Unplug gadgets during storms
By BILL HUSTED
Cox News Service
August 31, 2008
Q: Our house suffered a lightning strike. Not only was my computer fried, but it also ruined my new television. How can I protect myself against this happening again?
— Fred Ailes
A: There are two good ways to defend your gadgets against a lightning strike. One is to simply unplug them when storms are around. The other recommended method is to use a whole house protection system. In my area of Atlanta, the power company can install a system and add the cost to your bill. Prices will vary based on your home, but the promotional material promises a cost of a "few cents a day."
For Georgia Power's system, go to this Web site: www.premiumsurge.com.
While some of you may be served by other electric companies, you'll find that most electrical utilities offer programs such as that one. And, if you Google "whole house surge protection," you'll also find products that do the same thing. Keep in mind that, if you buy one of these products from a company other than your utility company, it will need to be installed by a licensed electrician — it's not even close to a do-it-yourself job.
Uninterruptible power supply units and surge protectors are made to protect your devices from surges, not direct lightning strikes. Remember that the lightning bolt has just jumped across a huge expanse of air — not the world's greatest conductor — so a direct strike can easily make that jump inside most of these small devices. That's why, even with a whole house protection system, a replacement insurance policy is offered as a backup.
Q: I use a spam filter and still get more of it than I would like. What are some other ways to lessen the amount I get?
— Debra Matlock
A: Avoid listing your e-mail address on Web pages. Spammers use software that harvests addresses.
If you must use your e-mail address on the Web, avoid using the @ symbol — it's what spamming software looks for. Type an address this way — bill(at)ajc.com — on a Web page.
Get a free e-mail account at Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) or some other free e-mail service. Use it to order merchandise or leave public comments. You'll still get spam, but the bulk will arrive at the free e-mail account.
Never answer a spam e-mail. Don't write to complain, don't use the link that offers to remove your name from mailings. Answering may only generate more spam. If you participate in online contests or fill in registration forms on the Web, use your free e-mail account.
When you sign up to use a Web page, look for text toward the end of the form that says something like: "Yes, I want to be contacted by select third parties concerning products I might be interested in." If the box has been checked, uncheck it.
Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.
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