Are your computer, valuable information and all other electronic devices protected from power problems?

As I’ve said previously, in today’s Information Age, you already recognize the value of your computers, associated electronics and your data.

So, protecting your investment – must be a very high priority.

Thunderstorms, lightning strikes, spikes, power surges, power sags (all of which can cause damage to sensitive equipment, executable programs and data files), brownouts (decreases in voltage levels that cause your computer to lock up or crash), and blackouts (cause ugly shutdowns that wipe out all your work in progress, and possibly damage your hard drive) are all bad news for your computer.

A second is all it takes for some computers to lose the power necessary to keep running. During this energy 'dip' the computer may shut down and restart. When this happens, the computer's RAM resets and all of the information on the chip, including the files that were open at the time of the shutdown, are erased. In addition, the initial surge of power may build a charge that can damage the delicate components within the computer chips, disabling the computer.

In fact, research shows that half of all computer problems are directly related to power-line problems. The good news? It's not too difficult (or expensive) to protect your equipment from most power problems — by using a Surge Protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), also known as Battery Backup.

The cost to repair the equipment, in lost money and lost productivity, can be very, very high. That’s why we recommend:

• Save all open files and shut down nonessential systems during thunderstorms and other potential outages.
• A Surge Protector or Battery Backup as protection for all your valuable electronics that are critical to your business or home such as: Personal Computers/Workstations, Printers, Phones, Fax Machines, Answering Machines, Entertainment Systems, and even Notebook Batteries.

Surge Protectors vs. Battery Backups What does a Battery Backup do that a Surge Protector doesn’t. In short, a good Surge Protector will ward against power spikes and surges, but a good Battery Backup forms your best defense against power sags, spikes and surges — and your only protection against blackouts. In addition, a Battery Backup offers extra features that protect your data as well as your equipment, including:

• A constant, continuous power supply to even out electrical

fluctuations

• Auto shutdown software to automatically save files and close and

threaten your computer and electronic equipment applications

• Data line protection to cover Internet, fax, modem or DSL

connections

• Sufficient battery runtime to let you finish what you were doing Here are some key factors to look for when comparing Battery Backup models:

• VA rating and watts • How much equipment can be plugged into the Battery Backup • Battery runtime • How many minutes your equipment will be supported • Number of outlets — all Battery Backup outlets have surge

protection, but typically only a portion have full Battery Backup on top of that

• Safe shutdown software — which monitors the computer system,

and will save files and shut down the computer should the battery power drop to minimal levels during a power outage

So, remember, don't take a chance with your valuable equipment and data. A little protection can help your computer system survive the storm — even when you're left sitting in the dark!

Mark Brilliant is the Founder, President and Chief technology Officer of Brilliant Computers in Boca Raton, FL.

Since 1994, Brilliant Computers has been a leading provider of outsourced information technology and solutions for businesses, corporations, home-based businesses and homeowners. Over the past 13 Years, we have earned a reputation for consistently exceeding client expectations, and today, we manage the IT needs for a multitude of active clients.

Brilliant Computers offers a wide range of services and solutions that address business needs and challenges as Computer Network Specialists for: Network Design, Configuration, Installation and Maintenance for Wired, Wireless and Wide-Area; Computer Sales (we are an Authorized DELL Reseller), Service, Upgrades, Data & Disaster Recovery, Data Backup Solutions, Security Solutions and Maintenance, Cleanup, Antivirus & Spyware Removal on both a local and global basis via our remote access capabilities.

Our philosophy for Corporate Clients is based on the simple premise that you need to stay in business -- and we need to make sure you do. We provide Onsite and Emergency Services as well as maintaining an in- house workshop. To keep you up and running, we insure fast response time to specific problems. And to minimize those problems we provide Monthly Contract Services.

A business owner for over 30 years, Mark’s time in the wiring industry, video production, and especially the printing industry – which in 1985 led to his early use of, and expertise in, computers - complements his natural curiosity to provide hands-on experience that has translated into today’s computer technology expertise.

Brilliant Computers PC Guru Mark Brilliant, President, Brilliant Computers, Boca Raton, FL Brilliantcomputers.com