Personal spaces for your PCs
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With personal computers becoming an indispensable part of our lives, it has become necessary to plan for these when we build our homes.
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THINK AHEAD: It is important to plan the space and other requirements such as furniture when it comes to setting up a PC at home.
Personal computers have become an indispensable part of the lives of most people. From children, who use a PC for study or entertainment, to elders who use it to keep in touch or for work, many cannot do without it these days. And so, it has become a part of our homes.
It has also become important to plan the space and other requirements such as furniture when it comes to setting up a PC at home. Making the best use of the space set apart for it as well as well being comfortable while using it are what most users look for.
Location and space
The personal computers are mostly placed in halls or common bedrooms, where everyone can freely enter and access the computer without any interference, and also without causing disturbance to the others. "Computers are not placed facing the stairs. It could, however, be placed in such a location where parents can screen what the child is doing on the computer," says Deepthi Thomas, Thiruvananthapuram-based architect. In some cases, computers are also placed in the common study room.
"In the earlier days, space was left only for a bookshelf, study table and a bookshelf. Today, people prefer an additional table for keeping their personal computers," says Ms. Deepthi.
Those who do not possess a computer at the time they build their houses do, however, feel the need would arise at a future time. Hence, they plan accordingly and leave space in a corner or side of the bedroom, so as to accommodate a computer at a later stage.
"For working with laptops, people prefer an access point near their bed," says V. Sasikanth, branch in-charge of BNA Technology Consulting Limited in Kochi.
The computers can also be placed in an L-shape. "While planning to place a table at the corner of a room, one should see that the curves do not hinder the opening of the drawer and keyboard," says Ajith Menon, a Kochi-based architect. "Rather than build a computer table, people prefer to buy readymade computer furniture," he says.
CPU's are mostly placed below the table. It may also be necessary to provide space for printer and scanner. CD shelves are usually provided along with the computer table while a separate shelf can be maintained near the computer table to serve as a bookshelf.
Hardware
"A properly earthed wiring system is mandatory," asserts K. Vijayachandra Menon, State president, All Kerala IT Dealer's Association. Wiring is an important aspect while deciding on a place for setting up the personal computer. "Additional wiring is required and it cannot be done up along with the telephone line," says Ms. Deepthi.
"Wireless LAN is not an advisable option since the chances of someone hacking it is more, compared to the wired cabling system," says Mr. Sasikanth. While deciding on access points it is necessary to determine before installation, where the range is available. Giving multiple access points provision is a fine idea. For wired connection, people prefer to have access points in all bedrooms and open spaces, including those in the living and dining rooms.
The need for a switch and accessories arise when it becomes necessary to connect more than two computers. LAN card, patch panel, information outlet and mounting chord are the essentials for connecting multiple computers. LAN card costs around Rs.500, wireless LAN card ranges from Rs.4,000 to Rs.5,000 and the access point costs Rs.2,000. "Cat 5 cables capable of transferring 100 mbps are commonly used which costs around Rs.13,000 and Cat 6 cables costing Rs 20,000 and above, capable of transferring 1 GB are gaining popularity in some cities," adds Mr. Sasikanth.
Furniture
Softwood computer tables costs around Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,500. Computer chairs are available in various designs, sizes and shapes. Computer chairs for home users could cost around Rs.1,200 to Rs.4,200.
The cost of a computer chair depends on its functions and base material.
Chairs with cushion adjustment and hydraulic system with level adjustments are also available in the market. Kurien George, Proprietor, Steel Furn, in Kochi says, "We manufacture computer tables with Plywood, Mica lamination etc and will strengthen them by using metal frames. Such tables costs Rs.1,600 to Rs.4,000."
He also explains tables comes with the provision for keeping keyboard, CPU and will have a standard width of 2'. However, the length of the table could vary from 3' to 4.5'. Similarly, there are computer tables, which provide locking system for safeguarding CPU's.
Trend
Mr. Menon says, "The concept of connecting more than two computers is yet to catch on in the city. Only a very small percentage of people opt for multiple computers at home." With the laptops giving one the freedom to use it wherever you travel, multiple computers take a back seat.
In such cases, desktop computers are mostly bought for children while elders use the laptops.
RESMI JAIMON
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