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Setting Up Your Computer 35
Surge Protectors
Surge protectors and power strips equipped with surge protection help to prevent damage to your
computer from voltage spikes that can occur during electrical storms or following power
interruptions. The level of protection is usually commensurate with the cost of the surge protector.
Some surge protector manufacturers include warranty coverage for certain types of damage.
Carefully read the device warranty when choosing a surge protector. A device with a higher joule
rating offers more protection. Compare joule ratings to determine the relative effectiveness of
different devices.
NOTICE: Most surge protectors do not protect against power fluctuations or power interruptions
caused by nearby lightning strikes. When lightning occurs in your area, disconnect the telephone line
from the telephone wall jack and disconnect your computer from the electrical outlet.
Many surge protectors have a telephone jack for modem protection. See the surge protector
documentation for modem connection instructions.
NOTICE: Not all surge protectors offer network adapter protection. Disconnect the network cable from
the network wall jack during electrical storms.
Line Conditioners
NOTICE: Line conditioners do not protect against power interruptions.
Line conditioners are designed to maintain AC voltage at a fairly constant level.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies
NOTICE: Loss of power while data is being saved to the hard drive may result in data loss or file damage.
NOTE: To ensure maximum battery operating time, connect only your computer to a UPS. Connect other
devices, such as a printer, to a separate power strip that provides surge protection.
A UPS protects against power fluctuations and interruptions. UPS devices contain a battery that
provides temporary power to connected devices when AC power is interrupted. The battery charges
while AC power is available. See the UPS manufacturer documentation for information on battery
operating time and to ensure that the device is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Turning Off Your Computer
NOTICE: To avoid losing data, turn off your computer by performing a Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating
system shutdown, as described next, rather than by pressing the power button.
NOTE: As an alternative to turning off your computer, you can set your computer to enter standby or
hibernate mode. For details, see the Dell Inspiron Help file. To access the help file, see page 16.
1
Save and close any open files, exit any open programs, click the
Start
button, and then click
Turn Off Computer
.
2
In the
Turn off computer
window, click
Turn off
.
The computer turns off after the shutdown process finishes.
G2806bk2.book Page 35 Tuesday, May 25, 2004 8:48 AM