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How to choose a UPS to keep your computer (and files) safe
Today’s topic isn’t the most exciting — you might call it downright boring. If you don’t care about damaging your computer and losing your work because of a power outage, keep scrolling for the tech news you need to know. You won’t hurt my feelings.
Oh, good, you’re still here! 👍
So, an uninterruptible power source (UPS) is one of those tech necessities you need, and I don’t want you to get the wrong one. Here’s the scoop on what to look for and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
How does a UPS work?
If you’ve ever had your computer shut down mid-project or you’ve lost data because of a sudden power outage, you know just how annoying and dangerous that can be. A UPS is a backup battery, giving you precious time to save your work, shut down properly and protect your tech from harmful surges.
It’s plugged into the wall, quietly charging its internal battery while you go about your day. When the main power fails, the UPS takes over instantly. It also shields your computer from voltage spikes that could fry the hardware.
Features to consider
A few key things matter. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the jargon minimal.
- Power capacity: Measured in volt-amperes (VA) and watts, this tells you how much equipment a UPS can support. Your UPS needs a higher wattage rating than the total wattage of the devices you’re plugging in.
- Runtime: The higher the capacity, the longer the runtime. Most UPS devices give you 5 to 30 minutes. All you truly need is enough to shut down properly.
- Surge protection: The higher the joule rating, the better the protection. This is super important!
- Number of outlets: Some UPS devices are battery-backed; others provide only surge protection. Make sure your UPS has enough battery-backed outlets for your critical devices. Surge-only outlets are perfect for printers and other peripherals you don’t need to keep running.
- Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR): This keeps your voltage levels consistent, protecting your devices from high and low voltages without switching to battery power.
Choosing the right UPS
The most important step is calculating the total wattage of the devices you want to protect. Then, add a 10% to 20% buffer for future upgrades. If you’re a tech geek, you can find that in your device specs.
Don’t worry, I did the hard work for you. Below are my UPS recommendations, depending on your gear. These are all fair prices when it comes to protecting your expensive devices.
Don't take this survey lurking in your inbox - it's a scam
If you receive a confirmation email from UPS, watch out. It could be a trick. Scammers are posing as the United Parcel Service, shooting out fraudulent emails to trick you into clicking malicious links.
If you thought postal service scams were over in 2020, think again. Since the pandemic’s not over, people are still ordering packages more than ever before, which means we see all kinds of new shipping scams. Tap or click to see five of the most recent viral scams.
The smishing scam
Received a message from FedEx or UPS about a package you didn’t order? Don’t fall for it —clicking that link could put your personal and financial information at risk.
Job scam warning: Retailers and shipping companies are hiring in droves ahead of the holidays. UPS, Amazon, FedEx, Target and all the rest are looking for folks, but they won’t make initial contact with you via email or text. Go to a potential employer’s website and find the “Careers” section to apply directly.
Hurry! Holiday shipping deadlines are almost here
Every year around the holidays, there are shipping issues. The USPS gets so overwhelmed with the number of holiday cards and packages being sent it causes massive delays with deliveries. This means the last-minute gift you send will arrive even later.
🖨️ Print-happy warning: When you print a doc at FedEx, Staples or UPS, check the fine print. Their policies say they can use whatever you print for advertising or share it with unnamed third parties. No, thanks.
Every dollar counts: Next time you need to return an Amazon order, think twice about where you do it. If you go to a UPS Store when Whole Foods, Kohl’s or Amazon Fresh is the same distance or closer, you’ll have to pay a $1 fee.