Mouse and keyboard not working

I have a corded keyboard and wireless mouse, both Logitech, on my laptop.
Both devices are not being recognized although the drivers are up to date.
Any ideas? I tried runing the Logitech Connect Utility but all it says is to
plug in the devices and run the utilty, to no effect.

 

I did look and it said there were two unknown devices. That was last night.
This morning all is well! I know I benefit from a good night's sleep but apparently my
'puter does too. Could Java be part of this? We had an issue with it last night before
the mouse and keyboard quit. My wife was accessing her work system from home and
she gets to it via a Java whatever. When she logged off she couldn't shut down the
Java window.

 

Wouldn't think that JAVA had anything to do with this. Sometimes just shutting down the PC and then turn it back on works miracles.

There is a new version of JAVA that just came out. It should be installed ASAP.

 

Well, I did re-boot it at least once last night to no effect! In fact, I did a System Restore
to the day previous. I doubt Java has anything to do with it but they're an easy target
now, eh? I updated Java last night too but this morning I get a notice to do it again.
There's something funny going on there.

 

Unless you really really really need Java, uninstall it - NOW! In the last couple days it has become a serious security threat Oracle has failed to correct - even after releasing a patch for it!

Homeland Security warns Java still poses risks after security fix | ZDNet

US Dept of Homeland Security - CERT Vulnerability Notice - Java 7 fails to restrict access to privileged code

Security experts on Java: Fixing zero-day exploit could take 'two years' | ZDNet

 

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunatel, my wife needs it to access her work system from home. Somebody else suggested I configure a browser with the Java to be used only for that and disable Java for normal web use, but I'm not sure how to do that.

 

Well, it is fairly easy to disable and enable add-ons via the add-ons manager under Tools in IE. But it would be a pain to remember to do so.

If she needs it for work, I recommend a separate computer used only for work. And note if it was used only for work, it would be easy to write-off as a deductible on your taxes.

 

Good thinking Bill! How'd you know that my wife is a sucker for a good write-off?

 

Been there, done that! You can also deduct a certain amount of square footage of your home based on the percentage of time used for work.

 

Yeah, well, the IRS is getting hard-nosed about that. Technically that area can only be used for that. I like your idea cause I can use it as the centerpiece of my campaign for a new 'puter!

 

Not true at all! They are only getting hard-nosed on folks who are abusing the rules - cheating on the square footage and number of hours/day figures, for example.

In fact the IRS is making it easier for folks who run their businesses out their homes to determine the percentages so they can more easily get the full deductions they deserve (though that won't happen until next year).

I've done this for years and never been audited.

For example, if you (or your spouse) runs a licensed child care in your home, the food prep and eating areas (kitchen and dining area), sleeping areas, recreation area, and even a percentage of the utilities are deductible.

I run my computer shop out of the home and my work area is totally deductible.

It may be worth hiring a CPA - certified public accountant to do your taxes if you do this however. His or her services will naturally cost more than doing them yourself, or buying the business versions of TurboTax, but of course, you can deduct the CPA's tax prep fees on next year's taxes.

 

I don't know what you mean by "exceptions ". If you run any legitimate business out of your home, or your employer requires you to do work out of your home, you are entitled to deduct a portion of your home expenses from your taxes.

And yes you can indeed have an ironing board in your computer room to iron your personal clothes. But you cannot claim 100% of the room's square footage as a business expense. The room does NOT have to be used exclusively for the business purposes. However, it sure makes doing your taxes easier if you have a set, dedicated space used for work purposes only.