Normal household electricity is changed into electricity that the
computer can use by way of the power supply. Standard AC power from a
wall outlet is converted to low voltage (2 to 12 volt) DC power that
can be used by the computer. One reason that a computer may
malfunction is if the individual components of the computer do not get
the right amount of power. The power supply regulates the power to the
different components. This type of malfunction is rare. The capacity of
the power supply is measured by watts. Two hundred watts is what the
average computer requires. While a computer requires very little power to
operate, it does generate heat. This heat can damage the computer.
To prevent the elements inside of a computer from overheating, a fan is
included to cool the power supply.
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Don't Take My Power Away! What a Myth!
Let's check out the energy.
Are you running up an electic bill by leaving your computer on? Don't
believe it. Most computers use less than a 100 watt light bulb. An
electric dryer left on for one hour will use up more electricity than
the computer does in one month.
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Surge Protection: What is It?
Power changes can affect your
computer. These changes can be as minor as losing information, or
even damaging your computer.
Power surges, or fluctuations in
power, can occur during power failures during storms, or when power
returns after a storm. Power loss by itself can affect your computer.
During an electrical storm be sure and unplug all cables connecting a
computer to a power outlet, and modem. Electricity can enter your
computer through the phoneline and cause extensive damage.
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Types of Protection
- The power bar is merely a source for additional outlets. It has no protection against surges or power loss.
- The surge protector provides surge protection. It safeguards against computer surges. Only buy protectors that display a "UL1449 approved" label. This protector has been reccommended and checked out for power reliability.
- One of the best investments is the uninterruptible power supply. (UPS)
It protects against both surges and power loss. There is a battery contained in the power
supply thatstores electrical power. If the power fails, the computer will stillcontinue to run
through the UPS. The UPS gives you time to save yourinformation.
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For the more advanced user click here to learn how to install a power supply.
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