The Market Coalition

These days it is crucial for most companies to have web access, computers have become an enormous investment for everyone. some pretty external IT professional services. And naturally having any computers off-line whether for scheduled upkeep or repairs is bound to result in a hurtful significant loss in profit.

Purchasing refurbished IT equipment and other items helps business organizations to reduce the initial expenditure, particularly start-ups and solo professionals because of the tremendous investments they’ve already made. So you can to see why the trade in quality second-hand servers and data storage is as healthy as it is. They can get these items at a small fraction of the cost and they’ll operate every bit as well if not better than brand new servers.

It may be challenging to get precisely what you need from brand new networking equipment. If you can do without the common headaches associated with recently launched technological innovations, finding older models can sometimes seem impossible. Truth be said, buying second hand is pain-free if you use efficient suppliers. Usually you will find your favored manufacturer or model. Lots of the problems with new technologies are not apparent until the hardware has already been launched. Generally this will call for patching and upgrading the computer hardware. At times, a new IT equipment causes so much trouble that people just cut their losses and get something else after an aborted attempt at implementation. With refurbished servers, refurbished information storage, and refurbished networking computer hardware, this is no longer relevant no matter if it’s a refurbished Nortel or some used IBM RS6000 servers. This equipment has usually had any of the factory problems sorted out. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue either as every last piece of computer hardware is reconditioned prior to sale. The secret to sourcing the most from second hand IT equipment is selecting excellent IT asset disposal services. Take your time and find a supplier that in reality has the industry experience to do the job effectively. By doing this you can be assured of finding quality units. A warranty is essential, in case something goes wrong.

You can see that compared with taking a chance on costly brand new hardware, sourcing second hand networking equipment will benefit your business. Therefore do research all the options and IT financing options when you are looking for brand new hardware.

These days it is imperative for a business to buy network hardware if only to market their goods or services on the web. some pretty expensive outside IT professional services company. Then there’s the annoying drop in profit caused by that down time and hassle involved. Purchasing used computer hardware and other related items helps business organizations to reduce costs, particularly new businesses and professionals setting up a business on their own due to the massive outlay involved. So you can to see why the trade in second hand networking equipment and data storage is as healthy as it is. They can find these items at a small fraction of the price and they’ll operate just as well if not better than the current servers.

When you purchase an item of used equipment, you can depend on it to run exactly as you need it to. If you simply do not want need the worries associated with the newest technology, getting hold of a specific brand or model may look like an enormous task. If you’re dealing with suppliers that have used servers and second hand data storage however, the process is no hassle at all. Normally you can request your preferred manufacturer or model. It is no secret that brand-new networking equipment is regularly full of bugs, and generally actually isn’t that great value for money. Generally this culminates in patching and upgrading the systems. As a matter of fact it is not unheard of for businesses to just take the loss and replace the new system entirely.

Naturally used computer hardware has been put through its paces exhaustively. This equipment has more often than not had any teething problems sorted out. Reliability isn’t an issue either as each and every unit is reconditioned before being resold. The key to sourcing the most from refurbished equipment is partnering with excellent suppliers. Take your time and find one that really has the experience to do a first-class job. This makes sure the units you buy are working properly. And in case something goes wrong, do ensure your purchases have a warranty.

It’s easy to see that in comparison with taking a gamble on high-priced the latest networking equipment, sourcing second-hand computer hardware will benefit your business. If you work out just how much money and time you will save, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try second hand IT equipment before.

In today’s age, building computers on yourself is often chosen as the safest and choicest option by a sizeable part of the market for computers. There are various advantages and disadvantages for doing so.

When personal computers first entered the mass market, building a computer was an arduous and risky task. Getting the right computer parts was also difficult and without a guarantee. Putting the whole thing together was a risk because of the newness of the product as well as the absence of expert knowledge. But over the years, the market has understood the process of computer assembly and the heavy savings involved in making your own computer (you basically save on the branded company’s professional service charge for putting the computer together for you).

Customers are able to find everything needed to build a computer on the Internet. If you want to assemble the whole system at one go, you can get a barebone computer system and keep adding on later. Using quality but cheap computer parts is the key trick behind assembling computers.

There are thousands of cheap computer parts on the web today. A quick check list of the main components you need to build your computer is -

• CPUs (Processors)
• Hard Drives
• Graphics Card
• Monitors
• CD / CD-RW / DVD ROMs
• Mouse and Keyboards (other Input Devices)
• Batteries
• Cables & Adapters
• Communications and Connectivity tools
• Cooling Products
• Computer Bags & Cases
• Firewire Products

Accessories
o Digital Cameras
o Flash Memory
o Gaming Hardware
o Ink & Toner
o Cellular Accessories
o Cleaning Kits & Supplies
o Notebook Accessories
o Headsets
o Media Storage

You can find any of almost all of these computer parts in Internet individually. Cheap computer parts are easy to find and pay for securely over Internet. There are also many sites and services that help you build these types of computers on a professional basis and get you started. These sites help you step-by-step through the process of building a good quality computer using cheap and high quality computer parts - often with illustrated instruction guides to show you how to put your new computer together.

Building your own high-quality but cheap computer with computer parts that are genuine and cheap are often considered a safe bet.

Adrian Griffiths - Computer Hardware UK, Cheap Computer Parts

Fire is very destructive. It reasons wounds, property destruction and even death. In the United States, fires are the major causes of injury at home despite the fact that fires can easily be forestalled. Deaths by fire are ordinarily caused by one thing: victims are unconscious that the facility they are in is already on fire.

Fire Suppression Systems are really functional and advantageous. It is a cautionary device that when set off, it will transmit out a warning to individuals of the possibility of fire. As the menace of fire is very life-threatening. Almost of the Fire Suppression Systems available in the market today automatically give notice the fire department. This is very advantageous since early fire detection plays a strategic role in the prevention of loss and damage caused by fire.

Fire alarms are either adjusted off manually or by heat detectors or smoke sensors. Fire warning devices are most of the time rooted to notice levels of heat or smoke which normally is an indication of fire. And some Fire Suppression Systems have blinking or flashing lights for those who have hearing disability. With todays technology, Fire Suppression Systems can now be incorporated with the house protection alarm system for the full protection and safeguard of your home.

Fume detectors are part of the fire alarm system, it detects smoke in the air and sets off an alarm thus alerting those nearby for a possible fire. Mosty fume sensors detect smoke today either by ionization or optical detection and some smoke sensors have carbon monoxide detectors that discover carbon monoxide by which also forbids carbon monoxide intoxication.The optical detector in smoke detectors is a light sensor which uses a ray like laser. These beam sensors then transmits a laser like beam to other sensors, if fume is non-existent, the laser like beam goes through the optical chamber of the light detector in a straight line. If smoke is present, the laser like ray is scattered by the smoke particles as it moves into the light sensor and the scattered light then trips the alarm of the fume alarm.

Ionization detectors are much affordable than light sensors, although these types of fume sensors are discouraged from being applied because of environmental reasons. Ionization detectors work by detecting particles of fume by a tiny amount of radioactive americium-241 (that is why it is discouraged from being used). The radiation of this material passes through an ionization chamber. This chamber permits the even stream of current of electrodes, so that when smoke particles enter this chamber it disrupts the flow thus setting the alarm off.

Many Fire Suppression Systems have a sprinkler system that will contain or put off the fire before it becomes unmanageable. However the singular way to prevent fire is to take steps to be careful and pick out extra preventive measures.

Once again you have another given opportunity to conquer your inkjet printer cartridge market. It’s up to you on how far you’re willing to travel.

Going above and beyond the marketing clouds is for profiting survivors only.

Are you a profiting survivor? Also, did you know that buried within the consumable market remains tentacles of cartridge information?

Only you have the ultimate power and ability to become the eighth wonder of multiple cartridge products.

After rafting through hours, days and weeks of remnant studies your superior marketing formula is discovered. It’s called Domino Effect Theory Marketing has been sought to bring you the easiest, simplest and quickest directions on dominating your printer cartridge market.

This formula empowers great methods of marketing and is formed to produce an inducing chemical in your inkjet cartridge business. This formula is compared to the depths of the deep sea ocean.

The Domino Effect Theory Marketing formula will allow you to qualify to wear the platinum ring of engagement. With this ring you are totally susceptible to having all of your colleagues promote and sell your printer cartridges like crazy and unbelievably watch the mountain of increase hop from one city to the next.

Yes, there will be some storming winds during your journey. All it is a test to see how determined and hungry you are to prey after your next marketing meal. Fill up your mind with ideas and roll them out on the table as if you were playing a game of dice.

The number of ideas you have will ultimately calculate your numbered chances at cartridge success. The way Domino Theory Marketing is configured is so you can maintain a well balanced infrastructure with your discounted printer inkjet cartridges.

The floodgates to heavenly profits will open as long as you continue to have an open mind. The layout is so well drawn; your cartridge sales will flow like the wind gusting through the trees as they produce fresh fruit. Your qualities of cartridges are the fresh fruit here.

Whatever you do, don’t sway away from researching this formula into further detail. The schematics of Domino Effect Theory Marketing formula patiently awaits its revelation to you and your business.

Your cartridge revenue will have similar patterns to that of a game of dominoes. The same way the dominoes fall symmetrically is the same way your cartridge sales will sail across an ocean runway the size of a tidal wave tsunami.

Rumor has it this unknown scientific marketing sketch has a roaring potential capable of exceeding your cartridge sales growth in spurts ranging between 20-33%.

Go and retrieve the remaining information to your one of a kind Domino Effect Theory Marketing formula. If milk does a body good then marketing should do your business great.

In description of, Joseph Mercado is known as The Internet Marketing Tyrant. He specializes in the consumable market involving studies on inkjet cartridges; http://www.InkSecrets.com

Just about everyone would I agree, I think, that wires on headphones are just about the most annoying wires associated with any electronic device. When you listen to music you don’t want to have to stay in anyone one place, and you don’t want to have to worry about cords tripping you are pulling your headphones down. The answer to this problem is wireless headphones, many of which allow you to listen to music over 100 feet away. They, like all wireless devices, give you a sense of freedom, an ability to move, work, and play wherever you want. You will find here a list of some of the most popular wireless headphone devices, with important information about each.

RCA WHR120 Infrared Wireless Stereo Headphones

Manufacturers Description: Experience the freedom that RCA Infrared Wireless Headphones can provide. You don’t have to be chained to your stereo when you put on a pair of headphones. With the infrared, line-of-sight transmission, you have 23 feet to roam as you please. Also, the base doubles as a convenient charger and stand. And the lightweight design and adjustable band make for a comfortable, snug fit. Enjoy life with RCA technology.

Key Features:

- Provides convenient listening privacy in the same room

- Low cost infrared technology operates up to 20 ft. from transmitter

- Adjustable headband provides comfort for hours of listening pleasure

- Horizontal style transmitter is compact, saves shelf space

- Operates on Two “AAA” size rechargeable batteries (connect to transmitter for recharging)

Price: $25

RCA WHR150 Wireless Stereo Headphones

Manufacturers Description: Hear your stereo outside your house without disturbing the neighbors. With RCA Wireless 900 MHz Headphones, you don’t even have to be in the same room with your stereo. The 900 MHz signal can pass through walls, floors, and carry outside of your home up to 125 ft. That means you have the freedom to work or relax wherever you wish without the problem of being connected to cords or carrying around a portable system. The lightweight design and adjustable headband make the fit so comfortable that you will hardly notice you have them on, as you move freely about your home. Also, the unique compact base serves as both a charger and a stand. Add some freedom to your life with this innovation from the RCA brand.

Key Features:

- Transmits 900MHz stereo signal up to 125 ft.

- Goes through walls and floors

- Unique compact base serves as both a charger and a stand

- Lightweight design with adjustable headband

- Soft earpads for comfortable listening

Price: $75

Sony MDRRF920RK 900 MHz Wireless Headphones

Manufacturers Description: Tired of tripping over cords, and accidentally ripping out headphone jacks? Go wireless, and listen to the freedom. Sony’s MDR-RF920RK 900 MHz RF Wirless Headphones have a transmission range of 150 feet, allowing you to roam your house or yard without missing a beat (or word). The 900 MHz radio frequency delivers high quality sound, and the 30mm driver units provide deeper bass, lower distortion and a wider dynamic range. These lightweight headphones are easily recharged by placing them on the transmitter, and the package includes rechargeable NiMH batteries.

A powerful ARM processor lets you listen to MP3s while looking up an address or scheduling an appointment. Watch the latest movie trailer or a new sales video. Carry digital photo albums of friends and family, students and co-workers, even the latest real estate listings. Plus it’s expandable, and with 32MB of memory there’s plenty of room to customize from more than 18,000 applications (sold separately).

Key Features:

- Wireless Design lets you move inside and outside your house and still enjoy music and TV sound, and lets you turn up the volume late at night without disturbing others.

- 150 Foot Transmission Range for listening enjoyment upstairs, downstairs, virtually everywhere in your home and outside in your backyard.

- 900 MHz Radio Frequency (RF) Transmission provides better sound quality and greater range.

- 30mm Diameter Driver Units are larger than many portable headphones for deeper bass, lower distortion and wider dynamic range; low frequency response extends down to 20Hz.

- PET Diaphragms ensure high rigidity for minimum distortion, and low mass for excellent high-frequency response.

- Ferrite Magnets combine high energy and small size for ample sound output.

- Comfortable Open-Air Type Supra-Aural Headphones fit securely for maximum frequency response reception.

- Double Headband with self-adjusting mechanism conforms to the curve of your head for a fit.

- Easy Rechargeable Battery System automatically charges the headphones when placed onto the transmitter.

- 3 Transmission Channels Available helps ensure optimum signal reception; convenient sliding selector control on the side of the transmitter.

- Automatic Power On/Off for both headphones and transmitter conserves battery life; transmitter turns on when it senses an input signal; headphones turn on when you place them on your head.

- Complete Kit is supplied, which includes transmitter, headphones, connecting cord, UniMatch plug adapter and AC power supply.

- Supplied Connecting Cord goes directly to headphone output of your high fidelity system for easy connection to hi-fi system, TV or VCR.

- FM Transmission System resists static and distortion for higher fidelity.

- Included Rechargeable NiMHBatteries provide up to 18 hours of playback when fully charged.

Price: $50

Sennheiser RS-65 Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headphones

Manufacturers Description: The RS-65 wireless RF headphone system with open, circumaural headphones features an integrated, switchable SRS processor for impressive surround sound. The system has very transparent and balanced sound reproduction and comes equipped with Center-Lock TM Auto-Tuning. This feature allows you to automatically adjust to the transmitter with a simple touch of a button (and can simply be returned with a second touch if it locks on to your neighbor’s transmitter).

Features:

- Supra-aural, hi-fi stereo headphones for superb audio quality

-Volume and transmission channel can be set individually on the headphones

- Expand with an additional set of headphones for multiperson use

- Soft, cloth-covered earpads and headband cushion for comfortable extended use

- Transmission range: 300 feet

- Extremely lightweight - less than 6 ounces

Price: $180

Sennheiser RS-85 Hi-Fi Stereo Wireless Headphones

Manufacturers Description: The RS-85 wireless RF headphone system with open, circumaural headphones features HiDyn Plus noise reduction for wide dynamics and superb sound quality, ensuring a very natural and detailed sound reproduction. The RS-85 comes equipped with Center-Lock TM Auto-Tuning, which allows you to automatically adjust to the transmitter with a simple touch of a button (and can simply be returned with a second touch if it locks on to your neighbor’s transmitter). The RS-85 headphones feature reception up to 300 feet from the transmitter, through walls and ceilings, even outside the home. A second battery pack is also provided for near limitless use; simply charge one as the other is being used.

Price: $250

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on wireless headphone technology, please visit our wireless headphones webpage.

When preserving your favorite movies or memories, the standard used to be VHS video tapes. But with the advancement of DVD technology, the advantages of DVDs proved to outweigh those of VCR tapes. Video tapes can wear out over time, becoming bent, damaged or dirty. The cassette casings are vulnerable to damage as well, rendering the tape inside useless. Storage is easier with DVDs since they take up less space than videos. Not to mention the quality of picture and sound is higher on DVDs.

So the question becomes, how do I convert my video tapes to DVDs in order to preserve them for my future enjoyment? There are several options. First, you could use a VHS to DVD conversion service that will do the transfer for you. However, if you have a great deal of videos to convert, over time you’ll save money by doing the conversions yourself in the convenience of your home.

The computer savvy among us will use their computer to transfer their videos to DVD. It requires copying the video to a digital file on the computer using an analog converter. The file gets compressed into MPEG-2 format before being burned onto a DVD. This method takes some time, but it does allow you to make changes to the video, like special effects or music, before you burn it to the DVD. Depending on the burning software that you use, you might be able to add a menu or other special features. However, the process can be quite slow because you have to transfer the file twice: first from the video to the computer and then again from the computer to the DVD.

So in order to save time and effort, you can copy the tapes to a DVD without the use of a computer. There are two ways to do this:

• The first involves buying a DVD recorder that allows input from another source. You simply connect your VCR by cable to the DVD recorder. Then while the video plays, it is also recording. If you choose this option, consider purchasing a video processor called a proc amp or a time base corrector. These devices stabilize and improve the quality of the analog video as it is fed to the DVD recorder and can greatly improve the resulting images that you get on the DVD.
• The second option is to purchase a combination DVD/VCR recorder. It does the same thing as the previous option without needing to connect any cables. If you are planning to copy a lot of videos, it is worth your time and effort to find out what kind of processing the machine does to the analog signal from the video tape before it converts it to the digital signal that gets recorded in DVD format. You want the best possible result that you can get.

If you do the conversion yourself, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you capture the video appropriately. Make sure that you have cleaned the heads of the VCR between copying videos. Old tapes carry a lot of dust or other particles that can clog up your VCR. And since you are copying directly from the video to the DVD, whatever picture quality issues you have with the video will appear on the DVD. Understand that if you have videos which are recorded at SLP (6 hours of video on a tape) you will not get the same quality of recording onto a DVD as if the video was recorded at SP (2 hours of video on a tape). If you find the quality is not acceptable for you, consider changing your method of converting videos to DVD. However, for many people, the time and energy saved in converting the videos on their own will outweigh any concerns over video quality.

Cole Figgins reviews DVD recorders brands and models at www.DVDrecorders.ws - a DVD recorders shopping guide where you can learn more about DVD formats and find news, tips and tricks about DVD recorders and TiVos.

Do You Feel Used by Computers?

A look at second-user computer equipment.

Let’s dispense with the myths first. I’m NOT talking about the sort of second-hand computers you get from some high street junk shops, or the sort you can buy from free ads newspapers. These are the types that get used computers a bad reputation since there are many dodgy deals to be had!

I’m talking about a different breed altogether, the sort of used computers you’d be proud to own and feel safe buying because they have proper and lengthy warranties on each and every one of them and have been extensively tested and approved.

The criterion is quite strict. Sure, there are any number of companies out there who offer used computers at low prices. Very few offer 12-month warranties however and many of them disappear just as quickly as they arrived leaving you with a problem. All computers, no matter which category they fit in, or what you call them, should be high quality, guaranteed, fully working computers from a reputable supplier.

So, let’s put all the computers into two categories, I’m going to call them ‘used’ and ‘unused’ computers.

1. Used Computers

Second-hand, second user and used computers are what you would expect in that they have had a previous owner. Many of the computers have been returned to the company from which they were bought in the first place. This is ideal as the company has the appropriate expertise and spares already in place to correct any faults they find.

There are a number of reasons why computers are returned:

- businesses, colleges, individuals etc upgrade their computer equipment for the latest model

- the equipment was leased over a set period and the lease expires (so the equipment is returned)

- the computer gets a fault that can’t be fixed quickly so it is swapped permanently out for a new one

- the customer changes their mind just after purchasing

As you can appreciate, ‘used computer’ can mean anything from ‘barely used’ to ‘a couple of years old’. However, once returned the computers go through a rigorous check procedure, have their hard disks cleared or changed, have new keyboards, mice and cables if worn and new cases if they have noticeable damage. If there are any faulty components, such as sound card, video card, floppy drive etc, these are always replaced. These computers are often referred to as ex-lease, open-box, returns, refurbished, reclaimed, remanufactured, rebuilt, recycled, recertified or reconditioned computers. Phew!

At worst, the used computers, as sold on to you, have minor blemishes, scratches, dents or wear. This is always just cosmetic and does not affect either the performance or value of the computers in any way. What you receive is a fully-working computer, the same working condition as new, but at a price well below that of new. You can often pick up recent high-specification models second-hand and save hundreds of pounds. Of course there are lots of bargains to be had whatever model or type you decide to purchase but note you will sometimes find it difficult to get anything as stock can go very quickly some weeks.

2. Unused Computers

The other main categories of computers are the overstock, surplus, liquidated, superceded, discontinued, open box or end-of-line stock. These are all basically the same in that they are all UNUSED computers. So these are not what you would really classify as second-hand, ie they have not personally been owned and used by any business, college, individual etc. They will often be in their original packaging.

The reasons why these computers come on to the market are because:

- a manufacturer has brought out new models and wants to get rid of the ‘old’ superceded stock in his warehouse

- a store wants to raise some urgently needed cash and sell his unsold stock

- a factory or store becomes bankrupt and the computer stock is sold

In most of these cases, the stock gets sold to specialist dealers who buy in bulk and who then sell it on to the public, businesses etc. They then either provide a new warranty themselves for the equipment, or ensure there is a full warranty from the original manufacturer. You’ll often find Toshiba, HP, Compaq and other brand name computers offered with a 12-month warranty from the original manufacturer. Note that sometimes suppliers refer to open box as meaning refurbished - they will usually state in the description what they mean.

So that’s it. Two main categories of computers, quite different from each other but both offering great deals on branded equipment. Either way you will save money and still get a peace-of-mind guarantee on your computer purchase.

One last point. Make sure you check what you are getting for your money. Sometimes the computer may come without Windows installed or without a monitor. Don’t assume - check. This will ensure you are happy with your savings AND your purchase.

The author is an experienced computer user, having worked in IT management for a number of years. Now heavily involved in the purchase, use and distribution of thousands of computers at http://www.1st-4-used-computers.com

While cell towers actually started being built in the late 1970’s, the boom in development did not really start until Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Instead of having two wireless providers in any one area, customers now found that there were up to eight companies with licenses from the FCC to provide Personal Communications Service (PCS) in their area.

Initially, each wireless provider built its own towers and rarely collocated (shared) on the other’s towers. This made for rapid development of communication sites and towers and a plethora of landowners with cell towers on their property. As you can imagine, many landowners had little to base the lease negotiations on and signed agreements that were substandard in comparison to today’s lease rates.

Today, with the advent of much information (or misinformation) on the internet, those same landowners are learning that the deal they signed might not be a good one. As the standard cell tower lease is a 25 year lease with termination rights only vested in the lessee (cellular carrier), the landowners often wonder if they can get out of the lease or renegotiate it.

The answer to this question is not an easy one and resides in the cell tower lease document. Fortunately for some landowners, the lease agreements signed in the early days after 1996 were not as advanced as those of today. Many lease agreements were only for 10 years and landowners with those types of agreements may now have the ability to reneogtiate for a better deal.

The key here is that the lease agreement must state that the landowner has the right to terminate as well as the lessee. If so, then that opens the opportunity to renegotiate. Many times, the wireless company that owns the tower will be in touch way before the lease expires to renegotiate.

If the lease does not give the landowner the right to terminate, then the chance of successful renegotiation declines. The only basis for renegotiation would be if the wireless company has breached the lease agreement by failing to pay or by violating another clause. It is important to note that most lease require that the landowner notify the lessee of a breach and they are given the opportunity to cure it. The most common reasons for breach in a cell tower lease include failure to pay rent, failure to get approval to sublet the site to another company, failure to get consent to an assignment of the tower, and failure to maintain the site location as required. If you believe that the tower owner has breached the lease, seek legal counsel and make sure to notify the tower owner promptly.

In the event that you decide that a lease can be renegotiated, it is best to hire a consultant or attorney with experience with in negotiating wireless leases and whom is familiar with what fair market rates are for communication tower and cell site leases. If you determine that the lease cannot be renegotiated, then just sit back and continue to receive your “mailbox money”.

Ken Schmidt is the owner of Steel in the Air, a cell tower consulting firm. Steel in the Air provides expert consultations on cell tower valuation, cell tower lease negotiations, lease renegotiations and lease buyouts. Ken has been quoted on cell towers in the NY Times and numerous other publications.

They happen to the best of us. “I’ll be alright” you say, watching the approaching storm while finishing off that game of Solitaire. Then Boom! The lights go out, your computer blinks off. Once the power has been restored, you press the power button to start it up again, but nothing. You check the plugs. They’re fine. You press the power again. Nothing. Bad news. Your power supply has been blown. Chances are, your modem was blown as well, if not more. I guess you wont be finishing that game of solitaire after all.

Now that above scenario was completely preventable. What caused it? A lightning strike causing a power spike is all it takes. But you can protect your computer from this in the future and even go so far as to give your computer 5-10+ mins of extra time even if the lights have gone out, to quickly shut-down that machine. How? By using a surge protector or a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). Depending on the model, it can protect your phone line and your computer, if not your monitor as well. That way, you can rest easy knowing that in case that storm decides to rear its ugly head back your way, you’ll be prepared, your computer will be safe and protected and you’ll have time to react properly, save your work, shut your machine down and unplug it for maximum safety.

Or, the simpler way, though I love UPSs myself, is to get a simple surge protector that doesn’t provide battery backup, but will protect your computer in case of power surge, spikes and brown outs. You can plug your standard power adapter for your modem or ADSL line, your computer and your monitor into it and be assured that it’s in good hands. A word of caution, you can find a surge protector for a few bucks, or up to $100 or over. With surge protectors, you get what you pay for. Look at the details for response time. They’re counted in ns, nanoseconds. It measures the amount of time between a strike happening and how quick the protector is to “react” to protect your computer. The lower the time, the better. Keep in mind though, that some protectors can get quite pricey, almost to the point of matching the price of a UPS with a fast surge protector in it, so shop around or ask your computer user friends if they have one and where they got it from to get a good idea.

All in all, if you get the plain surge protector, you’ll be safe. If you decide to go the whole hog and get a UPS (they are definitely worth it, but it’s entirely your choice of affordability), then next time that storm heads your way and blows out the power, you might be able to finish that game of solitaire after all…

Martin Coleman is a freelance writer and internet consultant. More information about his services and other articles can be found at http://www.martincoleman.com.