Battery Backup or UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
It’s necessary to have a battery backup or UPS for your POS server computer, as this will help protect your POS data. It’s also beneficial to have UPS’s on all of your computers.
A battery backup unit monitors the power line for power outages or voltage drops. When the power goes out, the computer switches instantly to the UPS’s internal battery and keeps your computer running. How long the computer will run depends on the size of the battery. Even if your UPS only keeps your computer running for a few minutes, that’s usually enough time to allow you to save your work, close any programs and safely shut down the computer.
It’s important that your computer does not suddenly lose power for few reasons:
1) Windows can become corrupt if the computer suddenly loses power. This may prevent the computer from being able to boot up and you may need to take your computer to a shop for service.
2) An unexpected computer shutdown can damage data on your hard drive, including your valuable POS data, or other program data.
3) Power surges can damage the computer’s internal parts.
Lightning strikes and power surges can destroy your computer equipment. Battery backup units have a built-in surge protector to help protect against this issue.
Installing PowerChute software (that comes with the UPS) and connecting your Battery Backup to your computer will allow the computer to automatically shut down in the event of an extended power outage.
TIP: Not all the UPS outlets are connected to the battery. Be sure the computer and monitor are plugged into the Battery Backup + Surge Protection outlets and less critical equipment like printers into the Surge Protection outlets on the UPS. The outlets are clearly labeled on the UPS.
For more information about battery backups visit:
http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BE750G&total_watts=200
For information on installing and setting up a battery backup, please watch the video provided.