| Power surges are a very common cause of | | | | protector. Some models can be connected to |
| computer hardware damage. These can be | | | | your computer via USB, and you can install |
| caused by faulty wiring, bad lines coming into your | | | | software on your computer that lets you control |
| house, and lightning storms. | | | | certain functions. If yours comes with any of |
| A strong surge can destroy your computers | | | | these features, you will want to set them up |
| power supply, making it impossible to turn your | | | | before you continue. |
| system on, and it's not unusual for a surge to | | | | Once you've dealt with all the preliminaries, unplug |
| cause more serious problems. Some people are | | | | your computer, and all the hardware surrounding |
| forced to replace £200 video cards, or other | | | | it, including your monitor, speakers, printers and |
| expensive hardware after a serious surge, and | | | | anything else you use. You'll also want to unplug |
| your computer itself is not the only thing at risk. | | | | your modem if you are using a wired Internet |
| Monitors, printers, and speakers are also | | | | connection. If you're using a dial-up connection, |
| vulnerable to unexpected electrical spikes. | | | | you'll want to unplug the phone line. Nearly all |
| Luckily, the solution to this problem is simple. The | | | | modern surge protectors include a port to run |
| purchase of a basic power surge protector will | | | | your phone line through, and this is very important |
| generally do the job. These come in many | | | | because it's one of the most common ways for |
| varieties, from bare bones devices, to more | | | | lightning storms to damage your system. |
| elaborate versions including extras like battery | | | | Once you have everything unhooked, you need |
| backups and power conditioners. Whichever kind | | | | to plug the surge protector into a grounded outlet. |
| you buy, the procedure for installing it will be | | | | Plug your computer, phone line-if applicable-and all |
| similar. | | | | your other hardware into the device. Most surge |
| If you buy a protector with a built in battery | | | | protectors have a switch on them that allows |
| backup, you will need to plug it in for several | | | | you to switch the power on and off at any time. |
| hours to let the battery charge before hooking | | | | You will need to make sure this switch is on. |
| your computer to it. A battery backup has a | | | | Once you have everything set up, it should be |
| great advantage during lighting storms, especially if | | | | safe to turn your computer back on. You will rest |
| you live in an area where power outages are a | | | | much easier in the knowledge that your machine |
| frequent problem. They will give you several | | | | is well protected. Surge protectors are not |
| minutes to save your work and shut down your | | | | necessarily 100% effective, but they are generally |
| system if you lose power, so they're highly | | | | more than adequate, and your computer will be |
| beneficial, even if they add a lot to the price. | | | | much safer once you have one. |
| You'll also want to read the manual on your | | | | |