>I love my UPS. We had a massive lightning strike last night, power died so I ran into the computer room to turn everything off. I shutdown the computer, unplugged the monitor and then *WHAM*POP* BZZZZZZT EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

The UPS was making a constant loud noise. I turned it off, not sure what had happened. I didn’t get a chance to actually test it until this afternoon. My 1000AMP/600W APC UPS took one for the team. I plugged everything into the wall and it all worked without issue. Not so much could be said for yon UPS.

I called up APC, and with a little typing they noted my dead UPS and sent me a new one. I don’t want to think of what would have happened if the UPS didn’t protect everything. I imagine it would have been a much more lengthly process but I’m glad I can wonder about it.

They’re replacing my existing one, and I thought it would be a good idea to go get a higher wattage UPS and use the replacement for Nicole’s PC. After all, it could have toasted hers just as easily had it not been plugged into the non-backup outlets on the unit. I went to COMPUSA and got a new one that was on sale. Unfortunately I got the serial data cable model. It’s the very old, very large style. it’s 1100v 670W for just a tad bit more then my previous model cost me, on sale. I contemplated returning it once I got it home and saw the serial cable, but I have a USB to serial adapter, and I never used the software anyhow. I don’t tend to leave the computer on when I’m not home, so it’s not a big deal.

So the lesson is – get a UPS, love it, and feel safe.
You can get struck by lightning and it’ll be OK.
I mean you could technically get by with a surge protector, but you’ve got that extra level of protection with a UPS.

I also picked up OSX 10.4 so I could
A) get the mac running and
B) spend enough to get no interest for 6 months.

I have 10.2, but there are no widgets… and I so love my widgets. I could have downloaded Konfabulator… if I had OSX 10.3 but again, out of luck. So Jay — see me about a horse, I’ve got what you neeeeeeeed.