spmug 598 Untangling a Mess of Cables Q. What can I do about the tangle
of computer cables on and behind the desk? A. If you find your desk area
has become knotted with snaking cables, there are a couple of approaches
to untangling the problem. One way to cut down on cables is to use
wireless peripherals. For example, many mice, keyboards, speakers and
other computer hardware items now come in Bluetooth versions that use
radio signals to transmit data between devices instead of a cable. This
option, however, can be expensive, and you may not be able to find
wireless products for all of your hardware needs. A cable-management
system is a cheaper option. Companies like Cable-Safe
(www.cable-safe.com) offer several products for tying down (or tying up)
the power cords and wires coming out of the computer. Office supply
stores like Staples (www.staples.com) and Office Depot
(www.officedepot.com) also sell a variety of inexpensive cable ties,
clips and sleeves to keep cords neatly bound and under control.
Threading your cables through plastic tubing (like the kind sold for
aquariums) is another option, and is sometimes favored by those with
pets who like to nibble on computer cables.