Remember - Back Up

[Eagle]

Just would like to say how important it is to back up you photos. I had most backed up and only lost a few recent ones, nothing really important. PC has been acting up. Bought a new video card, then installed windows 7. Then wouldn't you know it, she wouldn't start one day. Don't know what happened but the motherboard and/or processor as well as two hard drives were dead. Also got a new power supply and have memory on order. Frankenstein will live longer.

[basroil]

Just would like to say how important it is to back up you photos. I had most backed up and only lost a few recent ones, nothing really important. PC has been acting up. Bought a new video card, then installed windows 7. Then wouldn't you know it, she wouldn't start one day. Don't know what happened but the motherboard and/or processor as well as two hard drives were dead. Also got a new power supply and have memory on order. Frankenstein will live longer.

Sounds like a power spike (happens during outages and brownouts, which is why you should ALWAYS use a UPS) hit your power supply and fried a few things.

[Eagle]

That's what I was thinking. What's a decent UPS, got any links?

[themadman]

Cyberpower seems to be a popular brand, not sure if they are good, but their ratings seem decent.

[MaxxuM]

Try this... Link (http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm?action=build_form_a&device_type=workstation&app_type=workstation&showChassis=1&showMonitor=1&showProcessor=1&showVoltages=1&showIntDrives=1&showPeripherals=1&showPrinter=1&appUsed=basic&showHardDrives=1&cgi_referer_check=&return_query_string=)

I use this one (link (http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500&total_watts=200)) and it's been real world tested 15+ times a year with blackouts, brownouts and a few spikes. I also have a 4000W generator. :)

[basroil]

Try this... Link (http://www.apc.com/tools/ups_selector/index.cfm?action=build_form_a&device_type=workstation&app_type=workstation&showChassis=1&showMonitor=1&showProcessor=1&showVoltages=1&showIntDrives=1&showPeripherals=1&showPrinter=1&appUsed=basic&showHardDrives=1&cgi_referer_check=&return_query_string=)

I use this one (link (http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500&total_watts=200)) and it's been real world tested 15+ times a year with blackouts, brownouts and a few spikes. I also have a 4000W generator. :)

I would also suggest the APC XS 1300, big brick of a UPS, but gives me about 15min with my i7+24in (second 24 is on surge only), 3 internal and 3 external disks (and 200W RMS, 400W max speakers on surge only). Cheaper alternative to the 1500, and has a LCD screen built in so you can monitor line quality fairly well.

[Evo-L]

I was going to throw in a Mac > PC joke here, but I realized it was due to a power surge :)

[gjman]

This is not a photo specific solution but if you want to guard against power surges then you should consider a whole house surge protector.

When we upgraded our panel we put in one of these:
http://www.intermatic.com/products/surge%20suppression/residential%20hardwired/ig1240%20and%20ig3240.aspx

I have the IG1240RC...it costs like $80.

It does not replace an UPS, I do have 375VA UPS that has enough juice to safely shut down computer.