Splatt

I would definitely recommend getting a UPS, and while you're at it make sure you also have a backup regime in place with at least one back up drive and possibly an online backup too.

I'm saying this because I've just been through a nightmare experience.
A power surge last week nearly put me out of business. The surge fried the hard drive in my work computer and also blew a few of the cards in the PC. I have recently bought a back up drive but not got around to copying the data.
Typical. As well as around 2000 hours of work on there it also had family photos and videos of kids first Christmas etc.

I've sent the drive off to a specialist data recovery firm in the UK and it will cost me about 500GBP to get my data back. Quote in Spain was €750-€1500.

Lesson learned.

So if anybody out there hasn't backed up yet, DO IT NOW!

Steve.

snikpoh

There is a VERY good program called "second copy" which can automate the process of backing up anything - data, emails etc. etc.

I use this daily by copying all my data onto a pair of memory sticks. On a regular basis I then check that these can still be read on another computer.

I know one can never be sure but I really hope that I have my bases covered!

ShinyAndy

An alternative to Second Copy (which is good but not free) is Cobian Backup which I and all my clients have been using successfully for many, many years now. It's certainly on par, if not better, than any of the high-end backup systems I've had to use in corporate environments and because it uses VSC it can run in the background while you are working and still back everything up without errors

Dxf

Hi

After they put 400 volts down my line, and fried my 5 day old UPS, I have a surge protector in front of the UPS. a 10€ investment and well worth iy

Davexf

Emma-Louise

Yes, I'll think I'll still keep my surge adapter connected between the power point and UPS.....

Splatt am so sorry to hear of your troubles!

My main hard drive is being repaired/replaced as it died after only just 1 use! But I am constantly connected to another hard drive using the Mac Time machine program which seems to be doing a good job!

Am looking at what UPS to buy.......

If I bought from amazon would the UK plug and voltage be an issue?

snikpoh

I thought that most UPS's had surge protection (my does - but I will check). Are you saying that they're no good?

Dxf

Hi

If your surge protector in the UPS goes- it takes a while to get it repaired. But if you use an external surge protector - then just use one from another socket (assuming you have more than one in use)

Davexf

Neil29649

If a power surge killed the UPS then it was either a faulty UPS or a very cheap one.

As in most things in life you get what you pay for.

Go for a recognised make and spend a little extra.

Neil

Emma-Louise

Hi guys,

Is it ok to buy one from Amazon, with UK voltage/plug? As I want one with the USB and although my Spanish is ok would want to fully understand the instructions!

Fredbargate

Why not try a local supplier like :-
http://www.appinformatica.com/sais.htm or
http://www.beep.es/sai-s/sais-ups/sa...hzqx55lfzzgjjp

Then just Google the manufacturers name for a download of instructions in English

Dxf

Hi

No matter how good the UPS - when you stick 400 volts INTO it, then something has to give. The internal surge protector blew - the insurance company paid without a quibble - but it took them three weeks !!!

Just an observation that it would have been easier for me just to go out and buy another 10 euro surge protector. I might add that it took a lot of other stuff out at the same time - basically everything that was on

Davexf

Fredbargate

Are you on the old 220 volt 3 phase system requiring 2 phases to get 220 volts?

Were ENDESA playing with the transformer?

If so been there and got the Tee shirt

Bloody winkers

Dxf

Hi

No - just an illegal hook-up from yet another illegal home - builders used to do it regularly - but if they didn't put it back right .....

It's a bit better now- we don't get half the power cuts where builders would disconnect and reconnect the power as they bypassed the legal systems.

Builders electric still exists around here - but things are progressing to be better slowly.

But we still get at least one power cut cut a week - normally only a couple of minutes sometimes more as they cut homes off and people reconnect themselves


Davexf

Emma-Louise

Morning all,

Well I've narrowed it down to 4;


http://www.pccomponentes.com/salicru...900va_sai.html

http://www.pccomponentes.com/riello_...00va_id80.html

http://www.pccomponentes.com/trust_6..._pw_5060s.html

http://www.pccomponentes.com/riello_...i_edition.html


Only the 1st one seems to mention a USB....

What do you think?

angiescarr

:-) There aren't really any important instructions. You just plug it in line. It's just a battery with an in...and an out. I can't see any problems with you buying it in England except the weight ...and the adaptors you'll need. Oh and don't forget to buy extra adaptors in case one breaks...and bring fuses because it can be a bugger when a fuse blows...... Hmmm. Maybe best to buy one here!