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Don't Let Someone
Pull Your Plug! Tens of thousands of computers got nailed by the rolling power blackouts in California
in 2000, Some of them didn’t restart when the power came back on. Some restarted, but with damage to operating systems, software, or data. Based on almost 20 years of experience servicing computers and business networks,
I can tell you that over 90% of those computers did not have power protection, did not have their data backed up and even in those that were - the backups were days or weeks old.
Most of us have a lot riding on the information in our computers. Whether you’re running a home based business or a regular storefront I know you’ve got e-mail address books, client lists, documents, accounting information, web sites and so on, all of which are mission critical to whatever you do. Not to mention the hundreds of hours of time and effort to generate the data plus you'll always find that some of it cannot be replaced. Here's a few numbers to back this up: 5 percent: The amount average power demand exceeds supply in the US. (Tripp Lite Corp) 45 percent: Percentage of U.S. PC users worried about losing data to power blackouts. (Iomega Corp.) 57 percent: Percentage of California PC users worried about losing data to power blackouts. (Iomega Corp.) 25 percent: Percentage of U.S. PC users who have actually lost data to blackouts, viruses, or hackers. (Iomega Corp.) This is the first of several reports on protecting your computer, your data, and your web site from the perils of the modern world. Look for the links to our reports on Data Backup, Virus Protection, and Web Site Security. Now, here's how to protect your computer from power shutdowns and related issues..
Power Protection
You have 3 major power issues to deal with: No voltage, low voltage, and over voltage or power surges. Installing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can protect you from all three. A good UPS will also protect you from line noise such as that created by florescent lights or nearby power equipment. You want a model that has ability to perform a normal system shutdown of your computer. That means it will come with software and attachment cable
leading to either a serial or USB port on your computer. In the event of a prolonged power outage, your system
can perform a normal shutdown - protecting hardware, operating system, and data.
Low voltage or reduced supply of power (Brownouts) is less obvious when it happens but it accounts for 87% of all power problems. Computers love a nice steady voltage and a UPS will solve that for most situations by kicking in when the power drops. If it’s a frequent problem, however, it can kill the UPS in a couple of years. Yes, they do ware out, so consider getting a unit with an easily replaceable battery.
Finally, get a UPS that protects your phone lead to your modem. Lightening can and does fry modems and occasionally motherboards as it follows your phone line straight to your computer. You can also accomplish this with a surge protector with RJ11 plugs.
All of the above also applies to any network hubs, switches, cable modems, and any wiring you have connected to your system.
The power requirements of your computer, monitor, accessory combination will dictate what size UPS to buy. The information below will help you zero in on the unit that's right for you.
Each of these vendors has a sizing utility that allows you to pick an appropriate UPS for the equipment you want to keep running in the event of a power problem. I've provided you with a good basic recommendation as a starting point. You can check out
competitive pricing by visiting an e-store like PCMall and plugging the part #'s into the search engine.
Turn It Off
Shut off your equipment when not in use. It's the
ultimate power protection and you'll save money and
natural resources.
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