Many of you were lucky enough to get new toys under the tree this year, ranging from computers to Nintendo Wiis all the way to the grand prize of a Sony PlayStation 3.

Now you have to take some precautions to keep your machinery in perfect working order.

Let's start with the computer. The first thing you need to purchase is a surge protector. The most economical way is to buy a power strip with surge protection. Plan on spending about $30.

What a surge strip does is serve as the safety valve between you and the power company. If a surge comes down the power line the surge strip commits electronic suicide and stops the surge from reaching your electronics.

(Most of them offer some kind of insurance, too; if your PC dies of a power-related event the surge company will pay for a replacement.)

A second idea to protect the computer is an uninterruptable power supply, or UPS. This is a battery backup for your computer and monitor. In case of a surge or a power failure the battery kicks in immediately before your computer feels any effect. Most UPS devices have enough juice to keep you working for 15 minutes or more before you have to power down.

Some feature a handy cable that will connect to your serial port or USB that will automatically shut down your computer if you're not home or in the office.

These devices used to be too expensive for home users but now can be had for less than $100. If you have important data on your computer it may be worth the investment. (Don't plug a laser printer into a UPS, as they can cause surges.)

Second, make sure you have an antivirus program installed.

If you haven't purchased one, you can often find great deals on the new Windows Live product, which is Microsoft's new security product.

I also use the free AVG Version 7.5, which is the best of the free antivirus products. You can get it from www.filehippo.com.

If you own an Apple you don't need an antivirus product.

Parents will want to consider parental-control software if they have kids in the home. There is a new free version called K9 that is getting good reviews. You can download and install it from www.k9webprotection.com.

If you use a router in the home, you don't need a firewall because there is one built in to the router. Many people rely on the built-in firewall with Windows XP and Vista. That should be OK for most users. (A firewall is like a storm door for your PC, letting in and out only the traffic that is authorized.)

Last, if you own a laptop, consider using a system password that only you know; if the laptop is stolen the thief won't be able to use it (although your data still can be compromised).

WEEKLY WEB WONDER: Photographer John Blair has a great collection of nature photographs, including some great macro photos. Check it out under "Photo Album" at www.valleywatch.net.

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James Derk is co-owner of CyberDads, a computer repair company, and a computer columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim@cyberdads.com.