Thanks to the new music copying laws, soon the UK can look forward to a relax in the rules in terms of copying music and film. This is a fantastic advance in government legislation and will allow the UK to keep up with technology trends. The result of the change is the Hargreaves Review, which states that the government should make it legal to move digital files you own from one device or format to another. It was an obvious and vital move as more and more people are storing music and film digitally, and the technology for doing so is continuously advancing. If the law’s hadn’t been relaxed, we would literally be freezing music and film digital storage technology as it is causing more and more new products to face legal difficulties if they were to attempt to launch in the UK. Now where’s the sense in that? Britain don’t want to be seen as a technologically stunted nation any more than they want to be ridiculed by the nations who are advancing. Happy days!

We can now expect companies such as Amazon, Google and Apple to open up new services allowing us to access our music where ever we are! The laws will be relaxed so much so that it will even be legal to copy music and film for our own and immediate family’s private use on different media! It does state however that the move will only legalise private copying for non-commercial use, it will not allow people to share content over the internet without copyright owners’ permission. So in short, if the plans become law, changing the format of your music and film will be legal, and you will also be able to lawfully burn copies of the music and give them to your family.

With this positive change in the law, we can now all happily stock up on blank CD’s and copy our files from our computers onto disk for family and friends – fantastic! Dawn is the era of legal ‘mix tapes’ or rather mix CD’s, compilations for loved ones of just straight CD copying. Happy times indeed; but why not go the whole hog and make your CD’s look like the real thing? Using CD Labels will enable you to give your disks the replica look of the actual thing that way your copied disks will look far more pleasing to the eye and will leave the recipient feeling as though you’d put your all into the gift. You can save yourself a fortune with just a stack of blank disks, CD labels and time; that’s Christmas’s, birthdays and anniversaries all rolled into one!

Take a look at our variety of Avery CD labels available in clear or glossy options as well as inkjet printable and laser printable varieties. Simply create your label design using software from Avery, then print and apply carefully to the disk. What you will be left with is an impressive high resolution print finish and the imperative ‘wow’ factor.

In our new and ever changing world of technology, computer peripherals have never been more important than now, and we need to look after them! More often than not, our personal and financial information will be stored my means of computer related products and in many instances this is the CD or Optical Disk. Companies store vast amounts of delicate information on optical discs and without giving these discs the proper care, you expose this information to the risk of damage and inevitably becoming lost for good.

At Office 365 you’ll find that we stock many forms of media storage as we understand the importance of disk safety. We have many varieties available, each of which keeps your disks free from dust and away from harm. What’s more, disk storage is an excellent way of keeping all your CD’s in one place so you know where they are when you need them. CD Cases are an excellent option for if you like to keep each disk in a labelled case, rather than in sleeves or CD storage folders. They look neat and tidy lined up on shelves and can be labelled on their spine for quick and easy identification.

A standard jewel CD case is the original compact disc case that has been used since the compact disc was first released in 1982. It is a three-piece plastic case, measuring 142 mm × 125 mm × 10 mm. Two opposing transparent halves are hinged together to form the casing, the back half holding a media tray that grips the disc by its hole. All three parts are made of injection-moulded polystyrene. The back media tray snaps into the back cover, and is responsible for securing the disk. In its centre is a circular hub of teeth which grip the disc by its hole. This effectively suspends the disk in the middle of the container, preventing the recording surface from being scratched. Originally, the media tray was constructed of flexible black polystyrene, but many newer trays use a more fragile transparent polystyrene. This allows the reverse of the back card, which is usually used for additional artwork, to be visible.

Our Compucessory Clear CD Cases as featured to your right are a stackable CD storage option which would give a professional and organised finish to any office whether at home or at work. They feature;

• Innovative system allows CDs to be stored in individual cases or clicked together to form a tower
• Simply turn the patented spine to stack
• Each case operates as a drawer
• Packed – 10
• Now featuring 55% off! – Just £2.85!
• Free delivery when you order 15 or more packs!

At Office 365 we take great pleasure in surprising our customers with our selection of products for all around the home and the office. We’re not just stationery suppliers and as the pennies dropping our customer base is doing quite the opposite! Now one of the UK’s top rated online office supplies retailers, you will find that our selection is not only vast, but fairly priced too! Take a look at our computer media supplies for example, where you will find an impressive selection of all forms of computer media storage products!

So that you can safely store all your hard work (and the fun bits too), your computer uses various types of storage media to save information continuously for future use. Your computer can load an operating system from a drive and process your information; it can find your saved data on its drive or computer optical media and then process it, furthermore, upon request it will save your files on the drive or media for future reference. In order for you to use your machine to the best of its ability however, you must have the right tools to do so and this is where our computer media supplies come in handy.

3.5 Disks (or Floppy Discs)

‘Floppy disks’ replaced the age old tape or cartridge storage media and is still the most commonly used storage medium in educational facilities and offices today. A magnetic 3.5 disk records information in magnetic bits like a tape, however the main difference and as it goes, advantage, is that you can retrieve specific information rather than having to go through each individual file.

CD’s DVD’s Optical Disks

Other forms of storage media like the CD and DVD can have two types of storage; recordable, and re-writable. The first enables data to be written once and cannot be erased and the second enables data to be written which can later be erased if required, then used again for storing further data. CD’s, DVD’s and Blue Ray are all examples of optical discs which use laser to burn minute pits on the reflective surface to store data. Although they cannot be harmed by external magnetic fields, this form of media is subject to scratches which will ruin the ‘playability’ of the disk resulting in the loss of its information; for this reason they must be stored safely.

USB sticks

A USB stick or ‘flash drive’ as they are also known as, is a common and favoured example of a solid state memory. This chip-based storage medium is extremely popular with many people carrying theirs in their pocket or on their key ring for quick access. This amazing device is fast and can safely store several gigabytes of information even when the current is turned off. For this reason it is the most favoured choice for portable storage applications and file backups.

With many other forms of quality storage medium here, Office 365 will have a solution for you and if you need any help, just give us a call on 0870 766 1624.

At the route of an ergonomic office is a good chair. If you have this, then the rest is easy. But what makes a chair ergonomic? It seems that it is all down to tilt, angle and lumber support. This is why manufacturers today have chosen to develop on the adjustable backed office chair in order to meet with ergonomic regulations. However choosing your seating when we have so much choice is not altogether easy! Following some simple guidelines can really help.

Firstly make sure that you are purchasing a chair which has an optional reclining backrest. Remember, it is fine to sit upright or recline slightly in your chair, but make sure that the backrest is designed for this kind of use. A somewhat reclined posture will open up the angle between the hips and trunk, which leads to decreased stress of the lower back.

Adjust your back rest so that it supports your lower back, cushioning the natural curve of your spine. If you are currently using a chair which does not have lumbar support, all is not lost. You can purchase lower back supports separately which are also known for doing a great job. Alternatively, use a cushion, small pillow or even a rolled-up towel.

Each individuals back and spine are shaped differently, some with very little curvature and some with very prominent curves. For example, a pregnant woman’s back will curve in greatly during the later stages of pregnancy completely altering her posture to compensate for the extra weight at the front of the body. Some chairs have cushioned lumbar supports that can be adjusted up and down, that are curved and which can sometimes even be adjusted forwards and backwards so that they can best fit different types of curvature. This type of adjustability is essential when there are multiple users of the chair. However, if you are the sole user of the chair and the fixed lumber support is comfortable, then a chair with fixed support may be adequate.

You will find a great selection of chairs with back supports that are large enough to include the already mentioned lumbar support, mid-back and upper-back support, and support which cares for your shoulder-blade area. It is vital to consider that the back of the chair should not under any circumstances, interfere with manoeuvrability; you should be able to move your elbows back behind the torso without obstruction.

Also contemplate hip room when purchasing your chair. When you sit back against the back rest, is there sufficient space for the hips? If not, the user will find them self sitting too far forwards on the seat leaving them with little or no thigh support. Allow for at least one inch of space on either side of your hips and thighs.

Another concept to ponder over is the option of a reclining chair. It is a proven fact that moving the back while you are sitting helps to maintain a healthy spine. Make sure that when choosing your ergonomic chair, you find one that allows the user to easily recline, providing excellent back support in all reclining postures. It is not recommended that the back rest is locked in one position as this is not beneficial to the user. Locking the back rest position restricts any back support which is intended for ergonomic use. Research confirms the benefits of using chairs that support dynamic sitting, discouraging a static posture.

Additional features to consider when buying an ergonomic chair are arm rests, wrist rests and foot rests. A footrest for an ergonomic chair may help align the whole body better. So to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, it is essential to understand certain seating and feet positioning criteria. The body should be in a straight but relaxed position, and your knees should also bend at a comfortable 90-degree angle with the feet on the floor. In many cases this position is made possible only with the use of a foot rest.

Without the use of a wrists rest, somebody who works with a keyboard or mouse will frequently experience hand and wrist fatigue. This is because the user’s unsupported wrists and lower hand will fall below the level of the keyboard, which is an especially dangerous position for repetitive typing. Putting too much pressure on the bottom of your wrist can cause damage similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. A padded wrist rest will cushion your wrists and provide a better angle for typing.

Monitor Risers play an important role in office ergonomics. They are considered one of the top 3 essentials when it comes to comfort at work along with the ergonomic office chair and correct lighting (including lamps & uplighters).

Neck strain can often be caused by incorrect monitor height and is something we all need to avoid. It is very common for computer users to develop neck pain from having their VDU positioned too high up or too low down on their desk. Adjusting the height of your monitor is a straightforward process. Follow this simple guide;

1. Sit yourself comfortably in front of your computer
2. Look straight ahead towards your screen
3. Adjust your monitor height until the top of the screen (not the monitor case) is level with your eye.
4. Use a monitor riser such as this Fellowes Monitor Riser Plus, to position your VDU to this height.  

Did you know that achieving the correct height of your display screen in now accepted universally by ergonomic experts as vital in achieving workstation posture and comfort, hence helping to avoid neck and shoulder strain? Monitor risers are not only responsible for preventing eye strain, neck and back fatigue, and headaches, but they also allow you to regain valuable desktop space by providing housing for your monitor and additional space for other items too. Take the featured monitor riser for example. It positions the monitor at a comfortable viewing height and is even supplied with another ergonomic dream – a built-in line of sight copy holder! This riser is easily adjustable to five different heights, from 118mm – 168mm, by simply attaching the appropriate number of stackable column sections. Another additional bonus is the storage drawer which pulls out over the top of the keyboard when in maximum height position, plus the base includes cable and power cord guides which are moulded into the back to help direct cables. This particular riser is suitable for screens up to 21″ or 36kg in weight and measures 333 x 343 x 118-168mm (WxDxH). Grab yourself an incredible 25% off while stocks last, here at Office 365 UK!

Today’s mission was to find you the best wrist rest, a product which is becoming increasing important in today’s modern ergonomically aware offices. It seems that to earn the ‘Best’ title, it must cater to keyboard and mouse ergonomic requirements, one or the other just will not do. A wrist rest, especially a gel-filled one, has been proven to have beneficial effects on the wrist, preventing strain and repetitive stress injury. Without one, a keyboard and mouse users tends to experience hand and wrist fatigue relatively early on. This is because the user’s unsupported wrists and lower hand fall below the level of the keyboard, which is an especially dangerous position for repetitive typing. A wrist rest provides a soft cushion for the wrists, instead of an unforgiving desktop surface or no surface at all.

We have chosen the 3M Professional Series II Keyboard Wrist Rest with Mouse Mat Pad which even though is one of the more expensive options, it is clear to see its quality and effectiveness far exceeds that of the other options. Take a look below for a view of the item.

• Features repositionable mouse mat to suit left or right-handed users
• Combined keyboard and mouse rest
• Sleek design with tapered wrist rests and no hard edges
• Softer gel for a more cushioned feel
• Black with metallic grey baseplate

This gel wrist rest has a unique combination of soothing gel and great-feeling fabric which helps reduce pressure points and keep wrists better aligned for greater comfort while keyboarding. The patented gel technology derived from medical technology is optimised for added comfort. It is important to take the issue of repetitive keyboard and mouse work seriously, performing keying tasks without a wrist rest may increase the angle to which users’ wrists are bent (see diagram to left), which in turn increases the contact stress and irritation on tendons and tendon sheathes. This is especially true with high repetition or prolonged keying tasks. Keying without a wrist rest can also increase contact stress between the users wrist and hard or sharp workstation components.

In our current economic and financial crisis we are all being far more vigilant on our spending, however, do not cut cost’s here; you’re company will stand to make a greater loss through staff sick days due to wrist strain and pain. We do have plenty of other wrist rests which are suited to all budgets and if you’re looking for a quantity to kit out the office, just call us for a quote.

When working with computers and laptops, screen glare is an issue that is often overlooked and in many cases, people learn to live with this irritating problem. It can cause headache, fatigue and discomfort while you squint to see past the glare. Screen glare is an issue that affects most computer users in particular, those positioned near windows or lights. Eye strain, burning, sore eyes, blurred vision, & tired eyes are frequently reported side effects. However you do not need to suffer this hindrance, you can eliminate screen glare and block harmful radiation with our range of screen filters. These anti glare screens are treated to reduce dazzle from light sources. Nowadays you can even find non-glare CRTs which often use a coating baked onto the screen at the time of manufacture. This provides a significant reduction in glare; however, anti glare screens may completely eliminate it. Another common office issue is the age old ‘nosey neighbours’ complaint. However, this too is no longer an issue with an anti glare screen. When viewing from the side your monitor will appear blurred to prevent others from reading sensitive information. This is useful when working with confidential data, in schools so that students can be prevented from ‘copying’ each other’s work and when you’re working to produce something unique.

Anti Glare Screens for laptops are becoming an increasingly popular item, take the 3M Privacy Screen featured to your right for example. The picture demonstrates that when viewing straight on, the screen is perfectly visible, however when viewed from an angle, the privacy filter completely blacks out on-screen data so that all that can be seen is darkness. This particular model features;

• Complete black out from side without blur or distortion
• Ideal for business travellers
• Fits laptop or desktop LCD monitors
• Easy installation/removal – choice of attachment systems
• Reduces viewing angle to 60 (30 to left and 30 to right)
• Can remain in laptop when closed
• Helps with compliance to Data Protection Act (1998)
• Widescreen screen aspect (16:9)
• Size: 391mm (15.4″)

If the information you are working with is protected by the Data Protection Act (1998), then this is your top most essential item. At Office 365 we have reduced the price by 28% making it easier for you to kit your office computers out with this vital accessory. Plus, if you’d like to order 10 or more of these filters, we’ll cut the price again for you, just get in touch for a quote – 0870 766 1624.

The Green Bit

Corporate responsibility is now high on everyones agendas. Yet 3M has long held the belief that reputation depends not solely on their financial performance but also on the way they run their business. In 1975, 3M was one of the first major manufacturing companies actively to address environmental issues and, as with their drive for innovation, they involved employees through their benchmark programme Pollution Prevention Pays. In the UK and Ireland they have achieved Carbon Trust Standard certification for reducing their carbon footprint year-on-year. They believe they have a sound record of achievement in corporate responsibility but continually strive to improve their performance and address the ongoing challenges and opportunities. 3M are committed to sustainable development through a proactive approach to environmental protection, social responsibility and strong economic progress.

3M’s 2005 - 2010 Corporate Environment Goals

• Reduce Volatile Air Emissions by 25%
• Improve Energy Efficiency by 20%
• Reduce Waste (NonProduct Output) by 20%
• Complete 800 Pollution Prevention Pays projects.

With a recent flurry of demands for mouse holders, we’ve decided it’s about time we told you all about them and gave you our recommendations; and no, this isn’t some kind of rodent trap. A Mouse Holder makes for convenient storage of your computer mouse. It’s handy concept saves you space while also keeping your mouse secured. The convenient holder attaches to the side of your monitor for easy placement and access, plus helps keep your desk tidy and your computer mouse out of harms way when not in use.

Our favourite is the Compucessory Mouse Holder featured to your right. This simple yet attractive mouse holder can be attached to either the left or right-hand side of your monitor with it’s adhesive pad. We refer to it as a ’mouse minder’ and as far as desk space and tidiness goes, these are real luxury. Your trained mouse will even comfortably and quietly remain in this holder for several hours!

At Office 365 you will find that our Compucessory range features a complete line of state-of-the-art products for all office and personal computer needs. Their high quality products are the ideal way to support most if not all computer systems at a cost that is affordable by all. Compucessory are leading the market in innovation, due to their ever expanding list of products that continues to grow year in, year out, with the marketplace. The Compucessory brand has a strong reputation that is built on providing quality and value as well as the strength of product categories ranging from Input/Connectivity, to Media, Media Storage, computer peripherals/accessories, and so much more. When the market of computer technology demands more advances, Compucessory are there to provide them, everytime.

With a generous 22% off, you can pick this little gadget up for just £3.41, saving yourself 97p! Or if you’d like to kit your entire office out with these, why not get in touch and we’ll give you a quote – 0870 766 1624.

Today’s blog subject is laptop risers. Just the same as many of you, I know a little about this from from personal experience and have come to understand just how important they really are! I have recently converted to using a laptop after many years of using my faithful PC and have found a slight problem which I had not considered during my transition. When using a PC, you tend to have a desktop monitor which is height and angle adjustable for your comfort, light and general ergonomics. When using a laptop however you’ll find that you are rather limited when it comes to monitor positions and if you’re anything like me, you find yourself slouching. This inevitably leads to back ache which is not good! Whether your laptop is for personal use or for work use, then yourself or your employer need to take responsibility for this and provide you with what is known as a laptop riser.

These ergonomic stands are useful devices which are designed for use with laptop computers. The stand helps to adjust the angle of the device so that the keyboard can be used without placing excess strain on the hands and so that the monitor can be adjusted to a comfortable height. Using an ergonomic stand with a laptop is also beneficial to the operation of the computer for longer periods of time. The design of the stand makes it possible to increase the air flow around the laptop, which in turn helps to dissipate the heat generated while the laptop is running. Some brands of the ergonomic stand include a separate cooler fan that will further assist in the task of cooling the computer. The external fan can be plugged into a USB jack on the laptop and operate with the use of a battery or wall current.

Monitor stands and risers not only raise your monitor to a more ergonomically correct height, they also allow you to regain valuable desktop space by housing your notebook computer and docking station in the same space that your monitor used to occupy. Plus, did you know that getting the right height of your display screen in now accepted universally by ergonomic experts as vital in achieving workstation posture and comfort, hence helping to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort? Raise your laptop. The correct position of the monitor is necessary to reduce eye strain, neck and back fatigue, and headaches and our laptop risers offer a simple solution to monitor height, adjustability, flexibility and stability.

Our favourite laptop stand is the Compucessory Notebook Swivel Stand featured to your right.

• Adjustable height of up to 115mm for computer
• Platform swivels 100 degrees and tilts 10 degrees offering comfortable viewing and angle adjustment
• Non-skid foam on upper platform with mouse storage on lower platform
• Extendable metal keyboard holder
• Integral cable organiser with five cable ties included

Compucessories high quality products are the ideal way to support most if not all computer systems at a cost that is affordable by all. Compucessory are leading the market in innovation, due to their ever expanding list of products that continues to grow year in, year out, with the marketplace.

The Compucessory brand has a strong reputation that is built on providing quality and value as well as the strength of product categories ranging from Input/Connectivity, to Media, Media Storage, computer peripherals/accessories, and so much more. When the market of computer technology demands more advances, Compucessory are there to provide them, everytime.

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If you work at the computer, it is important that the arms and wrist are supported adequately. Typing and using a mouse for an average of 8 hours a day without the correct support is likely to put strain on the median nerve and result in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of wrist pain. You may experience aching, burning, numbness, or tingling in your palm, wrist, thumb, or fingers. The thumb muscle may become weak, making it extremely difficult to grasp things. Pain can even extend up to your elbow.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when an important nerve (called the median nerve) gets compressed at the wrist because of swelling. Such swelling can occur in the office if you:

Do a repetitive motion with your wrist like typing on a computer keyboard and using a computer mouse.

• Are pregnant, menopausal, or overweight.

• Have diabetes, premenstrual syndrome, an underactive thyroid, or rheumatoid arthritis.

For the treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may need to make adjustments to your work habits and environment by;

• Making sure your keyboard is low enough or flat so that your wrists aren’t bending upwards while you type

• Always use palm support products to help eliminate risk factors such as the Kensington Wrist Rest featured to your right

• Position your keyboard and mouse CLOSER to your body

• If you are suffering from a wrist related injury, take plenty of breaks from activities that aggravate the pain. When typing, make sure to stop often to rest the hands, even if only for a moment.

• Keep your forearms approximately parallel to the floor with your elbows at a 90-110° angle and keep the hand position level with or below the elbows position

• Rest your hands on their sides not the wrists.

• If all else fails, an occupational therapist can show you ways to ease pain and swelling and prevent the syndrome from coming back

• Medications like ibuprofen can relieve pain and swelling

For more Ergonomic Wrist Rests, just visit the site where you will find plenty of solutions to your comfort needs.

Did You Know?

1 in 30 people suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (a repetitive strain injury condition), throughout Europe.*

The average lifetime cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosis is £17,000.**