PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM AGAINST A POWER SURGE
The spring season is in bloom. For most,
it represents a time of warmer temperatures
and relaxation. But unfortunately, it can also mean strong
storms including lightning strikes. As these storms are now
appearing on a more frequent basis, is your computer system
protected? A power surge can cause a computer system to crash
and can also cause data loss by causing the read/write heads to
malfunction. It can occur as one
large surge or multiple spikes over a period of time. The
following tips provide information on how you can ensure your
system does not fall victim to a power surge.
Power Down and Unplug The System During
Bad Weather
This is a tip that most users disregard,
but powering down and unplugging the computer system during bad
weather is the best way to safeguard against a power surge. For
those operating servers, this may not be an option. For those
who fall into this category, continue reading below. But for
most home users, powering down and unplugging is certainly an
option that can be followed.
Use a High Quality Surge Protector
During a power surge or spike, there is
excess voltage in the electrical lines above that which is
normal. A high quality surge protector can absorb the excess
voltage preventing it from damaging your system. It is important
to do your homework before you purchase
a surge protector. You should compare the ratings and ensure you
are getting a good quality surge protector. It is also important
to remember that while a surge protector helps, it is not a
guarantee against a direct lightning strike. Powering down and
unplugging the system is the sure way to protect against
lightning strikes.
Consider Using a UPS (Uninterruptible
Power Supply)
A UPS can protect your system from
damaging power surges by allowing your system
to remain running after a power outage. A built-in battery
inside the UPS unit allows it to accomplish this. This enables
users to save their files and shutdown the software properly.
Many high quality UPS units have the capacity to automatically
power down the computer system and save any data that was work
in progress.
Contact a Hard Drive Recovery Company
If Your System Has Suffered a Power Surge
If the data on the hard drive is worth
preserving, you can contact a hard drive recovery company to
recover the data. A power surge can cause the read/write heads
to malfunction or cause a head crash. Continuing to operate the
drive can cause damage
to the platters- which can in turn cause permanent data loss. A
data recovery lab can replace the internal parts of the hard
disk and retrieve the existing data.
As the winds blow and the lightning
strikes, it is important to know if your system is protected. A
power surge can be devastating to your computer system and hard
drive.
By following the tips above, you can ensure that your computer
system and data remain safe.
