What is a "UPS", and how do I use it?

I found settings for an "uninterruptible power supply", but I couldn't find anything concise that would explain it to me. I understand that it regulates power flow comming from the wall socket? What are the optimal settings? Do I have an UPS on my Dell XPS 200?

 

this should explain it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptable_power_supply

 

thank you

 

I highly recommend using a UPS - even a cheaper one as long as it has AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation). AVR provides "clean" electricity to your componants - in other words it filters out voltage spikes and dips that are common in house current - providing a constant level of power. UPS systems provide good lightning strike protection as well.
Most people worry about the "run-time" of a particular UPS, but to me that is secondary to voltage regulation. Longer battery life = greater cost. I have my PC set to shut down within 10 mins of a power failure - as most power outages don't last that much longer anyway. I only have my tower, monitor, DSL modem and router plugged into it - so during short outages I am still alive and online if downloading something.

Short story - any UPS with AVR is a good choice.

 

Do I have a UPS or does Windows assume I have one? I don't know, I just saw the option to turn it on and adjust the settings.

 

Sorry for the delay in responding.

Windows just comes with the software (at least I know XP and 98SE does) that will manage/control a UPS if you have one. A UPS is pretty much like a car battery, only smarter. Most of them are heavy (like a car battery) and act as a quality-control between raw house electrical current and your PC. If you have to ask - you don't have one. They plug into your house electrical outlet and then you plug your PC stuff into it. A UPS is a seperate device from your PC . . . unless you have some exotic equipment!

Most UPS devices come with their own software, that allow you to configure what you want to occur should your house power fail for some reason or other. I have never used the Windows software - just what comes with the brand of UPS I have purchased.

(Although as an aside I warn you and others interested in buying a UPS that the "PowerPanel" software that comes with the "CyberPower" brand of UPS devices has a serious memory leak - which means that over time it gobbles up more and more of your system ram. I'm looking into that. The device itself seems of reasonable quality).

Check Best Buy or a similar electronic shop for UPS systems. They usually have clerks who will fill you in on what a UPS can and cannot do. Remember, though - the most important consideration (in my opinion) is the UPS you buy be equipped with AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) . . . the run time (or how long it will drive your computer during a power outage) is a personal preference, based on what you do with your equipment. I think anything over 20mins for a single personal computer is overkill. In my opinion.

I hope this is of help to you!

 

Thanks Natakel, that was helpful.