Ergonomic Computing and Open Source
Open Hardware – Ergonomics

© Lead Image © Volodymyr Horbovyy, 123RF.com
Finding ergonomic open source software and hardware can be difficult, but it's becoming easier.
Ergonomic computing is a subject that only interests most people when they start having injuries. However, there is much to be said about preventative measures, and, with an aging population, ergonomic devices are becoming increasingly common. However, if you prefer to use ergonomic devices that also use open source software and hardware, the options range from limited to nonexistent.
Choosing ergonomic hardware can be difficult, because there are no standards for using the term. Too often, "ergonomics" is little more than a buzzword. Just as gluten-free can be seen in the grocery store on oranges, nuts, and countless other products that do not have gluten in them to start with, so many devices that are labelled ergonomic are of dubious value for those who wish to minimize the results of repetitive stress or prolonged inactivity. For example, although standing desks have been widely touted as healthier, and even as making users smarter and more productive, such claims are typical of untested devices and should be regarded skeptically. Moreover, some studies suggest that standing desks are no healthier than sitting, and that the problem in both cases is being still for long periods of time [1].
With the verdict still out on such allegedly ergonomic devices, discussing them seems pointless. For that reason, I will focus on three general categories in which ergonomics has been studied more thoroughly: chairs, keyboards, and pointing devices.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.
-
AerynOS Alpha Release Available
With a choice of several desktop environments, AerynOS 2025.08 is almost ready to be your next operating system.
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for more than two weeks.