article I found in regards to this topic (dated: Feb. 18, 2010)
http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-Computer-Surge-Protectors---5-Tips-For-Best-Purchase&id=3788150
Our current surge protector is now 10 years old, and I've decided to buy a new one. Does anyone have any advice for buying one (as in, how much protection I should seek)? The only threads I saw here in a search were several years old. Is there a minimum of joules of protection that I should get? I don't recall the last blackout so I'm not sure I need a UPS along with it.... Also, can anyone recommend any brands?

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