7
Preparing power connections

Protecting from power source problems

During a power surge, the voltage level of
electricity coming into your computer can
increase to far above normal levels and cause
data loss or system damage. Protect your
computer and peripheral devices by
connecting them to a

surge protector

, which
absorbs voltage surges and prevents them
from reaching your computer.
An

uninterruptible power supply

(UPS)
supplies battery power to your computer
during a power failure. Although you cannot
run your computer for an extended period of
time with a UPS, a UPS lets you run your
computer long enough to save your work and
shut down your computer normally.
Warning
High voltages can enter your computer through both the
power cord and the modem connection. Protect your computer by
using a surge protector. If you have a telephone modem, use a surge
protector that has a modem jack. If you have a cable modem, use
a surge protector that has an antenna/cable TV jack. During an
electrical storm, unplug both the surge protector and the modem.