Features

• You may have noticed that telephones that don't need an adapter continue to run during power outages. This is because the telephone company supplies its own power source. However, this power source isn't sufficient to run your DSL modem. Also, if your Internet service provider experiences a power outage, you will lose your DSL connection.
  
  

Function

• Computers and computer peripherals consume massive amounts of power. Modern computers come with 300 watt or higher power supplies. Each device you attach to your computer either draws from this power source or has its own adapter. Thus, maintaining a DSL Internet connection is a very power-intensive activity that involves multiple components. A loss of power to any one of these components can disconnect you from the Internet.
  
  

Considerations

• Power outages can also cause data loss. This happens when your operating system isn't shut down properly and programs and files are purged from memory before the data has been saved. You may also experience computer problems after a power outage. Your operating system may not boot or your computer may not power on at all.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Getting a battery backup will help you to avoid being disconnected from your DSL service during power outages. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that can keep the power flowing to your computer during blackouts and brownouts. The less expensive UPS batteries will provide enough time to shut down your computer properly. The higher performance UPS systems can supply power for half an hour or more. Many UPS batteries can also function as a surge protector. If you have problems with frequent power outages, you can also get a backup power system for your entire home. You can also use solar energy as a backup power source. Solar power systems connect to a battery so that you can use the power even when the sun isn't shining.
  
  

Benefits

• Having a battery backup on your computer will allow you to continue working during power outages. It will provide sufficient time to save your work and shut the computer down safely. Having a UPS makes a lot of sense for businesses and for people who work from home. Since many power outages are brief, a smaller power supply may be sufficient for most home users and small businesses. Even if you only surf the Internet for fun, a basic battery backup can help to protect your computer. If you experience frequent or long outages, you may want to consider getting a more powerful UPS for your computer.