chuan :
does ups provide anymore protection than a surge protector? the back-up power doesn't do much unless I also get one for my modem/router downstairs.
First, power loss does not damage hardware and does not harm the OS. If a sudden power loss causes OS damage, then the computer was defective when purchased.
Second, an honest recommendation includes relevant specification number. Destructive surges are hundreds of thousands of joules. How many joules does a UPS claim to absorb? Hundreds. Appliances consume hundred joules surges. Converts that transient into rock stable and low voltages to power semiconductors. Hunderd joules surges are near zero and irrelevant.
But most *know* by ignoring numbers. Many recommend a UPS to do what is already done better inside every computer. Many are easily manipulated by advertising rather than learn what is relevant.
Power strips typically absorb more joules. More hundreds or maybe thousands of joules. That is still near zero protection. But again, is it called a surge protector. That 'word association' proves it does 100% protection? Read the manufacturer's specifications.
A completely different solution that typically costs tens of times less money actually does this protection. This completely different solution exists in any facility that cannot have damage. One can earth a 'whole house' protector to protect everything - the computer, modem, furnace, kitchen and bathroom GFCIs, clocks, TV, CFL bulbs, etc. Because protection is always about where hundreds of thousands of joules are harmlessly absorbed.
Once that surge is invited inside a house, then it will hunt for and find destructive paths to earth via houshold appliances. Nothing can block that hunt. Magic plug-in devices will somehow block or absorb that surge? Of course not.
Solution was to always connect that surge to earth BEFORE it can enter a building. Then direct lightning strikes occur without damage. A surge (lightning is one example) connected to earth BEFORE entering a building does not go hunting inside. Lightning is maybe 20,000 amps. So a 'whole house' protector is at least 50,000 amps. Because no protector should fail even with a direct lightning strike. The effective protector always makes a low impedance (ie 'less than 3 meter') connection to single point earth ground. Then a surge remains irrelevant and outside.
Protection is always about where hundreds of thousands of joules dissipate. That is single point earth ground. Then a surge is not inside hunting for earth destructively via the dishwasher, door bell, smoke detectors, or that computer. This solution costs about $1 per protected appliance. Best solution is also the least expensive. And mostly unknown to many who therefore recommend a UPS or power board protector to do what even the manufacturers does not claim it will do. Read spec numbers.