Xref: utzoo comp.misc:2696 sci.electronics:3189
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!pyrdc!gmu90x!dana
From: dana@gmu90x.UUCP (J Dana Eckart)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,sci.electronics
Subject: Protecting computer equipment
Message-ID: <1187@gmu90x.UUCP>
Date: 29 Jun 88 00:42:18 GMT
Organization: George Mason University
Lines: 27

As my investment in computer equipment increases, I become more and
more concerned about how to protect it.  Namely, what can I do to 
reduce the risk of damage via power and phone lines, particularly
from lightning.  

As I understand it, there are basically two ways to protect the power
source: line conditioning and/or uninterruptible power supplies.  It
would seem that UPS is best, but of course it can cost a great deal
(upwards of $1000) whereas line conditioning can be had for much less
(about $200).  Given the prices, I would like to get by with just
line conditioning.  Will this provide satisfactory protection, even
when hard disks are involved?  What companies/models are best?  How
much protection against lightning strikes can I expect to get from
either line conditioning or UPS?  In the case of UPS, if commercial
power goes out, is it possible to automatically signal the computer 
to do initiate system shutdown while battery power is still available?

Likewise, there are protection boxes for telephone lines.  Are these
devices capable of making my modem safer from lightning strikes?  

As you can see, I just need some basic information.  I would appreciate
anything you can share.  Thanks in advance.

J Dana Eckart
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