Pets and Technology- An Accident Waiting to Happen! Michigan Computer Supplies Offers Tips to Pet Proof Your Technology!

Have you caught your dog chewing on your power cords?

Does your cat think your printer’s pull out tray is a diving board?

Our pets love attention, but sometimes when we’re too involved with our technology, accidents happen!

At Michigan Computer Supplies, we care about our customers and strive to give you the best service to keep your technology in tip-top shape!  We offer you the following tips to pet proof your technology:

Cords

• Consider switching to a wireless keyboard and mouse to cut down on some of the cords.
• Use a tube-like cord cover to contain all cords, or secure them to a table leg with Velcro ties. 
• Purchase a spray, available at most pet stores, that makes cords smell and taste unappealing if chewed.

 Tablets and phones

• Use a high quality case to prevent the screen from being cracked if a pet knocks your tablet or phone onto the floor.   
• If your dog drools excessively, you may want to consider a water proof case as well.  

Monitors

• Try not to place your monitor on the edge of a desk or shelf.  If the cord is tugged on, or chewed it could easily pull the monitor onto the floor. 

Liquids

• Don’t leave drinks near your technology.  A pet could swat at the cup, or bump into it and spill the contents. This could short out your system or cause an electrical fire.

Cleaning

• If your pet sheds a lot, chances are their hair is inside of your computer’s case, clogging up the fan.  This could cause your computer to overheat and malfunction.  Follow your owner’s manual to carefully remove the cover and vacuum up the hair and dust.  Try to do this at least once every six months. 
• Compressed air and a small brush can remove hair that has collected in between keys of your keyboard. 
• You may also want to brush your pet often to remove loose hair and discard. 
• Add a silicone keyboard cover to keep out pet hair, dirt, crumbs etc. 

Prevention

• The company Pet Safe, sells “ScatMats” that use tone and static correction options that keep pets from jumping onto counters, couches etc. 
• Some cats are also bothered by plastic wrap or double sided tape.  You could place these items on the corner of desks and countertops to discourage them from jumping up.   
• If you have a dedicated home office, you could install a pet gate to try to prevent pets from getting access to your work space and technology.  Although, it’s just possible that your pets may whine because they miss you. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to unplug from your technology, to give your pet some attention now and then.  Your pet’s happiness and unconditional love will have a more positive affect on you than your e-mail or Facebook updates! 

Please gives us a call if you have any questions on how to maintain your computers and printers.  If your pet caused an unfortunate accident with your equipment, Kyle and Drew are skilled at Ann Arbor computer repair and Ann Arbor printer repair.  They can probably fix you right up!

http://michigancomputersupplies.com/   734-213-5400

That pain in the neck may be more than just stress! Michigan Computer Supplies presents ergonomics!

Do your wrists, neck, shoulders, or back hurt after a few hours at your desk? 

We all know that stress affects our bodies…but it’s just possible that our surroundings could be the cause of our pain.  

When your workplace furniture and equipment does not fit you properly, you may adopt awkward positions that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders.  A common disorder that affects those who work with computers, keyboards, and cash registers is carpal tunnel syndrome. 

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) offers a plethora of tips and precautions to add to your comfort and safety at work.   Below is a brief sample and a link to learn more!

• The height of your chair and work surface should put your body in a neutral posture.  Your elbows should be about the same height as your keyboard.  You should also be able to keep your shoulders relaxed and your wrists should not bend up, down or to either side.

• If you have an older desk with a pencil drawer, you may have to remove this drawer to be able to raise your chair high enough.  

• Your work surface should not be more than two inches thick. 

• Your monitor should be directly in front of you and at least 20 inches away.  The top line of the screen should be at or below your eye level. 

• Place your monitor perpendicular to windows to prevent glare.  Clean your monitor frequently because a layer of dust can contribute to glare.  If you have strong lighting overhead, you may need to tilt your screen slightly down to decrease the glare. 

Click here for a comprehensive checklist from OSHA that will help you determine if you need to adjust your workspace for comfort and efficiency.  

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/computerworkstations/checklist.html     

 

We also encourage you to browse our catalog for items such as wrist guards, glare screens, wrist pads and more to make your work more comfortable.  

https://catalog.michigancomputersupply.com/Search/ProductView.aspx?partid=171265&iscustom=0

Don't Fall Victim to This Domain Scam!

At Michigan Computer Supplies, we not only offer fast and friendly service, but we also care about our customers.  So we want you to be aware of the following website domain scam to prevent you from becoming a victim! 

Many, if not all of our customers, have a website domain.  Your domain is your online identity.  It allows people to find and browse your website.  For example, our domain is  www.michigancomputersupplies.com   Your web hosting company, who updates and edits your website, has most likely registered your domain name.  Unfortunately, there are several unethical businesses, like Domain Registry of America, who take advantage of consumers who are either too busy to investigate, or unaware how their domain registration works.

Domain Registry of America or DROA practices “domain slamming” or sending unsolicited mail out to any person or company who has a website.  They send out official looking letters to trick consumers into paying them to transfer their domain to DROA when there’s no need to do so. 

DROA has recently been targeting non-profit organizations such as churches.  They know that most non-profits rely on volunteers to manage their websites.  These volunteers are usually not familiar with the process of domain registration.  Unfortunately, there are no strict laws against this questionable tactic since DROA states “This is not a bill” in the fine print!   

There are other companies similar to DROA that participate in “domain slamming.”  So if you receive a letter from a company that you’ve never heard of before, read it carefully!  Better yet, call us so we can help you figure out if it’s legitimate or not. 

Please visit the links below to read more about DROA’s questionable business practices.   

http://rootwork.org/blog/2013/02/domain-registry-america-scam-dont-let-your-nonprofit-get-fooled

http://www.the-name-i-wanted-was-already-taken-so-i-used-a-lot-of-dashes.com/the-domain-registry-of-america-scam/

http://www.gn.apc.org/support/domain-registry-america-scam

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/01/06/court_bars_canadian_domain_slammer

It’s also important to be aware that there are companies out there who sell defective refilled toner cartridges at rock bottom prices.  If you see a price that is too good to be true, it probably is!   Michigan Computer Supplies eliminates the risk of trying a “generic” or compatible toner cartridges and we offer same or next day delivery!  Plus, if the cartridge you receive doesn’t work or is defective we’ll replace it “No Questions Asked!”  Most importantly, if the cartridge damages your printer, we’ll clean and fix your printer at no cost to you.  Once you try our compatible toner cartridges and save 30-60% compared to manufactured toner cartridges, you’ll wonder why you waited so long! 

Read more about the differences of refilled toner cartridges, compatible toner cartridges and original equipment manufacturer toner cartridges.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/learnmore/manufactured-toner-vs-eom-toner