60 Setting Up Your ComputerSurge ProtectorsSurge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection helpprevent damage to your computer from voltage spikes that can occur duringelectrical storms or after power interruptions. Some surge protectormanufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage.Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A devicewith a higher joule rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings todetermine the relative effectiveness of different devices.NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations orpower interruptions caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs inyour area, disconnect the telephone line from the telephone wall jack anddisconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See thesurge protector documentation for modem connection instructions.NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect thenetwork cable from the network wall jack during electrical storms.Line ConditionersNOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constantlevel.Uninterruptible Power SuppliesNOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result indata loss or file damage.NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to aUPS. Connect other devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip thatprovides surge protection.A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devicescontain a battery that provides temporary power to connected devices whenAC power is interrupted. The battery charges while AC power is available. Seethe UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery operatingtime and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories(UL).
