monitors fall into four categories: eye strain; repetitive strain injury to the neck and other body parts; radiation; and chemical emissions. Most medical research that has been published suggests that the risks are relatively low and that with sensible use most people should not experience any significant medical problems.

Eye Strain

The Mayo Clinic reports that using computer screens for an extended period can cause eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include sore or tired eyes, difficulty focusing, and blurred or double vision. Ways to minimize the problem include using natural lighting wherever possible, aiming light away from the screen to reduce glare, and making sure the screen is around 20 to 30 inches from your eyes to avoid squinting or straining. You can also take occasional breaks to exercise your eyes. One trick is to use the 20-20-20 rule by which every 20 minutes you stop working and focus your attention on an item 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If you follow all these steps and still have eye strain from computer use, it could be a sign of underlying eye conditions, so seek medical advice.

RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury can come from two main behaviors, working separately or in conjunction: using a monitor for too long without a break and using a monitor incorrectly. The latter can include having the screen too close or too far away, meaning you move your head back or forth into an unnatural and uncomfortable position. The ideal position is at arm’s length. It can also be from having the screen too far to one side, or too high or low. The ideal position is straight ahead and either at or slightly below eye level, such that you can see the entire monitor just by moving your eyes rather than your head. Computer use can still lead to RSI if your keyboard or mouse are in awkward positions.

Radiation

Computer monitors do emit low levels of radiation, but the radiation is not at harmful levels, even to pregnant women. No credible medical studies have shown clear evidence of any danger. U.S. law requires that monitor manufacturers test radiation and keep monitor emissions at safe levels.

Chemicals

A 2000 study by the University of Stockholm found that cathode-ray monitors may emit “significant” levels of triphenyl phosphate, used as a flame retardant. This could contribute to nasal congestion, headaches and skin allergies. The researchers suggested that leaving the monitor turned on but kept away from users for 10 days after purchase could reduce the exposure by around two-thirds. These risks may be heavily reduced in modern flat screen monitors, simply because they have less surface area requiring flame retardants.

Last month, Intel introduced the first 8th Generation U-series Core processors aimed at thin and light notebooks. Most folks, however, have been waiting for Intel to unveil the first desktop processors based on the 8th Generation Intel Core processor family. According to a new report, Intel is likely to launch the first desktop “Coffee Lake” processors on the 5th of October. Since the new processor family comes with an increased core count compared to the previous generation, Intel is expected to price the new processors at a premium.

As always, the initial lineup is expected to be very limited, although we are expecting to see at least four new processors with six cores and a few quad-core SKUs as well. In Europe, the entry-level Core i3-8350K will apparently be priced at 199 EUR (Rs.15,300 approx.). The more powerful Core i5-8600K is expected to be priced at 299 EUR (Rs.23,000 approx.), while the mighty Core i7-8700K will be priced at 419 EUR (Rs.32,200 approx.).

Initially, consumers will be limited to motherboards based on the Z370 Express chipset, which does support overclocking. The mainstream H370, as well as the value-oriented H310 chipset-based motherboards, are expected to become available later this year. For the enthusiast segment, Intel is rumored to debut the Z390 chipset in the second half of 2018. All of the new chipsets use the LGA 1151v2 socket, making them compatible with the Coffee Lake processors. A few upcoming motherboards based on the Z370 chipset have started leaking online already, so we can expect these new boards to be made official alongside the desktop Coffee Lake processors early next month.