Where I live, only a complete and utter idiot would never use a UPS
Huh, whaddaya know. I've been running 5 of those on my various systems for the last few years without issues. Only really need them for protection against brownouts and they seem to work just fine with active PFC PSUs (BFG ES-800, EX-1000, CM RP 850, Corsair TX 750, etc.)They were Ativa brand 1200VA units, sold by OfficeDepot, and OEMed by APC.
Definitely.
Tho personally I don't run a UPS due to power outages. It has to do with how often we get voltage drop out here (power company related). So more or less my UPS is just a line conditioner.
No, I am what's referred to as a "Quicksave Whore" so if the power goes out I'm never going to lose more than a few minutes work. I do have a surge protector to protect from power spikes, but I haven't actually heard it kick in since I moved house, so I suspect I don't need it (but I'd never have my PC not plugged into it).