Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!pyrdc!gmu90x!dana From: dana@gmu90x.UUCP (J Dana Eckart) Newsgroups: comp.sys.misc Subject: Protecting computer equipment Message-ID: <1188@gmu90x.UUCP> Date: 29 Jun 88 12:15:52 GMT Organization: George Mason University Lines: 28 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 UUCP: ...!(gatech | pyrdc)!gmu90x!dana INTERNET: dana@gmu90x.gmu.edu SNAIL: P.O. Box 236/Fairfax, VA 22030-0236