The right Surge Protectors for the job

Often sold as a good product to consumers but show no real effect are ‘surge protectors’ such as this one below:

What you should really get is one that shows an indicator that there is a problem with the power coming to the surge protectors. These usually go for 85TTD – 200TTD at any computer outlet or electrical supply store:

Using the Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) properly

Not all sockets on this device will protect and keep the system running for a safe shutdown in the event of a power outage!

Though these devices are not all shaped the same, they have 2 main functions.

One side is for devices you will consider not critical but still important to be protected from a power surge, and the other side which will provide battery backup and surge protection in the event of a power outage.

Power cords and their importance in IT devices

I have come across many systems, network devices, laptops that are plugged into 2 prong sockets, which some devices allow, but certainly not computer systems as they all come with 3 prong plugs only.

Here’s an example of a fellow ‘modifying’ his computer plug to fit into a two-prong outlet. The third prong was cut out so there would be no need for a three-prong outlet:

However, the 3 prong is important as it provides grounding to protect you the user in the event one of the wires inside the system becoming loose and coming into contact with any part of the metal case. The grounding prong prevents shocking (which can be fatal) by sending the extra flow of electricity directly to the ground, where it poses no threat.

Computer systems need cool, circulating air to operate at its peak.

All computer systems come with ventilation for the processor, power supply and CPU to blow out the heat generated from the system when in use. These, of course, should always be clean and not blocked up with dust etc.

The more fans you have, the cooler the system will be, resulting in increased performance!

“Computer systems don’t need to be cleaned thaaat often.”

This is definitely wrong. One of the biggest killers of any moving part is dust. Depending on the environment where the system is set up like on rugs, tiles, field offices, dust can accumulate quickly. In some cases, you will see signs that there are issues with PC performance, but most times these come when a critical component (motherboard, hard drive, processor, memory, and power supply) has already failed.

Laptops are more prone to die than desktops as they are more compact, has less ventilation room, and in most cases turned on a lot longer in locations that are prone to dust.

Both should be cleaned regularly. A laptop within every 2 months and desktops within every 3 months. These estimated timeframes are given with low dust possibility when these devices rest.