So you've gone out and bought that brand new computer with an HD webcam to Skype chat, and even that 2.1 speaker set for rumbling sound. But how do you protect this investment? Here's some essential gear and accessories you'll require to make sure your PC keeps running in speak condition and with minimum hiccups....
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
If you've spent a bomb on your PC, it would help if you spent a couple of thousands to protect it from the effects of sudden power failure. Frequent cuts in electricity or its erractic supply to your computer could result in data loss, corruption of the operating system and even hard drive failure. To avoid this a UPS is recommended. This machines comprise a rechargeable battery and in the case of electrical failure, the UPS switches to battery mode giving you time to shut down your computer properly.
* All UPSes come with c Volt-Amps (VA) rating that denotes its power output capacity. For most computers a 600VA UPs should be enough. For higher-end gaming PCs, buy one with around 1,000 to 1,100VA.
* Home UPSes give you power for between 10 and 30 minutes, enough for you to save what you're working on. Choose a unit that meets your needs.
* Also, some models come with features such as Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) which protects your PC from voltage fluctuations and also initiates a shutdown sequence when power is lost.
* For home UPSes, you can consider brands like APC, Microtek, iBall and Zebronics with models costing anything between Rs.2,000 and Rs.6,000.
Spike Busters/ Surge Protectors
Most UPSes come with AVR which protects your PC from daily surges in electric power. These spikes can damage your computer by burning its wires or wearing down its components over time. But just in case, you don't feel the need for a UPS, you will at least need to buy a spike/surge buster.
This device prevents the extra electrical current from flowing through your PC, while ensuring that it receives the normal voltage it requires to work. Surge protectors available in India comprise between four and eight plug points so you can connect multiple devices to it, including your phone and tablet chargers.
* When buying make sure you're actually picking up a surge protector, rather than an extension strip/board that looks similar. The latter does not have a built-in fuse.
* As far as possible, go in for a reputed brand from a trusted electronic/electrical store. Here you can consider manufacturers such a Belkin, MX and Zebronics that could cost anything between Rs.300 and Rs.1,200.
Clean-Up Kit
Most of us don't thing twice about eating and drinking in the vicinity of our computers. Some times, we even spill beverages and drop crumbs that might slip between the gaps on our keyboard. Then there are those times when we use these peripherals even when we've been suffering from a cold. Needless to say, our PCs soon become a hotbed of germs and bacteria. But the good news is that your keyboard and mouse can still come clean...
* To sanitise your PC peripherals, you need to arm yourself with a generic cleaning kit that can be picked up from most computer and electronic super stores for as little as Rs.50 to Rs.150. This kit includes a cleaning solution, dusting brush and a microfiber cloth.
* Alternatively, you could use ear buds to clean grime from hard-to-reach areas between the keys, and tweezers to fish out dirt particles from narrow spaces. you can use rubbing alcohol(an isopropyl alcohol solution, available at any chemist) to remove stubborn stains. It's volatile, so it will dry immediately, making it a safer alternative to the water-and-mild detergent mix.
* While cleaning displays, always spray the solution onto lint-free, soft cloth instead of applying it directly. Additionally, do not use a dry cloth, paper napkins or tissue paper as they tend to scratchy the display.
* Some touchscreens have a special coating to prevent smudging from fingerprints. For such displays, a microfiber cloth is all you need.
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