That surge of power ....Back in 2000 we did a 10 episode television program on LBTV and one of the first segments on the first show was about surge protection. It is something so forgotten that most do not realize that this is really the first line of defense for keeping your computer healthy. For office computers, battery backup devices are a must have when the power surges hit.
What are power surges? Ever see the lights in your office suddenly go dim and then come right back on? Or may be the TV flashed when something else in the home turned on. These are examples of power spikes, and for your computer, these are very very bad. Another source of power problems are lighting strikes and summer brownouts. If your office or home computers have been subject to any of these, it is classified as what we call the walking wounded.
The computer may act fine but you can be sure something happened and that it is now just a matter of time. Power spikes and brownouts can damage several parts including the processor, memory, chipsets, harddrive, motherboard and the power supply to name the major components.
How do you protect yourself? Well the answer is simple; surge protection devices. These DO NOT include those so called surge strips you get in the hardware store. Contrary to popular belief, these provide NO protection at all. These are so cheap there is no way they could respond fast enough to absorb the spike and they do nothing to even out a brown out. If this is what you are using then replace it now.
What your office computer network needs is called a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). These are actually self contained batteries that charge off your house current. If the power spikes they absorb and filter it. If the power fails, most give you 15 minutes of power to correctly shut everything down. In the case of brownouts they make up the difference so the computer has the proper voltages for it components. As far lighting strikes, there is nothing that can protect you totally but to cause damage it would have to hit extremely close.
What UPS do you need? This really depends on your setup and how much power you will need. For the average office or home, get one around 550/300VA (volt/amps) and you can expect to pay from $50.00 to $100.00. Plug all your computer devices into this to insure that your system is protected. This is cheap insurance if your computer system costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. This also includes the protection of your business data that can be damaged with power surges.
Imagine the power an hour can make in other facets of our life. If we just took one hour to eat healthier, exercise, learn new skills, meditate, or just to enjoy ourselves, the benefits would be enormous versus the cost of losing one more hour to inaction.
Here are Five Ways To Find The Power in an Hour
The Power to Learn: Set aside one hour every week to learn something new for your career, to become a better parent, or to become a better child to an older parent. Go to the public library and check out a good book. Take an on-line course or seminar. Dedicate one hour each week to master new skills and insights to power up your career and relationships!
The Power to Play: Set aside one hour each week to do something you really enjoy. Read. Play a musical instrument. Knit. Join a bowling league. Play golf. Your stress will dissipate when you officially schedule "play-time" each week!
The Power to Enjoy a Meal: Set aside one hour each week to make a meal an event, not a chore. Schedule all family members to be present, or invite good friends. Make your one hour relaxing by cooking a simple meal*, and by sharing your life stories in interesting conversation. When you discover how delightful a shared dinner can be, you'll want to schedule an hour for a meal more than just once a week!
The Power to Exercise: It can seem daunting to schedule an entire hour each day just for exercise. But what about 20 minutes each morning, at lunch and then again in the evening to take a walk? One Harvard University study reported that walking just three hours a week, or 30 minutes a day, can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent. Walk up and down stairs or back and forth through hallways if you can't go outside every day. Just start walking!
The Power to Think: An hour of meditation can substantially lower your blood pressure and improve your health in countless other ways. It's also a great way to set aside time for you to rest, reflect and become more focused -- without all those outside interruptions -- on what you really want out of your career and lifestyle! *(For great-tasting, healthy and simple-to-prepare meals that will allow you to relax and enjoy a shared dinner, check out the book, De-Stress Diva ™ in the Kitchen!)
Q: Dear Ruth. My job is making me sick, physically. At the end of the day, I look into a mirror and gasp. My face is ashen and puffy, and I'm just so exhausted. I love your time-savers and your wonderful advice about how to relieve stress. Unfortunately, it's the job itself I really, really hate. What should I do?
P.S. I know this isn't a phase because I've been at my job for almost 15 years. Name Withheld. San Diego A: You're not alone. The World Health Organization calls workplace stress a "world wide epidemic." The American Institute of Stress cites studies showing that almost half - 40 percent - of job turnover is due to stress. Is it time you considered not just a new job, but a new career? A high-pressure salesman client in Houston did just that. After 20 years in sales, she decided her health was worth more than a big paycheck and took an entry-level retail job at a home supply store. Today, she is happier and winning fast promotions, which will very soon match her old rate of pay. Spend one hour this week exploring new career opportunities, and decide what will make you most want to look back into that mirror. And remember to learn, play, enjoy, exercise, and think to kick start your power.
Both Chris Kaminski & Ruth Klein are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Chris Kaminski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Software, Online Security and Home Security. Chris Kaminski has been working in computer repair and web development for the last 20 years. Kaminski is CEO and head technician for Computerguyslive.com, an online computer repair company based in Asheville, NC.. Chris Kaminski's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Ruth Klein has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stress Management, Family and Divorce and Infidelity. Always appreciate fresh new marketing and branding tips to drive your business several steps forward? Tap Ruth Klein's expertise at trend tracking, time saving advice with advice that can grow your business.. Ruth Klein's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.