42 Setting Up Your Computer
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Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to
prevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur during
electrical storms or following power interruptions. The level of protection is
usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector. Some surge
protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of
damage. Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge
protector. A device with a higher joule rating offers more protection.
Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of different
devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or
power interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs
in your area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack and
disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the
surge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection.
Disconnect the network cable from the network wall jack during electrical
storms.
Line Conditioners
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant
level.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result
in data loss or file damage.
NOTE: To ensure
maximum battery
operating time, connect
only your computer to a
UPS. Connect other
devices, such as a printer,
to a separate power strip
that provides surge
protection.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices
contain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices when
AC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available.
See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery
operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters
Laboratories (UL).