Technology Tip Number 11
What Are You Looking At?

There are basically two kinds of computer monitors in the world.  Do you know what kind of monitor you are looking at?  There are the old fashioned bulky (TV like) monitors and the newer, slim flat panel monitors.  Here is a basic description of the differences:

CRT Monitor:  Cathode Ray Tube: similar to a television in which rays of electrons are beamed onto a phosphorescent screen to produce images. CRT is Often used as a generic term for a computer monitor.  Here’s a link to more information about CRT's: PCtechguide.com/06crtmon_Anatomy.htm Note that CRT Monitors are sometimes described by crafty advertisers as “FLAT SCREEN” monitors.  That just means that the tube screen is flat instead of curved like a an older TV set screen. For the most part CRT monitors have been phased out and are no longer sold with new computers. If you have an old monitor to get rid of try online websites like Earth911 to find a recycling center near you.

Flat Panel Monitor:  You could think of them as the final evolution of the old LCD calculator screen that impressed everyone so much back in the 1970’s.  There have been lots of amazing technology developments along the way but the basic idea is the same.  Here’s a link that goes into greater details about the benefits of Flat Panel Monitors: PCtechguide.com/07panels.htm   This is a great link for lots of technical information about not only computer monitors but also the newest flat panel TV’s and the different technologies that they use.

Some Care & Maintenance Tips for Your Computer Monitor:

1. Try to not eat or drink near it.  Monitors don't react well to liquids or cookie crumbs.
2. Don’t poke the screen, especially if it's one of the new flat panels.  It’s not glass, just plastic and you can damage it.  The screens on the older CRT monitors is glass so you probably won't damage it but you will leave an annoying smudge.
3. Keep magnets away from your monitor.  As a matter of fact, keep magnets away from all your computers and electronics equipment! 
4. If your monitor is dirty wipe it off with a damp paper towel or tissue.  Try to avoid getting it all wet with cleaners.
5. If you do have problems with your monitor (it goes blank) start by checking the cables, they get loose sometimes.
6. Finally, don't forget to adjust it to meet your needs.  If the words on the screen are too small and hard to read you might have to move the monitor closer to your face.  I'm serious, don't forget to adjust the monitor if you need to!

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Adjust your monitor today!  Move it a little closer to you to avoid eye strain.  Tilt it up and down to minimize glare.  Dust it off with a damp tissue sometime today.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  If you'd like to learn some more about the different types of monitors that are out there try searching the internet for:

History of the Cathode Ray Tube
How a computer monitor works
Flat panel technology
LCD screens

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