Battery Backup and Surge Protection

[Stephen Locke]

Do I need battery backup for my desktop computers? I've got one but it's old and I doubt the battery is any good anymore. I use Macs and backup hourly with Time Machine. I'm also obsessive compulsive about hitting command 'S' to save as I work so if there is a power failure I won't lose much work in progress. Does computer hardware suffer damage from abrupt loss of power? I know power surges are the bigger issue so I assume you all would recommend surge protection. So, I put the question(s); Do I really need battery back up? If so what do you recommend. If surge protection is the real issue what is the best surge protector? I've aslo heard of surge protectors / lighting arrestors you install at the utility meter. What do you think of that idea. I welcome your advice. Thanks!

 

[Mark Blue]

Having an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is definitely a good idea as it affords you 20-45 minutes (depending on the battery size) to save your work and shutdown your rig the right way. When the power suddenly blacks or browns out you can definitely do damage to your hardware, not to mention losing work. I believe APC and Tripp Lite are the defacto standards when it comes to UPS and surge protectors. I actually have two of the Tripp Lite models for surge protection that are rated at 3690 Joules. The model I am referring to is here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812120302

There are many models available and Provantage.com is also a good place to check them out.

 

[Stephen Locke]

Having an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is definitely a good idea as it affords you 20-45 minutes (depending on the battery size) to save your work and shutdown your rig the right way. When the power suddenly blacks or browns out you can definitely do damage to your hardware, not to mention losing work. I believe APC and Tripp Lite are the defacto standards when it comes to UPS and surge protectors. I actually have two of the Tripp Lite models for surge protection that are rated at 3690 Joules. The model I am referring to is here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812120302

There are many models available and Provantage.com is also a good place to check them out.

Mark that link is for a $38 surge protector. Are you using that plus a UPS? Have you a link for the UPS you are using?

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Spend a few bucks and get the UPS I have on all of my computers.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101343

It's worth it. I own 6 or 7 of those things total.

 

[John Wetter]

Yep, get a UPS. A brownout can do more damage than a blackout... UPS is the way to go. The Mac will automatically recognize it if you plug in the USB cable and you can set it to automagically shut off if the power goes out. Windows will do this as well, but isn't quite as graceful.

 

[Mark Blue]

Mark that link is for a $38 surge protector. Are you using that plus a UPS? Have you a link for the UPS you are using?

Nope, I just use the surge protection at home. I guess I live dangerously without the UPS as we have too many things to plug in. I've often thought about buying a good UPS though as it isn't a bad idea, but I don't think you need both.

 

[D. Hayes]

I love my computer insurance cost me like $7 a year to add on to my home owners. Unless you're running a home business or working out of the house I wouldn't worry about a pricey UPS. So far it's replaced my laptop and my desktop completely neither from electrical damage.