Isn't it an eyesore to have messy computer cables at the back or side of your compute? Don't you just hate it when you are left with a mess to deal with when you're trying to disconnect a device from your computer? Messy computer cables can cause damage to your computer indirectly; however, the sight of that mess may instantly turn you off. It may be quite a tedious task, but the results can be very rewarding. Why Get Rid of Messy Computer Cables? Messy computer cables can cause several problems. Here are some reasons why you should clean up:
•Improve appearance. Messy cables are a huge turn off. You may have a nice home, office, or room but a tangle of computer cables may ruin the appearance of your house.
•Easier Hot-swapping. Do you use your USB or Firewire port a lot? With messy cables around, it's really hard to hot-swap devices like that knowing that you may pull a different cable.
•Make the place safer. Messy cables can make your room or office accident prone. Anyone can trip over those cables and get hurt, or some curious child may tug and bite them.
The Tools You don't need too many tools; however, there are many cable management solutions available on the market today such as the simple yet effective cable tie or the cheap twist tie. You can also use a peg board to manage and organize your computer cables and other devices such as your modem, router, adapter, and speakers. Fixing Messy Computer Cables Here are the things you should do to get rid of messy cables:
•Switch off the Computer. Before you start tidying your computer's cables, make sure you shut it down and unplug it from the main outlet. If you're using a surge protector, unplug it as well. Fixing your the cables with the power on can either damage your computer or electrocute you in the process.
•Disconnect the Cables. It's easier to organize and manage the computer cables if they are disconnected from the computer. Carefully remove the cables. Some cables like the monitor or VGA ones have screws in place. Make sure you unscrew them first before you pull them off.
•Clean the Cables. To save you time, clean them as well, if deemed necessary. Using a damp soft rag will do. For stubborn dirt, you can use a soapy rag. Just make sure the rag does not make contact with the ends of the cable. •Straighten them out. Some computer cables may have been curled up for a long time. Straighten those cables out before attempting to organize and manage them.
•Figure Out how to Organize Them. Analyze and determine how you will place the cables in a nice and orderly fashion. Everything will depend on your preference and the setup of your computer.
•Arrange the Cables. The easiest way to start is by grouping the cables in one bundle. You can temporarily tie the cables with a twist cable and connect them back to your computer before you use any cable management product.
•Reconnect the Cables. If you're done arranging the cables into your preferred setup, reconnect them to your computer. Make sure you plug each cable at the right port. If the cable does not fit, do not force it into the port. Most likely, you are plugging the wrong cable into it.
•Secure the Cables. Check if the cables are secured and won't break away from their bundle. Try tugging those cables to check.
Another Alternative: Go Wireless If you don't want the hassle of fixing those unruly cables, then it's best that you replace those devices with their wireless counterparts so you don't have to deal with them. Here are some PC parts that have wireless alternatives:
•Keyboard
•Mouse
•Speakers
•Game controllers
•Modem or Router / Networking device
Wireless game controllers are also ideal if you are a hardcore gamer. Not only do they reduce cable clutter but they also set you free of cable length. Now you can freely move around while enjoying your favorite game. (Want to know the top online game of 2007, read Top 10 most popular online game of 2007) Networking devices and cables also contribute to cable clutter. You can replace these with wired network, modems, or routers. These products are not that expensive too and there are many models to choose from. If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy learning how a wireless router works