Abstract: An adjustable monitor stand for pivoting a monitor about a horizontal axis which is relatively simple to operate and which does not require great effort to adjust is provided. The stand includes a base, a platform for holding the monitor, and a hinge interconnecting the base and the platform. The hinge includes a torsion spring selected with regard to the mass of the monitor and the distance of its center of gravity from the axis so that the gravitational torque produced as the monitor is pivoted with the platform about the horizontal axis is always substantially balanced by the restoring torque generated by the spring. The stand therefore requires very little effort to adjust.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portion belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.

Abstract: In a computer system equipped with a magneto-optical disk drive having high data density, and therefore lengthy format times, and also requiring an erase step before each write operation, a system and method for decreasing user waiting time is provided. The system and method format the disk on a continuous basis during "disk-idle" periods rather than all at once. The system and method also erase disk portions belonging to deleted data in advance during disk-idle periods, so they are ready for the next write operation.