Windows 7 - Protecting Internet Incoming Lines ?

Hello,

My son has his PC plugged into one of those typical 6 outlet types of AC extension strips, that also has what they call "surge protection" built into the strip.
Probably nothing but one or two MOV's.

Will probably get him some time in the near future one of those APC UPS units.

Anyway, for now, was wondering about the "necessity" of protecting his incoming
intenet connection. Only worried about transients on this line doing damage to the PC, not the temporary loss of service.

He uses Verizon via their phone lines for internet.

Think Verizon has this protected adequately, or... ?

Same question, please, but if one uses Comcast cable.
Think it's safe ?

Thanks,
Bob

The only real protection is routing both power and phone lines through a suitable UPS unit which filters both for spikes and surges, and outages on the power side. Any UPS which has this, of a reputable make, will protect you upon condition it's earthed very efficiently - so no skimping by connecting it to a two pin socket, you must have it earthed or it can't do its job...

As the above poster mentioned the safest way is with a UPS unit. You can plug the phone line and the power line into the unit. As in any location there are surges in power, the UPS will protect against that too, due to the battery back up, to keep power to the computer stable. Even with the UPS, if lighting actullay hits the power lines, you will not be protected. In any event, if you plan to buy the UPS in the future, might as well do it not to avoid bigger problems.

Hi Bob and welcome

Neither telephone nor cable is completely safe. Verizon has protection at the switching stn but you lines are above ground. I had a lightning strike kill and older pc. I now have Premium surge protecters, a lightning rod, UPS/C. the added benefit is that my DL speeds have improved as well. Seems a clean signal moves faster

Kenn J+

I have an APC UPS and it has a $25,000 guaranty. If a surge gets through they will pay for the damage to your computer.

Typically the Telco recommends you DO NOT use any protection because it will interfere with your internet connection. I have never seen the need for them anyway. I have opened up many of those power devices and they have no protection or at best a capacitor circuit for protection.