I just lost my 2nd computer to Lightning and yes i have surge protector , the tech i use suggested a battery backup . I have a back up generator that automatically kciks in after the power being off for 3 minutes so i just want tht backup for that reason did i waste my money ?

Well depends. Be more specific about the lightening strike. DO you have - i dont know the specific term - one of those "house" lightening rods? The kinds that runs through the house into the ground designed to funnel a strike to earth avoiding as much of the home circuitry as possible?

If not, I'm not sure a surge protector can protect against THAT much juice. I suspect the tech meant pick up a reasonable but not too cheap UPS (uninterruptible battery supply). It's designed to allow for a graceful shutdown of a pc in the event of a power failure. My guess is, he thinks if you run your pc on the UPS and happen to be hit with another lightening strike, the UPS will take the hit from the power surge and not the pc.

The backup genny kicking in after 3 minutes doesnt save any work on your pc if the power gets cut off.

We live at the end of power Grid , which mean if the Lighning hits anywere close we are usually the first to lose power .. And no we dont have the rods anymore we have tall grain bins within 100 Ft of the hosue and they usually take the hits direct and they are grounded . Thanks for the advice Pay