How Do I Protect a Computer From a Power Surge?
Shut down your computer and power off the monitor. Wait a few seconds for the computer to completely shut down before unplugging it from a wall outlet. Connect the computer and monitor to a surge protector and plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. Switch on the surge protector, and use your PC and monitor as normal. Turn off your PC and anything connected to it during heavy storms, and don’t overload the circuit to which your computer is connected. “Pick a surge protector with a low clamping voltage, a high energy absorption/dissipation level–the amount of energy it can absorb before it fails–and a short response time,” suggests Microsoft Corp. Check the surge protector’s packaging to determine its technical specifications.
