Email this page to a friend with a personal messageThere are many places for your family computer in your home, but when deciding the best location, it's a good idea to consider what experts say about where to put your family computer.
When deciding where to put the family computer, a top concern and consideration should be online safety. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) website, the best possible place for your family computer is in a public place, like a living room or family room. Having the computer in a high traffic area, says NCMEC, enables parents to more actively supervise their children's Internet activity, how long they're online, and who they are chatting with.
Avoid putting computers in bedrooms – not only because it's harder to monitor your child's use, but, because kids, unaware of what they're doing, can accidentally download viruses just by opening unfamiliar pages. A certain type of virus that is becoming more used can actually turn on web cameras, without having the red recording light coming on, allowing them to see what is going on in the room. If you do decide to put a computer in your own room, be careful not to open any web page that is questionable.
Aside from online safety, experts have other guidelines regarding where to put your family computer. One is about the physical aspects of the room. Pick a room that isn't too small and cramped – airflow is important to keep the computer from overheating. It's also a good idea to be aware of windows – you don't want to position the computer where there may be too much of a glare.
The Internet is one of the main uses for a computer and more people are switching to wireless networks. When deciding where to put your computer, it is also a good idea to put it in a place where the wireless router can best send its signal. According to Microsoft.com, put your router as close to your computer as possible, so it can get the best signal. As a result, you may want to put your computer in a room with a phone line. The experts at Microsoft.com also advise keeping the router in an area that is off the ground and away from walls – consider this when deciding where to put your computer.
Another thing to consider when deciding where to put your computer is to consider different decorating techniques to make your computer area fit in and look good in your home. Some decorating experts suggest a computer can fit into any type of room as long as you use furniture (the desk and any storage/shelving) that fits in and use existing elements in the room. Also, if you add any elements (like lamps, shelves, etc.), find ones that can that can be used for other purposes besides just for the computer area.
By being able to integrate your computer area into any room, without it looking too obtrusive, you have much more freedom to choose where it works best for your family. Plus, you will be able to incorporate it into an area where you can best supervise your children. With the right decorating techniques, you could even put your computer in the kitchen!
By utilizing experts' knowledge and by understanding your family's own needs and preferences, you can best decide where to put your computer. By doing so, your computer will give you the best return on your investment and it will serve as a valuable learning tool and source of entertainment for the entire family.
