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Which is best: UPS or surge protector? I don't use a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply), but I have seen them for sale in computer stores. Do you advise using one? If you live in the UK and have never experienced problems with power surges there is no real need to use a surge protector. The chance of a power surge harming your computer is very small indeed. A surge protector might be necessary if you live near an industrial area where heavy equipment causes power surges. Most advice that you read recommending the use of a surge protector usually relates to the USA. In the USA, AC supplies aren't as well regulated than in the UK and the more extreme weather and larger incidence of thunderstorms means that there is a greater chance of experiencing potentially damaging voltages. In the UK, you are more likely to experience a power cut than a power surge. But even power cuts are so infrequent that most PC users don't bother using an UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for protection. Nevertheless, a power cut while you are using your PC can result in lost work. If you are really unlucky it can cause a trashed hard disk, requiring a full restore to effect a recovery. Although more expensive than a surge protector, a UPS is a better investment as it will protect your computer from the kind of power problem it is most likely to experience.
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