I have been having a terrible time with static in my house (which is normal in the wintertime where I live). Static when I touch stuff, getting shocked constantly, etc.

One thing that's been troubling is that often when I get shocked in the room where my computer is, either my USB mouse or my USB mouse and keyboard stop responding, forcing me to unplug them and replug them in.



This is always accompanied by a loud POP from my speakers, so I'm pretty sure it's related to static.


I'm assuming this is normal, because I;ve tested several USB mice and keyboards and it keeps happening. Is it harmful to my computer though?


Can anyone recommend a solution? It's very irritating.

Static is a major problem whatever way it gets into your machine. I don't know if USB is opto-isolated, but even if it is, there's a lot of potential for static to do nasty things to your system.
Sounds like you might need to invest in an earthing strap (like you get with RAM when you buy it) so that you can avoid static getting to your Mac at all. Basically a velcro wrist-strap, with a cable to connect to something earthed (like a radiator), keeping all that static going away from vulnerable technical stuff.

Get a static pad and touch it every time you sit at your computer. $10-$15 at just about any electrical supply store.