OMG it's a sign!

[xforge.livejournal.com]

I should not have to post a sign next to a computer that's acting as a print server saying "THIS COMPUTER IS ACTING AS A PRINT SERVER. PLEASE DO NOT DISCONNECT IT FROM THE NETWORK OR STEAL ITS NETWORK CABLE TO USE FOR YOUR OWN. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH ANYTHING, PLEASE CALL THE HELPDESK AT (EXTENSION)."

I should not have to do this. It is a computer that is quite obviously running, and quite obviously doing something other than just sitting there. All you have to do is look at the screen to see, big as hell, "[NAME OF BIG HONKING COMPUTER USED BY ENTIRE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT] Print Spooler Application Window." And a flashing green icon that says CONNECTED.

But apparently I must do this thing, as the cable has disappeared twice in the past four days, and been left unplugged twice more.

My God, save me from them.

Comments

[cmdrproteus.livejournal.com]

Oh man, I know I've been hard up as far as needing cables for a given job, but stealing one from a PRODUCTION machine...? Ouch...

[jecook]

Super-glue the patch cord into the jacks on both ends. that's the only thing I can think of.

Either that, or have a 120 db alarm sound when somone unplugs the cable. ::snicker::

[xforge.livejournal.com]

I already asked the guy who manages the connections if we could hook up a metal plate around that jack with 120VAC running through it... that'd take care of the problem post-haste!

[jecook]

Even better.

[xforge.livejournal.com]

Although the klaxon horn and loudspeaker with "SOME IDIOT JUST DISCONNECTED THE PRINT SERVER AGAIN!! EVERYBODY HUNT HIM DOWN AND HOG TIE HIM SO THE HELPDESK CAN RUN HIM OUTTA HERE ON A RAIL!!!" sounds like a lotta fun too.

[byh.livejournal.com]

Now that is a really good idea. Cheap and easy to do as well.

Just make sure noone steals speakers.

[byh.livejournal.com]

Unless one knows where to get scissors :)

Although I like that idea. Must try it at work.

[byh.livejournal.com]

Now that's interesting. I saw these but I never thought about using them for computer stuff.

And I am sure our factory uses them anyway so getting some to fix especially tempting parts is a really brilliant idea.

[valiskeogh.livejournal.com]

a less fun option, scrolling text screensaver saying something like "DONT DISCONNECT THIS COMPUTER OR WE'LL KILL YOU"

[xforge.livejournal.com]

I'll do that too. I fear whoever is doing this is so clueless they'll utterly fail to notice it, but it never hurts to be thorough.

[shirenomad]

They'll never listen to that.

Have it say "demote you to the mail room."

[xforge.livejournal.com]

Heh, I dunno, sometimes I think the mailroom at my company would be a step *up* from some other departments.

[byh.livejournal.com]

And the next day the network card burns out due to voltage surge. Or even better - the network cable gets damadged near the plug :)

There is one thing I learned hard: when it comes to computers there is nothing to be fixed permanently.

[kalium.livejournal.com]

I would go for the step of moving it to a closet or server room, but I'm strange like that.

[xforge.livejournal.com]

That *is* a good idea. I need to ask the Powers That Be why we don't put the damn thing in the server room right next to the Helpdesk so that when it inevitably locks up, we can just reboot it.

[dirtymatt.livejournal.com]

If you're using IP printers why isn't it in a server room? The only reason I can think of for having it on the floor is either USB or LPT printers.

[technomom]

Does it have a sound card? Can you make it scream nasty things if it loses its network connection? Maybe put in a web cam?

I think I'd have to find a way to put in a webcam, myself. And broadcast the footage it to whoever bitched about not being able to print.

[kallell.livejournal.com]

seriously, get one of the personal security alarms, that sound whne you pull out there cord and connect the alarm to it via duct tape so as soon as it gets removed an alarm sounds and the person is the center of attention

[travisd.livejournal.com]

Cut most of the release tabs off the ends so that you need a tool to release the cable.

Replace the wall-jack faceplate with a metal plate with just a small hole in it. Run the cable thru, crimp the end on it, then put the jack assembly sans faceplace behind the metal-plate-with-small-hole.

Or same idea - run cable thru a piece of 2x4 with a small hole. Crimp end on it - only way to remove 2x4 makes cable unusable.