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An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a backup power unit that supplies uninterrupted power if a commercial power outage occurs. A UPS is an indispensable part of your network. Not only does it help prevent damage to your computers from power surges and brownouts, but it also prevents data loss during power outages.
Both online and offline UPS systems are available:
Online UPS actively modifies the power as it moves through the unit. If a power outage occurs, the unit is already active and continues to provide power.
An online UPS is usually more expensive than an offline UPS, but provides a nearly constant source of energy during power outages.
Offline UPS monitors the power line. When power drops, the UPS is activated. The drawback to this method is the slight lag before the offline UPS becomes active. However, most offline UPS systems are fast enough to offset this lag.
Because UPS systems can be expensive, most companies attach them only to the most critical devices, such as NetWare servers, routers, and hard disk subsystems.
Attaching a UPS to a server enables the server to properly close files and rewrite the system directory to disk.
Unfortunately, most programs run on the workstation and data stored in RAM is not saved during a power outage unless each station has its own UPS.
If the UPS doesn't have its own form of surge protection, install a surge protector to protect the UPS.
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