I am currently scanning my PC for viruses and two infected files have already turned up. I was reading when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a very bright flash and starred at my computer puzzled for a moment before hearing the boom of thunder. My PC is plugged into an APC surge protector, but I dunno if its safe. The Virus-scanner (AVG6.0) is only through 80GB of 120/ 40 left to scan! Any tips on this, am I safe?

I have seen many Cisco routers get fried even though they were plugged into an UPS/ surge protector. It's your call, it just depends on how much you want to upgrade

I dont think ANY surge protector will keep your stuff safe from a direct hit - that said all of my PCs are on all the time even during storms and I have had no problems so far. I use APC battery backup units - lights off and the PCs are still on. You gotta have priorities man.

Tell me more of the use of these UPS backups, i'm intrigued..

Not too much to talk about - big plastic square with a sealed battery in it. Mine connects to my PC via USB so that I can monitor line voltage and stats (such as why and how long the battery was used). They can run from as little as $40 (small one from Wal-Mart) to hundred of dollars (maybe even thousands) for large servers and such. Check out the different models and such from APC.

I sell alot of the little Wal-Mart ones with my PCs. Has 3 surge protected plug ins, 3 battery back up'ed plug ins. USB connectivity for line monitoring, stats and alerts. Not much in the way of time.....runs a PC with flat screen for only a few minutes or so. 90 percent of the time thats enough - we just get those quickie 20 sec outages here and there for the most part - most times not even that. In case your UPS starts running out of power it will safely put your PC into hibernation mode. When the power comes back on you can get right back to work. The unit recharges itself and should be replace every 3 years or so - sooner depending on use and battery condition.

Another thing worth mentioning - they will monitor your main house volrage and kick over to backup power in the even of line noise, low voltage, high voltage and voltage fluctuation. Thats worth 40 bucks to me by itself.

http://www.apcc.com/

I also have one hooked up to my TV - I can watch for about 17 mins before my TV and satelite go down.

I never thought about hooking it up to my T.V. That is a good idea to have during a Bengals game.

I would have never though it would power a 29" TV and my TiVO for 17 mins but the best it can do on my PC with 15" LCD is like 6 minutes. You would think the large tube type TV and TiVO would suck more juice - hmmm doesnt make any since but it does work that way.

EDIT: If your using it on your TV I suggest you remove the annoying beeper - that would ruin the flow of the game.........

I guess a diesel generator is a better option for a t.v. eh?