Storm Season

0 Items

Storm Season: Protecting Your Computer
by Tom Gamble and April Hussong

Summertime is fun time, but also the peak time for thunderstorms, lightning strikes, power surges, brownouts and blackouts — all of which are bad news for your computer. In fact, research shows that half of all computer problems are directly related to power-line problems. The good news? It's not too difficult (or expensive) to protect your equipment from most power problems — by using a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS), also known as battery backup.

The Nature of Power Problems
Storms and summer heat put stress on electrical power grids and threaten your computer and electronic equipment. Major threats include all-too-common power sags, or brownouts (decreases in voltage levels that cause your computer to lock up or crash), and blackouts (the complete loss of power). Blackouts cause ugly shutdowns that wipe out all your work in progress, and possibly damage your hard drive. Other power-related problems are spikes, surges and electrical noise interference, all of which can cause damage to sensitive equipment, executable programs and data files.

Battery Backups vs. Surge Protectors
So what does a battery backup do that a surge protector does not? Well, both surge protectors and battery backup will protect your connected computer hardware against damage, but a battery backup offers extra features* that protect your data as well as your equipment, including:

A constant, continuous power supply to even out electrical fluctuations
Auto shutdown software to automatically save files and close applications
Data line protection to cover Internet, fax, modem or DSL connections
Sufficient battery runtime to let you finish what you were doing

In short, a good surge protector will ward against power spikes and surges, but a good UPS forms your best defense against power sags, spikes and surges — and your only protection against blackouts.

The Right Power Protection for Your System
At a minimum, every one of your valuable electronic devices should be connected to a good surge protector. Critical pieces of computer and electronic equipment, however, should be protected with a UPS/battery backup, which goes beyond surge protection to also offer an uninterruptible power supply and even electrical noise conditioning.

Not sure which battery backup to buy? Here are some key factors to look for when comparing models:

VA rating and watts — how much equipment can be plugged into the UPS
Battery runtime — how many minutes your equipment will be supported**
Number of outlets — all UPS outlets have surge protection, but typically only a portion have full battery backup on top of that
Safe shutdown software — monitors the computer system, and will save files and shut down the computer should the battery power drop to minimal levels during a power outage

Don't take a chance with your valuable equipment and data this summer. A little protection can help your computer system survive the storm — even when you're left sitting in the dark!

Check out a hand-picked group of battery backups below, or see our full selection.

*Features may vary between models.
**Battery runtimes may vary according to the power requirements of your PC, monitor, etc.

PAGES:

3 Items Available

Item

Product Description

Pricing and Promotions

CyberPower - 425VA SL-Series Battery Back-Up System CPS425SL
6 total surge-protected outlets, 3 with battery backup; 585-joule energy rating; battery run times up to 20 minutes; LED and audible indicators

3.3 of 5 (7 reviews)

Great Financing Offer

Our Price: $45.99

Shipping: Usually leaves our warehouse in 1 business day Estimate Arrival Time
Store Pickup: Check Stores

CyberPower - 685VA Battery Back-Up System 685BF
8 total surge-protected outlets, 4 with battery backup; 890-joule energy rating; battery run time up to 70 minutes

3.6 of 5 (8 reviews)

Great Financing Offer

Our Price: $86.99

Shipping: Usually leaves our warehouse in 1 business day Estimate Arrival Time
Store Pickup: Check Stores

CyberPower - 550VA Battery Back-Up System 550AE
8 total surge-protected outlets, 4 with battery backup; 890-joule energy rating; battery run time up to 60 minutes

3.0 of 5 (10 reviews)

Great Financing Offer

Our Price: $57.99

Shipping: Usually leaves our warehouse in 1 business day Estimate Arrival Time
Store Pickup: Check Stores

PAGES:

3 Items Available

Order Support

Community

Product Support

Credit Cards

Reward Zone® Program

Corporate Info

More Best Buy Sites

Need help? We're available 24/7 at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289)

Online prices and selection generally match our retail stores, but may vary. Prices and offers are subject to change. ©2003-2009 Best Buy. All rights reserved. Best Buy, the Best Buy logo, the tag design and BestBuy.com are trademarks of BBY Solutions, Inc. For personal, noncommercial use only.

Skip Navigation

My Account

Order Status

Customer Service

Español

Best Buy - Buyer Be Happy.

Weekly Ad

Store Locator

Outlet Center

Services

Gifts

TV & Video

Audio

Car & GPS

Cameras & Camcorders

Computers

Mobile Phones & Office

Music, Movies, & Books

Video Games & Gadgets

Home & Appliances

Order Support

Community

Product Support

Credit Cards

Reward Zone® Program

Corporate Info

More Best Buy Sites

Need help? We're available 24/7 at 1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289)