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

Michigan Computer Supplies Shares Tips on Electronic Filing.

Do you have all of your documents listed individually on your computer? 
Does it take you extra time to scroll through “My Documents” to find anything?

Have you ever named a file something completely random, or put it in a weird place never to be found, until months after you needed it? 

If you answered yes, you may be looking for a better system to save time and eliminate extra stress!

The good news is that Electronic File Management is easier than traditional paper filing. 

• The documents on your computer should be filed in a system similar to your paper files. 

See our tips on Paper File Management for a refresher.

• Name files consistently.

For example, if you have similar files for each customer, vendor, employee, etc, it‘s smart to set up their file from the beginning… Yes, even before you have documents to file!
     
     Widgets XYZ invo |  Widgets XYZ paymts  |  Widgets XYZ docs
     Smiths Plumbing invo | Smith’s Plumbing paymts | Smith’s Plumbing docs

• Similar to paper files, try to regularly purge documents and files that are outdated or obsolete. 

• Try to avoid the urge to print.  You don’t need more paper!

• Remember the importance of backing up your electronic files regularly. 

Save files to an external hard drive, a disk, jump drive, or an on-line backup service.  Please give us a call if you need some guidance with this.  We have many options to keep your important files safe and secure.

• Keep your web browser more organized by regularly clearing out your “Bookmark” tool or “Favorites” tab.  You may have added a website to your favorites bar to make finding it easier, but it makes sense to purge it when it is no longer relevant.  

• Make time to keep up your filing system.  You may want to set aside ten minutes a day to file, or an hour once a week. 

• If you have a shared file system, make sure everyone understands the new system. 

Keep up the great work!   

Your efforts now will pay dividends in the future! 

At Michigan Computer Supplies we care about our customers and want to offer you excellent service.  We can assist you with finding ways to back up your electronic files, as well as, great prices on ink and toner cartridges.  Did you also know that we also provide computer repair and printer repair?  In addition, we are Authorized Zebra and Motorola Dealer for bar code labels and data collection supplies.   Contact us today! 

734-213-5400    contact@michigancomputersupplies.com

We also encourage you to sign up for FREE Tips and Coupons.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/

You’ll receive coupons plus:

     “How to Make Your Ink or Toner Cartridge Last Longer”

     “How to Clean Your Keyboard With a Few Household Items”

Tips for Effective Filing from Michigan Computer Supplies.

Are you constantly searching for papers on your desk?
Is your “miscellaneous” file bursting at the seams?

If you’re like most, you procrastinate when it comes to filing.  You may have a system in place, but you rarely take time to file the constant flow of paper crossing your desk.
So what’s it going to take for you to get those piles of paper under control?  Maybe it’s hiring a personal assistant!  Unfortunately, that’s rarely an option.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of tips, and a helpful link, to make your filing a bit easier and more efficient.  You may begin to actually like the F word… and by that, we mean Filing!

• Start by identifying your main categories and sub-categories.   

For example, if you were setting up a Personal Finances file, the sub-categories might be: savings account, checking account, credit cards, home expenses, business expenses, and education/student loans. When your monthly statements come in, they should be placed in the appropriate file and not in one file labeled “statements.” 

• Color Coding may help make retrieving and re-filing faster. 

If you don’t want to purchase different colored folders, you could instead     highlight the label in the designated color, or put a colored sticker on the tab. 

• Make time to keep up your filing system. 

You may want to set aside ten minutes a day to file, or an hour once a week. 

• Be sure to avoid clutter by purging old, outdated documents once or twice a year.

• If you have a shared file system, make sure everyone understands the new system. 

• If the first system you try doesn’t work, it’s OK!  You can revise the system to fit your work style.  Just don’t give up!  It takes time to develop good organizational habits. 

The initial task of starting a new filing system can be pretty daunting.  We found one author, Kelly Jayne McCann, from BellaOnline.com who offers some great tips.              http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art66423.asp

You can do it! 

Remember - “It’s much easier to keep up, than to catch up!” 

At Michigan Computer Supplies we care about our customers and want to offer you excellent service.  We’re sure you know that we offer great prices on ink and toner cartridges, but did you also know that we provide computer repair and printer repair?  We can also build you a computer system to meet your needs.  Contact us today! 

734-213-5400    contact@michigancomputersupplies.com

Check back soon for our next blog on  Electronic File Management

We also encourage you to sign up for FREE Tips and Coupons.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/

You’ll receive coupons plus:

     “How to Make Your Ink or Toner Cartridge Last Longer”

     “How to Clean Your Keyboard With a Few Household Items”

Time for a New Printer? Michigan Computer Supplies Shares Some Advice!

Do you have to put your phone calls on hold when printing because of the loud noises your printer makes? 

Could you take a long coffee break while waiting for your printer to spit out a few sheets of paper? 

If you answered “yes” to either of the questions above, it may be time for an upgrade! 

There are so many choices it can be confusing!

Let Michigan Computer Supplies help guide you into buying the best printer for your needs.  Please call us if you still have questions after reading our tips below.  We’re happy to help!

Single-function or Multifunction Printer?

Would you like to eliminate some equipment in your office?  Multifunction printers or MFPs work as a printer, scanner, and a fax machine!  Some of the MFPs also have a document server, whereas the printer will keep a digital copy of your frequently used documents.  This makes it super easy to make a few copies at a time. 

In addition, many MFP machines have an email function.  Picture this: you have a document you want to share with your office.  Instead of traditional copies on paper, you can scan the document and the MFP can e-mail it to everyone.  This cuts down on paper waste, clutter and file storage.  This works especially well for offices that have employees who work remotely. 

The Color of Money

Do you really need a colored printer?   Black and white printers are much more economical.  We encourage you to determine the quantity and the frequency of colored documents you print.  If it’s not a big volume and only a few times a year, it would most likely be a cost savings to order them from a local print shop instead. 

Size and Location Matter

Make note of the space you can dedicate to a printer.  Most printers designed for offices include a USB and Ethernet ports.  Such lines may need added to the space you intend to place your new printer.  Wireless networking is also an option in case the building you are located is not feasible to be retro-fitted for wiring. 

You Have a Need for Speed and Output

If you print a large volume of documents you may want to consider a laser printer.  Ink jet printers can rarely match a laser’s speed.   Most offices also want clean crisp text and lines, which require a laser printer. 

Paper, Function, and all the Bells and Whistles!

Check the sizes and types of paper the printer can handle.  Consider the amount of printing you do per month.  The general rule is to pick a printer that has a maximum duty cycle that is at least three times the pages you print per month.  This should keep you from damaging the printer from overuse. 

You may also want to list the functions you’ll use.  Many printers can print on both sides, staple, collate, punch holes, stack and sort.  They can keep your co-workers’ print jobs separate from yours, too.  Unfortunately, they aren’t designed to make coffee yet!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our tips to choosing a printer for your needs.  Please contact us if you have any questions. 

We also encourage you to sign up for FREE Tips and Coupons.  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/

You’ll receive several coupons and:

     “How to Make Your Ink or Toner Cartridge Last Longer”

     “How to Clean Your Keyboard With a Few Household Items!”

734-213-5400   contact@michigancomputersupplies.com

This blog post is inspired by one we read from PC Mag.com 

Reduce-Re-use-Recycle Programs: Save Money and Planet Friendly!

Did you know that the average U.S. office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper per year?  Whew! 

Are you looking for a ways to be more planet friendly?

At Michigan Computer Supplies.  We continue to improve our efforts to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle paper, toner cartridges and more. 

Below are a few tips that may help you save costs, eliminate clutter and be more green at the office and at home.  Try to incorporate a few into your day and encourage your co-workers, friends and family to do the same. 

Reduce

• Make less copies, circulate or share reports and memos.
• Proofread documents prior to printing.
• Don’t use fax cover sheets.
• Print on both sides.
• Design advertisements, newsletters and correspondences to be mailed without envelopes. The post office prefers stickers instead of staples.
• Use email to send memos and reports.
• Use a staple free stapler.
• Remove duplicate names and out of date entries from mailing lists.
• Make computer files instead of paper files with the use of removable hard drives, USB or “jump drives” and web programs such as dropbox or box.net to back up your data. Choose programs that secure your documents with encryption and password protection. 
• Download the free computer application sticky notes  to jot down your thoughts and reminders on the computer instead of paper.
• Check with your suppliers to see if they offer minimal packaging or will take boxes back to reuse.
• Reduce unsolicited mail by registering with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) to opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies for five years at www.dmachoice.org
• You can also opt out from receiving catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, phone books, circulars and more through a free service at https://www.catalogchoice.org/

Reuse

• Use remanufactured toner cartridges.See a comparison of original engineered manufactured (oem) cartridges and MCS’s        remanufactured cartridges  http://michigancomputersupplies.com/products/toner  

• Use out-dated letterhead for in-house memos/draft printing.
• Reuse old file folders.
• Shred newspapers and use for packing instead of bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts.
• Donate old magazines and trade journals to libraries, schools, hospitals etc.
• Use re-useable utensils, cups, plates, silverware etc.
• Reuse envelopes by placing a new label over the old label. 
• Collect paper that has been printed on one side to reuse as a draft paper, or scratch pads.

Recycle

• Call MCS 734-213-5400 when you have empty toner cartridges.  We will deliver and install new ones then remove and recycle the old ones.
• Place recycling boxes in kitchens to collect glass and plastic containers. 
• Make small paper recycling boxes available to every employee to keep at their desk.
• Educate yourself and others about what can and cannot be recycled.
• Flatten cardboard boxes and recycle.
• If you do not hire a recycling service to collect items, rotate the designated person so everyone shares the responsibility.  Encourage the staff to keep up with the recycling bin to keep it under control.
• If you just can’t give up sticky notes!  Consider purchasing Post-It brand’s Greener Notes that are 100% recycled and use a plant based adhesive.
• Donate non recyclable items to schools, daycares and libraries for crafts such as old C.D.s, buttons and egg cartons. The Scrap Box in Ann Arbor collects items for creative recycling.  For more information visit  http://scrapbox.org/wordpress1/donate/household-donations/
• Contact MCS to pick up and recycle your old electronics or e-waste such as old telephones, monitors, scanners, keyboards and more.  See the full list of items we’ll collect here http://michigancomputersupplies.com/ewaste-recycling

A Reduce-Reuse-Recycle program is only part of the process.  Ultimately, the first step is to make responsible purchases:

• Strive to purchase paper that is 100% postconsumer waste.  This will “close the recycling loop” and ensure that manufacturers continue making high quality paper from recycled materials.  Written and printed paper can be recycled back into similar print paper up to seven times before the fibers are too short.  Once the fibers become short they’re converted into items such as cardboard. 
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Purchase refillable pens.
• Provide water fountains or a water service and discourage plastic one-time-use water bottles
• Before you purchase an item it’s helpful to “pre-cycle” which means to consider how long the item can be used, if it can be re-used or recycled. 

At Michigan Computer Supplies, we strive to build friendly relationships with our customers by offering individualized service and excellent cost savings.  The heart of our business is our remanufactured toner cartridges and the promise that if they do not work in your printer or multi-function copier we’ll replace them at no extra cost to you. 

If you would like to learn how remanufactured cartridges differ from oem cartridges check out Toner 101. http://michigancomputersupplies.com/learnmore/manufactured-toner-vs-eom-toner

We’ve removed your risk in buying remanufactured toner cartridges.  Plus, each cartridge you purchase keeps an empty cartridge from ending up in the landfill.  That’s a win-win in our book!