If you don’t have one already, you might want to consider getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). The reason is simple: a power outage or spike can occur at any time which can wipe out not only what you are currently working on, but possibly your computer components as well.
A UPS’s job is simply to ‘filter’ power as it comes in from your wall outlet and send a constant power current to your devices. If the power from the wall spikes the UPS handles it, likewise if the power drops the UPS pulls some extra power from the battery to make sure everything remains constant. Additionally, most UPS devices come with software which can automatically shutdown your computer gracefully when the battery power runs low.
Here is a really good comprehensive FAQ which covers UPS devices.
Ultimately, you really don’t need too much with regards to a UPS. Just make sure the battery will last long enough for you to save your work and shutdown your computer in the event of a power outage and you should be ok.
Jason Faulkner is the man who brings you our daily tips. He is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Having a good quality UPS makes a huge difference when trying to save your computer from surges, power spikes or power outages.
Make sure to invest in a UPS that is perfect for your needs. A lot of UPSs out there on the market over promise and under deliver.
Do your home work and you’ll get a good UPS that will protect all of your equipment from damage. Stay away from the really cheap stuff that doesn’t do anything!
That *is* a comprehensive FAQ. It is important to note that what he terms a UPS is in fact not what most manufacturers term a UPS. Almost invariably, what you find for under several hundred dollars is what the author of the FAQ terms an SBS… no voltage leveling, just battery backup for power outages. Some do come with it in the lower price ranges (Belkin’s models typically come with AVR — auto voltage regulation), but all of APCs “BackUPS” series are without. Not until you get into the “SmartUPS” series do you start getting anything but an SBS.
I can attest to the importance of a UPS especially one with AVR but even without AVR you are ahead of the game. I live in the country where poplar trees grow up into the primary power lines and short out the power when the wind gets above 30 mph or we have lightning storms. I’ve lost two computers from repetitive power outages and lightning strikes. Lightning doesn’t have to hit the power lines to induce fatal voltages into your box, it just has to hit close. Underground power supply to the house is almost more susceptible than overhead as the charge spreads out further. Since I bought a Belkin four years ago, I haven’t had any further voltage problems.