Computer damage and data loss due to a power surge or power failure can be an extremely frustrating experience that is far from uncommon. Home computer users can take preventative measures to protect computers and attached peripherals from power surges and outages.
Besides consistently backing up data, perhaps the most common and effective line of defense is an APC uninterruptible power supply.
What is an APC UPS?
A UPS or uninterruptible power supply is a device that provides instant power to electronic equipment (such as a computer) when utility power is not available. Also known as a battery backup, a UPS provides instant protection from power failures assuring the safety of the attached equipment and data. In the case of a power surge or outage, the UPS provides emergency power for a duration of usually 5 to 15 minutes - giving the user time to safely turn off the computer or attach an auxiliary power source.
American Power Conversion (APC) is one of the largest global manufacturers of uninterruptible power supply systems. The APC brand tends to be associated with UPS systems in general (much like the Kleenex brand is associated with tissues). That being said, APC offers a wide range of UPS products from smaller home and office battery backups to larger UPS systems for corporations and government facilities.
APC Battery Back Up vs. Data Recovery Services and Software
There are alternatives to an APC UPS but these options tend to focus on fixing the problem of data loss after the fact.
Data recovery services can potential retrieve 'lost' data from a damaged hard drive. These services require the user to remove the hard drive and ship it to a lab for analysis and recovery. Although most data recovery services do not charge anything if the data cannot be recovered, these services are very expensive when successful.
Another option is data recovery software. This method of data recovery requires the user to purchase software and install it on a back up hard drive. If data loss occurs, the users can connect the backup drive and run the data recovery software. Although data recovery software is much cheaper than a data recovery service, it requires a lot of foresight and still does not guarantee all lost files will be recovered.
Prevent Data Loss with an APC UPS and Data Backup Solutions
An APC battery backup is one of the best ways to protect computer hardware and the data contained within. However, users of uninterruptible power supply systems should also consider off-site and on-site data backup options as redundancy is key when protecting data.
Clayton Worbeck - Clayton is a professional music producer, engineer and musician specializing in electronic and rock music. He has worked as an audio ...
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