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[Doug.S]

Just a quick recommendation to avoid power outage issues (or even power noise fluctuations)....I've been using an uninterruptible power supply system for more than 14 years now.

Often called a Backup UPS...comes in various power ratings.  Mine at under $100 US is from APC...available via www or Dell or most any office supply store.

Has saved my PC many times...switches to batt. in milliseconds and will run my PC for about 50 minutes...and will auto shutdown all gracefully if I happen to be away. PC never knows the difference; not even a blink.

An excellent investment, lasts for many years. Not needed for laptops tho.

[Jack Zimmer]

how is this doug?

http://www.amazon.com/APC-BE550G-Back-UPS-Outlet-550VA/dp/B0019804U8   

[Doug.S]

That looks about right and typical....

550VA equates to approx. 500 watts.....read the specs carefully (probably best to go to the APC site) so you can match the power your PC uses...CPU, video, disks, monitor(s)  (not needed to keep printer or scanner on battery power) ....then decide how long you want the PC to run on battery....
Suggest a minimum of about 15 minutes so you can shutdown nicely if power remains off a while.

I think mine is about 750VA...so price goes a little higher....my PC power supply is 450 watts max and I run 2 LCD monitors; each is about 80 watts...so total is about 600 watts.

APC has a nice calculator to match UPS to your PC power needs.

My UPS usually says it has about 45 to 55 minutes available and does a self test now and then.
Also batt power decreases a bit each year as batt. wears down (it is a sealed lead acid; like a car batt)...and is easily replaced but a new UPS costs only a little more than a new batt.

APC claims you should replace the internal battery every 3 years but I use my PC daily and batteries have lasted 6 years so far and died slow and with warnings...I buy a new UPS with every new PC...every 5 years or so.

[FynrDzynr]

Just make sure you unplug from the mains if an electrical storm is approaching.
I had a 2250VA unit that was nuked when lightning struck within 200m.
Power supply damage meant it wasn't economical to repair . . .
trying to use what's left as an inverter now
Merv