Does anyone know about surge protectors?

[EricKei]

I have one similar to the Tripp-Lite, from another manufacturer.

I do have one question, tho -- While this is no longer really relevant unless yer in an office that uses FAX machines/FAX-capable printers (which is more common than one might think), or have a Satellite TV/internet that requires a landline connection (pure dialup is comparatively rare in the US these days, but not unheard of; most Satellite services use the landline for "checking in with HQ" and for internet uploads), is it a good idea to run the phone-line cable through a surge protector? I have had techs in the past tell me that it just adds unnecessary interference to the line, ultimately making it LESS reliable as a result. Is this the case?

[Chromatix]

If the line is entirely underground and never goes on a pole between you and the exchange... don't bother. The techs in that case would be right.

If your line *does* go up on a pole, then a surge can come in that way. Protect it.

[Ironclad Alibi]

... is it a good idea to run the phone-line cable through a surge protector? ...

The only lighting strike I suffered damage from came in through a phone line. It wiped out a phone, the modem and a serial card in the computer. Fortunately, it stopped at the serial card and didn't damage the motherboard. The phone line was not on a surge protector.