Computer Support Blog

Computer repair companies, like RESCUECOM, encounter a wide variety of computer problems every day.  Because there are so many parts of computers that can fail or break down on their own from regular wear, it is distressing to discover how frequently damage to computers is reported from something that is easily preventable.  One of the easiest ways to prevent computer damage and protect your investment in your computer and other electronic devices is to purchase and properly use a good surge protector or Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS).

You might not understand why you even need a surge protector or UPS.  It is important to understand that the power grid is not clean or as consistent as it may appear.  Despite having a multitude of transformers and other equipment that attempts to keep power levels and flow constant, there are fluctuations all throughout the power generation and distribution network.  If you were to think of your electricity like plumbing, consider how water moving through pipes has tiny air bubbles that change how water flows as it comes out of the faucet second by second.  While fluctuations like that might not affect how you fill up a bowl, if you tried to fill up a pipet from the same flow, the fluctuations might make the process messy.  Computers and electronic devices are much more sensitive and precise instruments, like the pipet in the analogy!  Both surge protectors and Uninterrupted Power Supplies serve to even out the flow of electricity and, at the same time, provide a level of protection when the flow of electricity suddenly becomes greater than your equipment can handle.

While many people purchase a surge protector when they buy a computer, they too-often buy what is least expensive, as opposed to what offers the best protection.  Most inexpensive surge protectors actually provide exceptionally little protection and may lead users to have a false sense of confidence in their cheap purchase.  One of the most basic aspects you should look for when buying a surge protector is a “reset” switch or a circuit breaker.  While many of the least expensive surge protectors have an on/off switch, unless the surge protector has a circuit breaker that you manually reset, the surge protector is only good for a single event!  Lacking an internal circuit breaker, a surge protector’s protective elements can usually only withstand a single significant electrical disturbance.  That means that your inexpensive surge protector may protect your equipment from, for example, one lightning-related disruption in the power supply, but after that event, your surge protector is essentially an extension cord!

What a lot of people also forget is that your telephone line has its own power.  Have you ever noticed that there are times when your power goes out, but your telephone line is still on?  That is because they are two separate power grids.  Unfortunately, if you plug a phone line into your computer modem, a surge in the phone line’s power could damage both your modem and your motherboard!  Fortunately, a good UPS or surge protector can prevent that type of damage as well.

If you do not yet have a good surge protector or Uninterrupted Power Supply, do not waste any time in rectifying that; a small investment now could save you a lot of money later on.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

Filed under: backups, business, computer help, Computer Support, david milman, maintenance, news, pc support, performance, power supply, rescuecom, tech support, technology