Studying Online;Succeeding through Distance Learning at University

TABLE 2.1 Desktop or laptop? 
Desktop 
Laptop 
Cheaper than similar powered 
laptops 
Can use any size screen 
Expandable as your studies grow 
Easy to add peripherals, such as 
cameras 
Diffcult to damage 
Well-secured in a locked home 
Not fexible if your study patterns 
change 
Only used in one location 
High specifcation machines cost 
more 
Limited screen size 
Diffcult to expand if you run out 
of space 
Cameras and microphones 
relatively poor 
Can be dropped or easily broken 
Easily stolen when out and about 
Can adapt to changing ways of 
study 
Can be used anywhere 

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34 Getting ready for online study 
and allows you to angle the screen so that it is level with your eyes. 
Otherwise, you could sufer from neck pain and headaches if you 
are hunched over a laptop on your desk for many hours. 
QUICK TIP: If you can’t afford a sit-stand desk, look online for 
portable risers that can move your screen and keyboard up and 
down on a standard desk. 
Keyboards and mice 
Whichever computer hardware you buy for your studies, you will 
need some additional peripheral devices. If you are using a desk-
top, you will need a mouse and keyboard. However, you will also 
beneft from these if you have a laptop. Tat’s because the key-
board and trackpad on a laptop are small and can lead to muscle 
fatigue when you use them for a long time. Studying online will 
lead to many hours of use of the keyboard and mouse. Hence, 
even if you have a laptop with its own integrated keyboard, adding 
an external device for when you are working at home is a good 
idea. It will help save you from muscular issues associated with 
using narrow keyboards and trackpads. Also, make sure you in-
vest in a good keyboard or mouse that is comfortable to use. Many 
desktop computers are provided with a keyboard and mouse, but 
these tend to be cheap afairs. Far better to fnd a keyboard and 
mouse that are comfortable to use and ft your way of working. 
You will be using these devices for a long time, and if you don’t get 
good ones at the outset, you will waste money by having to buy 
new ones in the future. At the same time, you could make your 
studying less comfortable and have muscular aches and pains, all 
of which will have an impact on your work.