Computer Mouse and Keyboard cable connections

Why can't they be connected more securely?

[Garden Variety]

There's one thing always irks me about the cables that connect to the back of my computer: How come the mouse cord and the keyboard cord are so flimsy that they just hang in a slot on the back of the computer?

The connection for the video monitor has bolts that screw into the computer back panel to keep it in place. The power cord is large enough and tight enough that it doesn't come out easily. The phone cables that connect to the modem have a spring tab that holds them in place.

But the cords for the mouse and keyboard! They are small and fit fairly loosely. Why is that? And the keyboard and mouse are the computer components that I actually move the most. And what if I vacuum behind the computer? Everytime I run the ShopVac I have to be careful not to bump the cables! But what if they're dusty? Should I have to disconnect them to clean them? Isn't there some way these cables can be more securely connected?

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

If you had been at this game for as long as me you would remeber the days of serial connector mice (mouses?) and keyboards. These all had the captive plugs you mention but they now use USB. This is progress!

[StoutFiles]

Because they're moved the most. It would be like a wired controller for a video game system - people screwing their controller in would make little sense.

Isn't there some way these cables can be more securely connected?

Duct tape? A small funnel around the port and they won't be going anywhere.

[LifeinAsia]

Super Glue!

[Dabrowski]

video monitor has bolts that screw into the computer back panel to keep it in place

As an IT guy, do you realise how annoying those connectors are?! ;)

just hang in a slot

I assume you mean they're USB. Once the connectors are used a lot, I see this a lot with memory sticks, they become a little loose.

Get a pair of pliers and gently, and very carefully slightly squash the connector so it bows a tiny bit in the middle. That will grip the socket more tightly. But be really careful not to do it too hard or the plug just won't fit any more!

[Garden Variety]

Correct. USB. I like the USB connectors for things that I regularly connect and disconnect (cord for the camera, MP3 player). But for me, the mouse and keyboard are like the monitor -- I want to be able to plug them in once and not mess with with them for years.

[travelin cat]

I'm not sure why you're having a problem, the USB ports on my Mac are very snug, and are actually somewhat difficult to pull out, you really need to grab on to them and pull hard.

Is this an off the shelf (Dell etc) pc or a do it yourself?

I'm with BeeDeeDubbleU on this. When we first started, everything was SCSI and had to be hooked up in a certain order or you had conflicts. Every time you wanted to add a peripheral you had to shut everything down and make sure it was all hooked up correctly. USB and Firewire are much better solutions.

[surrealillusions]

go wireless..much better

:)

[Garden Variety]

Is this an off the shelf (Dell etc) pc or a do it yourself?

It's a Dell. To be more specific, what happens is this: under normal conditions, everything's fine. But if I have to reach behind the computer for any reason (like to pick up something that fell behind the desk, to vacuum, etc.) I have to be very careful not to touch any of the USB cables (printer, mouse, keyboard) or they will fall out.

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Perhaps you are too house proud. Don't dust as often. ;)

[travelin cat]

They should not just fall out. They shouldn't budge. Not sure if it's the Dell or the cable.