The parallel port drive zips along at up to 25 MB per minute. The important thing isn't so much which hardware you use as getting into a schedule. Back-up important files regularly. Most are not severe enough to ruin a television. However, computer systems are more vulnerable to voltage variations than appliances like washers, dryers, microwaves or TVs.
Spikes occur when lightning strikes a transformer.
Surges occur when high-powered electrical motors are turned off, releasing extra voltage into the line. Spikes and surges can damage keyboard, monitor, hard drive or processor. You buy insurance for your car, for your health, for your crops. Consider unplugging the computer when not in use. Critical factors include the age of your electrical wiring, proximity to heavy equipment and distance from utility provider.