Re: My borther in law

Problem with cold water pipes is that many times the pipe changes to PVC underground. Most codes bond the water to the ground rod for just such a reason.
When using a ground rod make sure it is either galvanized metal or bare copper ($10-$18.00-at most hardware stores)NOT IRON. At least 8' long. You can also dig a small trench about a foot down and lay atleast 10' of stripped copper wire into the trench (although not code, but will help).
Also the distribution of the electrical into the house needs to be grounded. You can drive 40 feet of metal into the earth, but if that wire doesn't extend to the receptacle it won't help.
Most codes state:
House main service ampres:
100amps -ground #8 Copper
125Amps -ground #6 Copper
200amps -ground #4 Copper (like a shotgun lower number bigger wire)
Distribution ampres- usually the ground wire is the same size as the conductors, but in some cases can be 1 size smaller. (example #12 wire can have #14 Ground).
Sounds like your pretty mechanically inclined, so my suggestion (this may not help your problem, but will help in the long run).
Run a 12-2 with ground romex cable from your panel with it's own breaker to your computer's receptacle. Place it on it's own 20amp breaker.
You can email and then fax your house's layout and I can draw out my suggestion and give directions on the the types of clamps and procedures for bonding the system to the earth.
I'll try to find the link for some cost effective line conditioners.
Also does the system restart on it's own if in safe mode?