Ravings for Remedies

chaos  |  April 23, 2009 / 12:13 am

Crash!  The pile topples; the highest empty box hits a faulty machine.  As I climb through a forest of discarded packaging and seemingly infinite cables, I realise my first task: eradication of junk.  It clouds space and makes one feel congested.   Hordes of paperwork stack into oblivion and the skeletons of many defunct PCs litter the floor cramming any possible breathing space.  Two forgotten servers collect dust in a corner amidst an array of polystyrene packaging that looks more like teeth for a shambling creature of mythical proportions.  Inside the closet, discoloured keyboards and mangled mice take any remaining space that software cannot fill and the copious ancient parts could be utilised as props for CSIRO museum exhibits.

Though I considered that someone had obviously tried to develop a system of organisation, it was inefficient.  The numbers corresponding various software packages were (as far as I could see in the limited space and disorganisation) not listed in any kind order, so rather impossible to find.  I plan to create a small database listing software and possibly place the discs inside an ejectable case.  The boxes will be flat-packed and stored down the bottom of the shelves, whatever other contents will be placed in a file.  That should free up around 75% of the shelving, which could be utilised for storing usable parts, toners and a myriad of other possibilities lying around without a relative home.

The servers were moved from above desk to below.  This alone has provided much more organisation, comfort and has been welcomed by other staff.  Out with the old, in with the new.  The boxes came down, the junk cleared out, the endless scraps allocated themselves and what once looked like a dog’s breakfast now resembles an office.  Order is restored, notes are organised, the future looks brighter and more sensible.