> Hello Ed,
 >    How do you figure that a UPS does *NOT* protect "the entire
 > computer" ?!
 > I have a clients' computer sitting on my work bench that had nothing
 > but a
 > surge protector on it and due to EXTREME voltage fluctuations that
 > person now
 > is being billed over $300 for replacement of the HD, the video card,
 > and the
 > SoundBlaster card.  Had they had a UPS in line their computer WOULD
 > have been
 > totally protected.  I'm not sure whether you are familiar with the
 > operation
 > of a UPS, but in basic terms - the 'load' (your computer) never sees
 > the line
 > voltage (at least on the better models, ie Clary/Exide/etc...), so
 > IMHO your
 > statment in very much in error as the load IS in a completely
 > controlled
 > environment.
 > What are you going to do if you get a surge that takes out the MOV in
 > your...
I'm not an electrician, but my understanding is that a UPS (Uninterruptable 
power supply) is just that - a battery backup designed to provide power for a 
short period in the event of a power loss.  The intent is to allow the normal 
shutdown of the computer, not continued, extended use.  My understanding also 
is that a UPS does little or no line conditioning. That is, it DOES NOT take 
the place of a surge protector.
Each of my PC setups (pc, monitor, CDrom, spkrs, printer) is protected by a 
DataShield surge protector, once rated "top of the line" by PC Magazine.  I 
will admit that was many years ago, and surely the devices have improved over 
the years, but I've been happy with them for 8-10 years now.
The kind of damage you describe is due to a line surge, not a power failure. 
I think I am adequately protected.
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