I want to buy a UPS for my Computer; have some questions...

[ngp]

I just got a new PC and 17" flat panel display from Dell. I've stretched on my budget and was able get something that I like. In the past, I've blown a flat panel display due to a power surge during a storm. I'd like to try and protect my new setup. The area that I live in seems to have outages often, and usually during the day when I'm not home to attend to my PC.

I've thought about buying a UPS and have heard that there is software out there that can also monitor and shut-down your system in the event of a power loss. The only other thing that I may add to the UPS is the Wireless router(?). Can anyone recommend a UPS and software that can suit my needs?

I have Dell Dimension 5150 with dual hard drives, running XP, SP2.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: ngp
I just got a new PC and 17" flat panel display from Dell.

I've thought about buying a UPS and have heard that there is software out there that can also monitor and shut-down your system in the event of a power loss. The only other thing that I may add to the UPS is the Wireless router(?). Can anyone recommend a UPS and software that can suit my needs?

I have Dell Dimension 5150 with dual hard drives, running XP, SP2.

Any decent UPS comes with a software utility that powers down the PC when the UPS battery is low. You can also use XP to do the same thing.

This is a good UPS that provides enough run time for your setup.
http://apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE725BB

Edit:
The UPS battery ages fast and dies (very short run time) in about 2 to 3 years. So, it makes sense to have a longer run time to begin with.

 

[ngp]

[/quote] Any decent UPS comes with a software utility that powers down the PC when the UPS battery is low. You can also use XP to do the same thing. [/quote]

Would you say that that is the case for most of the UPS products that they do in fact come with software? I'm just making sure so that if I order something online it has what I need. For example, the APC you referred to doesn't say anything about software but is that basically an included item, even when not mentioned?

 

[Fallen Kell]

Three little letters "A", "P", "C".... as in APC as in American Power Conversion... The APC Back-UPS ES USB 750VA w/TEL & COAX 120V should meet your needs. Its about $100... should give you 10 minutes of uptime in a power outage and has the PowerShute software to automagically shutdown your computer when the battery runs low... You could get a beefier one, I have 2 1500VA units which I can upgrade with a second battery to make them into 3000VA units which I got on sale/rebate from CompUSSR errr... CompUSA, for $100 each a few months back... I get about 26 minutes on battery with one...

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: Fallen Kell
I have 2 1500VA units which I can upgrade with a second battery to make them into 3000VA units

Adding battery increases the run time. But, it does not increase the maximum output power capability of the unit. If the inverter can only deliver 1500VA, that is your limit no matter how many more batteries you add to it.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: ngp

Any decent UPS comes with a software utility that powers down the PC when the UPS battery is low. You can also use XP to do the same thing. [/quote]

Would you say that that is the case for most of the UPS products that they do in fact come with software? I'm just making sure so that if I order something online it has what I need. For example, the APC you referred to doesn't say anything about software but is that basically an included item, even when not mentioned?

[/quote]

http://apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=21

With enough power outlets to protect your entire system, built-in phone/fax/modem line (DSL compatible) protection and easy-to-install safe system shutdown software

 

[amdskip]

I too like APC products, all of my computers are connected to them using either an UPS or surge protector.

 

[skisteven1]

I've had two APC UPS's, and never had any trouble with either. Even when I plugged waaay too much stuff into my 350VA, it still held up for brownouts (which was why I had it). I've since upgraded to a 750VA that I got a real deal on (like $25).

UPS = GOOD. but at the end of the day, a surge protector is all you need if you're strapped for cash.

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: skisteven1
UPS = GOOD. but at the end of the day, a surge protector is all you need if you're strapped for cash.

If what you need is graceful shut down in case of power loss, which seems to be what the original poster wants, you need a UPS. A surge protector will not do that.

 

[ngp]

Navid, Fallen Kell, everyone else, thanks for you input! I think for simplicity for me, the APC with the Powershut software makes perfect sense! I'll definitely be on the look out for a good bargain on the 750VA! Thanks again everyone!!!

 

[skisteven1]

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: skisteven1
UPS = GOOD. but at the end of the day, a surge protector is all you need if you're strapped for cash.

If what you need is graceful shut down in case of power loss, which seems to be what the original poster wants, you need a UPS. A surge protector will not do that.

"Details"

 

[Navid]

Originally posted by: skisteven1

Originally posted by: Navid

Originally posted by: skisteven1
UPS = GOOD. but at the end of the day, a surge protector is all you need if you're strapped for cash.

If what you need is graceful shut down in case of power loss, which seems to be what the original poster wants, you need a UPS. A surge protector will not do that.

"Details"

I'm not sure if you are serious or just kidding.

If you are serious, I was talking about if he loses power, a surge protector will just lose power too. So, it is like you pull the plug on the computer. If you have a program running with open (unsaved) files, you will lose any unsaved data.

But, if you have a UPS, the UPS provides power to the computer and also monitors the battery voltage. When the UPS battery voltage starts to drop, which is a sign that soon it will lose power, the software saves all the open files and shuts down Windows. A surge protector cannot do that.

 

[skisteven1]

I was kidding Navid -- but no worries