UPS should be part of every serious PC system.

[dos7]

yeah,,i used to have a tripplite 650 that had four outlets on the back and also surge protection for an rj11 phone jack, although it wasn't a smart ups like your apc, it was still a good investment, especially because it was bought second hand, and after performing a close inspection of the internals and the battery, i handed over a whole 50 dollars, now beat that, but alas I had to leave it behind because it was not compatible with Australian voltage standards and i would have needed a large humming transformer to make it compatible, among other things. I haven't had a UPS in over a year, and I feel completely naked without one.

In regards to APC, apc is a subsidiary of EXXON/MOBIL, and i try to steer clear of their products for personal/moral reasons. Although apc may how be wholly owned now, they were at one time a division of EXXON making industrial electrical components for the offshore drilling industry, but like i said,that may have changed,,and that APC backups pro certainly looks nice.
also doesn't hurt to have a couple of surge supressors and line conditioners on that line to boot.

someone correct me on that if they can, concerning apc/exxon/mobil

sincerely
dos7

[AMD kicks]

I noticed that very few geeks out there consider getting a UPS when setting up a computer. I just don't think a surge protector alone is adaquate enough these days of systematic power outages everywhere. Sure it costs many times more than a typical surge protector but its well worth the extra cost. They are about the price of a good gaming video card compared to about $35 for a good surge protector. I use APC 650 pro which gives me about 30min of uptime during outages and it shuts down my Win2k system for me automatically if I am not there. Its well worth it I think.