[TowerTalk] Lightning protection

[K4FJ at aol.com]

I have a couple questions regarding lightning protection, but I don't want  
to begin a thread from hell as we have recently seen on several other  
subjects.  Please REPLY DIRECTLY and I will post a summary.
 
I have a device installed to provide Whole House protection at the service  
entrance.
 
I receive TV via a small dish on the roof.  Is there a real need for  inline 
protection for that?  The dish is well below the highest roof  line.
 
I need to tie my antenna/shack ground to the electric ground.  I am  now 
aware that the connection should be made around the house instead of through  the 
basement--the shack is in my basement.  Is #4 bare copper sufficient  for this 
or do I need a copper strip a few inches wide?  Part of the trip  around the 
house is under my deck.  Can I run the wire/strip on the ground  vice a deep 
burial?  I can do a very shallow burial if needed, but I doubt  that adds much 
to the grounding.  Obviously, no ground rods will be in the  area under the 
deck and that distance under the deck is about 50  feet.
 
All of my utilities are underground and the nearest above ground departure  
is about 1/2 mile.  Is it still advisable to provide inline modem  protection?  
I have lost one modem but it is not clear why because we had  no storm during 
that period.  I don't mind doing the protection but I feel  I am putting 
another hump in the line and my dial-up internet connection is  already slow 
enough.
 
Your thoughts are appreciated.
 
73, Steve, K4FJ