I love helping Komando readers get the most out of their tech. Whether it’s helpful hints and special tricks or just helping you find the right tools, I’ve got you covered! Tap or click to browse my recent columns and tech tips. Sometimes I can help you with a problem you didn’t even realize you had. For example, have you ever noticed that monstrous pile of cables growing out of your surge protectors? When it comes time to replace a monitor, it can be impossible to know which cord to unplug. Don’t fret. I have the perfect solution.
Where does this cable thing go?
These days, it’s pretty much expected that everyone has a drawer or corner of a room dedicated to a jumble of tech wires that resembles a wiry black octopus. Even with so much information held digitally in the cloud, there are still phone and laptop chargers and connection cables of all kinds to keep track of. How many times have you approached a tangle of cords, wondering which is the one you are looking for? And once you find it, have to figure out which port it should plug into? I have a fun fix for the fix you’re in!
How to get all those HDMI cables under control
An HDMI cable transmits both audio and visual components, so one takes the place of the several cables and outlets needed for AV devices in the past. (Remember your old VCR’s red, white and yellow connections?)
If your output device, such as your TV, only has two or three HDMI ports, you can get an HDMI switcher, which is a little like a power cord with multiple outlets. You can then plug multiple devices into your screen or computer.
An HDMI connection will only happen one way, so it is important to get the orientation right when you plug it in.
Cable coding 101
Back to the challenge of keeping cables, HDMI or other formats organized. Some devices you may keep plugged in, but others you may need to remove to transport or reboot the system. Here’s what you can do to prevent confusion:
Get some stickers: these can be labels, which you can write on, or simply color-coded dots. Komando reader Tony Micenhamer suggests using colored foil star stickers.Once you’ve decided which type of system you like, affix the same label or colored sticker to both the cable and the port on the device.When you re-plug the cord, match the sticker on the cable to the port’s sticker. Make sure to place the sticker in the same position on each cable. Try putting it on the top of the cord so that you can easily find the correct orientation into the port.
Simple! You will quickly see where the cable fits, even in the dark reaches behind the TV. If you misplace a cable, the sticker you used will also tell you what device it belongs to if it is not already stamped on the cord. Don’t let computer cords overwhelm you and cause anxiety. Just figure out where they go and match them with a sticker or label accordingly. As a friend of mine likes to say, “Outer order, inner peace!” You may also like: How to give your home office a high-tech makeover
