Help needed- powering my computer, etc.

[Rhi-Anon]

When I bought my desktop system I also purchased an APC Back-UPS

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR500&ISOCountryCode=us&segmentID=

http://www.apc.com/resource/images/products/200/7B007144-5056-9170-D32E99ADCCB41719_f_v_200x100.jpg http://www.apc.com/resource/images/products/200/D8DAF8F9-5056-9170-D337F78A9F3BD403_b_v_200x100.jpg

I plug the hard drive, monitor, printer/fax,& telephone into this, and also the telephone fax lines. It is a battery back-up system which prevents the computer info from being lost when there is a power outage. However, I do not use that computer a lot, and can only think of one time in the past 7 years when the power went out while I was working on it. I lost some data, but not much, and the computer didn't go through its usual shut-down method, but I don't think it was damaged.

Today when I came home the unit was "screaming", and apparently the battery needs to be replaced. I would like to replace the whole thing with some other device.

I was wondering what everyone else plugs their systems into. I have power strips, but they do not seem to be heavy-duty enough. I have an outlet which was specially wired when we rewired that part of the house and it is for electronic equipment (it has a built-in lightning/surge protector), but there's a huge bookcase in front of it. :( I could manage to get a surge protector plugged into it, though.

Please, I need some direction about what to buy. The Dell salesperson suggested I buy this APC system and it was pricey (about $200, I think) and I'd like to go with something less expensive.

TIA.

[Gumbeaux]

Maybe something like this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=708771&CatId=232)?
http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/A75-2142-main.jpg

[Rhi-Anon]

Maybe something like this (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=708771&CatId=232)?
http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/A75-2142-main.jpg

Oh, yes-- that looks just like what I think we need. :) Thank you, Gumbeaux!

Tell me, please. If the power does go out when I'm working on the computer, does it damage the computer if It is plugged into a surge protector? Or is it just an issue of losing my work?

[Gumbeaux]

Tell me, please. If the power does go out when I'm working on the computer, does it damage the computer?

No, it won't.

If you are typing a five page email or Photoshopping a picture for an hour, be sure to back up your work every 10 minutes or so. One time I was typing a loooong email and a thunderstorm cause a temporary outage and I lost everything that I was typing.

The banking industry uses inexpensive power strips similar to the one above to protect their ATM's that cost $$,$$$'s.

[Rhi-Anon]

Thanks so much for the reply. My husband thinks that since Dell recommended this I should be looking for something else with a battery back-up, but I can't imagine needing anything more than a surge protector like you mentioned above. I appreciate your help!

[Gumbeaux]

My husband thinks that since Dell recommended this I should be looking for something else with a battery back-up, but I can't imagine needing anything more than a surge protector like you mentioned above.

If your husband has to have a batter backup, you can get this one (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2192767&CatId=234) for only $45.00.

http://images.tigerdirect.com/skuimages/large/A75-2304.jpg

[Rhi-Anon]

You're an amazing techie-person, Gumbeaux. :) Thanks for all of the advice (I obviously need it!)

[Gumbeaux]

I found one at Sam's Club (http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=374869) for $35.00.

http://graphics.samsclub.com/images/products/0073130422735_L4.jpg