While this blog is mainly about data backups, and how to easily make copies of your data, it is also about protecting your files. While it is very important to make regular backups of your data, it is just as important to protect your data so you won't need to restore your files from the backups.
Most people, if not all, are using a surge protector to protect their computer from the power spikes that can occur from time to time. While you should be using a surge protector, they can't protect your computer 100% of the time. If there is enough of a surge that finds its way to your protector, it may just destroy the protector and everything attached to it.
Another issue is that of power outages. I have experienced outages, and I'm sure many others have. When the power goes out, there is a chance it could damage your hard drive or files at the same time. Imagine you have been working on a document and haven't saved it for some time, and the power goes out. All changes that were made after the last save would be lost.
Many people that use laptops may not worry about the above scenario as the laptop battery would just kick in and they can continue to work. But those on a desktop, or a laptop with a bad battery, would have problems.
There is a great solution that not only keep your computer running for a few minutes after a power outage, but will also provide great surge protection at the same time.
Uninterruptible Power Supply - A Safety Net
If you would like to provide protection for you computer, and data, that will also provide you with a battery backup, I suggest you invest in a uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
These devices contain one or more batteries that are charged by plugging the unit into a standard outlet. The unit contains its own outlets that you use to power your computer, modems, routers, external hard drives, etc. The only equipment you shouldn't plugin to a UPS are printers.
The outlets on the unit provide great surge protection, and supply clean power to all equipment attach to it. When the power goes out, the UPS will automatically use the batteries to keep sending power to your equipment.
While this doesn't provide hours of running time, it does provide you with several minutes, which allows you to easily save your work, and shut down your computer.
UPS devices come in many sizes and have various ratings. To determine which one you need, you should look at how much electricity all your computer uses and then find a UPS that satisfies your power needs.
While the price of a good UPS start at over $100, it is a worthwhile investment if you would like to provide great protection for your electronic equipment and your data.
