Wires, Cables and Cords Oh My !

I love it when I get a new tech gadget. I can't wait to read the manual and figure out how to use it! I suppose that's why I'm in this line of business. I love to figure out how to use electronics and computer equipment. These days there's a lot to keep up with. Did you get a new tech gadget as a gift over the holidays? Maybe a new digital camera, camcorder, Flip Video camera or iPOD. Possibly a new smartphone or PDA (such as iPhone, BlackBerry or Palm) has replaced your old phone. Or even a new flatscreen t.v. or video game console such as Wii, XBox or Play Station. Not to mention the extra cords that come with desktop computers, laptops and netbooks.

What do you do with the cords once everything is set up? Even though I enjoy figuring out how to use my new tech gadgest, part of the challenge for me is organizing the cords so that they store safely under the desk or behind the cabinet. Another challenge is remembering where I put all the extra cords when it comes time to charge, transfer or synchronize.

A good solution for keeping all your tech gadget cords close is to use a charging station. Usually a nice looking wood box that comes equipped with a powerstrip built inside. All your charger powercords are stored nicely and ready to use when it comes time to charge.

Another good solution I learned from my friend, Jean Marie Herron, owner of POSSE Partners LLC, (Professional Organizing Solutions Serving Everyone), is to label the cords as soon as I take them out of the packaging.

Jean Marie Herron is the expert I turned to when I needed to organize the equipment in my classroom and office. Jean Marie says, " As soon as you get a new electronic gadget, label the cords with either a professional label maker or even simple white mailing labels from a store such as Staples. Then give the item a "home" so you always know where to find your power chargers, camera, camcorder, and iPod USB cords as well as BlackBerry and Palm synchronizing cords. (See photo).





For tidying up cords underneath a desk, screw or hook a power strip underneath your desktop away from foot traffic so you can run your cords up and out of the way into a surge protector.

Utilizing twist ties, rubber bands, wire ties (in every man's tool box) or fancier products, many which are sold in places such as The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com/search/result.htm?query=cordsare) are simple ways to corral cords. My favorite is the Velcro Cable Ties. They look like a mini-belt and can be adjusted to fit most office needs."

If I label the cords as soon as they come out of the package, I'm more likely to find the right cord when I need to charge, update, synchronize or upload.

For more information on Jean Marie Herron and her inspirational organizing ideas, check out her web page: http://www.possepartnersllc.com/ or search for POSSE Partners, LLC on Facebook and become a fan.

For more information on how to use your USB cords to update, synchronize and upload, check out my website: http://www.thepcteacher.com/ or simply follow the tips online and become a fan on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/betsythepcteacher.

Betsy Sabatini Coyne

The PC Teacher