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Welcome to today's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Tuesday, May 15, 2001
In this Issue:
Featured Computer Term: Surge Suppressor
Topic: How to Buy a Surge Suppressor
Progressive Learning Series: Print Part of a Web Page
Featured Website: Playbill
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Today's Featured Computer Term: Surge Suppressor
A surge suppressor, also called surge protector, is a device that protects a power supply and communications lines from electrical surges. All computers come with some surge protection built into the power supply, but it is a good idea to purchase a separate device. Many uninterruptible power supplies (UPSes) include surge protection.
Surge suppressors are essential for computer systems.
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Today's Topic: How to Buy a Surge Suppressor
Buy a surge suppressor made for computers as opposed to one made for small appliances or audio-video equipment.
Pick a surge suppressor with modem protection unless your budget is limited.
Buy a unit with LED indicators that show the line is good and protection is in effect.
Look for a rating of at least 700 joules. If your budget is limited, look for a rating of at least 400 joules.
Get a suppressor with low clamping voltage (a maximum of 400 volts).
Look for a fast response time (less than 10 nanoseconds).
Buy a surge suppressor that specifically offers lightning protection if you live in an area with frequent lightning.
Compare insurance guarantees offered by the manufacturers.
Compare features such as number of outlets, color coded outlets and included modem cables.
Additional Protection:
If you won't be home and you are expecting a major storm, shut down your system and unplug the surge suppressor from the wall.
Periodically check the LED indicators on your surge suppressor to make sure it is still good. Minor increases in voltage wear out the MOVs (metal oxide varistors).
If your surge suppressor is physically damaged or worn out, replace it. When a surge suppressor successfully absorbs a major hit, it usually melts or shows other indications of damage. Some manufacturers will replace your surge suppressor in these instances.
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Progressive Learning Series: Print Part of a Web Page
Sometimes you want to print just part of a Web page, but clicking the Print button spews out page after page of information you don't want or need. Here's what you can do:
First, use your mouse to select the text you want to print. (Point to the first character of the text, hold the left mouse button down and drag over the text you want to print. When you get to the end, release the mouse button. The text will now be highlighted.)
Next, choose File, Print (don't use the Print button!). In the Print dialog box, look for the Selection option. In Internet Explorer, the Selection option will be in the Print Range area of the dialog box. In America Online, click the Options button; you'll then see the Selection option.
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Today's Featured Website: Playbill
Find out what's playing on and off Broadway, in London, and just about anywhere, then grab a ticket. Playbill's site is searchable by show name, theater name, location, or cast and crew. There is theater news and gossip here, job listings, and information on joining theatergoing clubs and travel groups, plus photos, video clips, and old Playbill covers for the true theater buff.
www.playbill.com/ |
