Posted 07/23/2009 at 05:16:16pm

I don't like the zip ties, they're a pain in the rear end!  I like using either velcro, rubber bands, or even those little ties that you find on bread bags.  The bread ties are the best, they're cheap as hell, can be trimmed to size using scissors, and are easily removed.  

Here are a few of my tips:

1. Eliminate the cables.  I switched to a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, and a blue tooth printer. Also consider installing a wireless card to your desktop PC. You just eliminated 4 cables!

2. I've hidden many of my remaining wires by using some old plastic PVC pipes. You can lay them on the floor or mount them on the wall, they can also be painted to match wall coloring. In a pinch you could also use hollow dowels, but finding ones to fit could be hard, but they are easier to paint. 

3. Use your USB ports to your advanatge.  For example, my monitor has 4 USB ports built into it, so I've elected to plug most of my external devices (game controllers, web cam, external hard drives) into the monitor. It saves me from having to get down on hand and knee to plug my game controller into the PC, the ports on the monitor are easier to get to.  I suppose a USB Hub would serve the same purpose.

4. Buy shorter cables. Why have 20 ft of network cable when you only need 6 ft?  If you shorten the cable make sure that you leave some slack, I usually like about six inches.