Tips on Computer Technology

By: Bill Michiling

Welcome back. Last week we talked about MacOS X , this week we will talk about a device to protect your valuable Macs. Now that we have installed extra memory, updated the system software, and added new programs, we need to protect the Macintosh computers that we use it on.

But first………

Photos

If you are looking for some beautiful pictures of Saipan, go to: (http://www.saipanphoto.com )

I would also like to remind everyone that all the year 2000 and after articles on the website ( http://www.mespn.com/forms/tech_articles) are now searchable by keyword(s) or article date. This has been requested a number of times from many of my loyal readers, and now it is available, check it out as well as the online version of the Saipan Tribune, which you can access by clicking the banner on that same page.

Hardware

If you work in an environment where it’s important to keep the computers running even during a power outage, you may want to check out a couple of new offerings from American Power Conversion (APC). APC today announced the Back-UPS CS 350VA and 500VA, two new models of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) designed for small business and corporate users who need reliable battery backup for their computers. APC says the new Back-UPS models feature a “smaller, sleeker form factor.”

USB and Serial Interfaces

Featuring serial and USB interfaces, the devices can be controlled by either PCs running various flavors of Windows or by Macs running Mac OS 9.0.4 or higher. Each unit sports six outlets, optimized alarm indicators, and fax/modem and DSL surge protection. Two of the six outlets feature special spacing to accept transformer blocks without blocking other outlets.

Software

The new Back-UPS models come with power management software that makes it possible for computers to save files and automatically shut down before the onboard Back-UPS batteries are drained. The new CS models also sport user-replaceable batteries. This means that if the batteries need to be replaced, you won’t have to send the whole unit in to the factory to be serviced.

APC says the new CS models are the first to feature support for both serial and USB communications in the same unit. The new CS models sport an RJ-45 to USB connector standard, so it should be pretty much plug-and-play for the Mac; if you’re using an older PC, you can request a free serial port cable from APC using an included card.

Safety Features

The design includes a push-button circuit breaker, self-diagnostics, and visual and audible alarms. The CS units are also Home Phone-line Networking Alliance (HPNA) compatible, so if you’re using computers that are networked with phone lines, they can still be protected from phone-line-related power surges.

So if you are looking for something to protect your hardware and keep you aware of the status, then check out the new APC CS models.

You can order yours from Marianas Electronics, Ph: 234-5424

Have a wonderful week.

See you here and on the web next week.

Bill Michling is a computer professional and welcomes any comments or questions you may have. Just send email to: bill@mespn.com or michling@usa.net.

You may also go to Marianas Electronics and ask help from the friendly staff there, or call them at: 234-5424, Just ask for Annie, Jun or Joseph.

For world access this Wednesday column is also on the Saipan Tribune websiteat: ( http://www.saipantribune.com ) or at the mespn.com site at: (http://mespn.com/forms/tech_Articles/ ), now connected to the internet via broadband high speed T1+.