<VV> computer geek help (no corvair)

[Bill Elliott]

You didn't mention potential power spikes. Living here in rural MD, I 
found my power fluctuated enough daily to drop my computer (and certain 
sensitive digital clocks, but not others!) a couple times a day, 
particularly in the summer. A $100 UPS (uninterrupted power supply) 
completely solved this for me... and I still hear the "alarm" that it's 
kicking in almost once daily. It also "smooths" out the power supply to 
the PC.

I have a larger 800 unit (running my PC, monitor, wireless hub, router, 
and cable modem), but this is all you'd need for a  basic pc and monitor:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7424575&st=apc&type=product&id=1122655672527

Bill
 

Mark Corbin wrote:

>Thanks to all who volunteered help with my intermittant computer problem.
>Got quite a few responses, and enough advice that I have a good idea where
>to start. Anything with electrical problems is sometimes like nailing jello
>to a tree. 
>
>Anyway, the first thing that quite a few suggested was to check the power
>supply. I'm not sure what supply the builder used, so that's a good place
>to start. I DO know that he used a "supposedly" good brand new motherboard
>and latest available processor, along with a new case. And since the
>problem can happen even on a cold startup as well as after hours of
>running, I don't think it's a heat-related problem.
>
>As it stands, the computer has all the capabilities and components I can
>think of ever using. It has a DVD reader, DVD burner (all formats), 250 zip
>drive, floppy drive, multiple 2.0 USB ports (all the above internal), and
>an external printer. It's an otherwise top-notch machine all around. Why
>spend more money with an off-the-rack machine that probably doesn't have
>the equipment or performance capabilities that this one has?
>
>What I AM stuck with is a sometimes backwoods power supply company, and
>being extremely rural, it's prone to power spikes and drops. So there's
>another possible problem area. And since I'm this far back in the sticks,
>that's why I'm stuck with yesterday's connections (dial-up), unless I can
>spend a fortune every month for satellite or Time/Worthless cable service.
>
>But there were also other suggestions that are good possibilities as well.
>Again, thanks to all for the help.
>
>-Mark
>
>
>  
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