We've discussed the different types of ethernet cables and what they're good for, but they're also easy to hack and re-wire to fit whatever need you may have. Before you start stripping and twisting ...
For those of you still running network cable all over the house, Of Zen and Computing has a great rundown on how to splice two cables together for extra long length with an Exacto knife and some duct ...
Why is it that the vast majority of USB cables are 6 feet long? The majority of my time, I need a 1-footer to connect random gadgets to my USB hub. Heck, even a 6-incher would be nice, but a USB cable ...