Shareware

While the cost of treating Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be expensive, so can the means of prevention. Too often, it seems, ergonomic software meant to prevent and reduce RSI is too expensive for individuals and small companies to buy. Nonetheless, it is possible to find some good freeware, shareware, and low cost ergonomic software. While these inexpensive or free forms of ergonomic software may not be as comprehensive as their expensive counterparts, they can have the same positive effect.

First, a quick explanation on the difference between freeware and shareware:

Freeware – as its name implies, freeware is distributed without charge.
Shareware – most shareware is available for only a trial basis with the condition that the user pay a fee to continue to use it. Other forms of shareware do not have an initial charge, but a nominal fee is encouraged if you decide to continue to use the program. Or sometimes the very basic program is free, but an upgrade requires an additional charge. If you are unsure of the benefits of ergonomic software, it is a great idea to use shareware instead of going out straight away and buying an expensive software package. If you decide that you do not like the shareware, you can simply discontinue your use of it, never having to pay any money.

Everyone deserves the means to prevent and reduce RSI and CTS. Fortunately, it is possible to find many forms of shareware, freeware, and inexpensive ergonomic software programs online. Of course, you certainly do not want to worsen your RSI by searching endlessly online for the right ergonomic software! So, here are some tips on the different kinds of ergonomic shareware out there:

Break reminders – look for one with as many options as possible so that it can best be formatted to suit you and/or your employees. Also, be sure that the break reminder (beep or message on screen, etc.) is not too distracting and that it does not interfere with finishing the task at hand. Break reminders are, perhaps, one of the most popular forms of ergonomic shareware.
Automatic clicking – most automatic clicking programs are designed to automatically “click” your mouse for you whenever you stop moving it. To ensure that your mouse clicks only when you want it to, you may want to get an automatic clicking program that provides a “trigger window” whenever you stop the mouse – to click the mouse, you must place the cursor over the window.
Posture reminders – besides taking breaks, one of the other easiest ways to prevent and reduce RSI is to keep a good posture and to continue to use the mouse and keyboard correctly. There is ergonomic software that will bring up reminders throughout the day, reminding the worker to sit at and use his workplace correctly.
Voice recognition – while voice recognition shareware and freeware is available, the technology behind it is not likely to be as good as with more expensive versions. Nonetheless, it may still very well be worth downloading voice recognition shareware, just to get a taste for it and to see whether or not you would really use it in the future.

Realize that has the science of ergonomics improves, ergonomic products – like software – will become better and generally more affordable for the masses. More companies will market their new ergonomic software online as shareware, hoping to get enough interested customers who will want to continue to use it and/or upgrade to more expensive versions. Oftentimes, this is the best way for new companies and new products to get noticed. In this way, you can download and test out good up and coming software for free!

It can only be expected that even better software will be even more readily available in the future.