Don’t let your server get caught short when the lights go out. An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) is a must for file servers: losing power at the wrong time can wreak havoc on hard disks. The best way to keep things running properly is to get a UPS that shuts Linux down in a kind and gentle fashion so that when power returns, the system reboots cleanly. The key to a useful UPS lies in its power-management software. It’s just a dumb battery backup without it.
This review looks at offerings from six of the major UPS vendors supporting Linux. Some deliver the software in RPM form, which makes installation easy. In any case, installation was relatively simple and very similar for all products: plug in the UPS and use the supplied serial cable to connect the UPS to the PC. Then fire up Linux, mount the installation CD- ROM and run the installation program or follow the steps listed in the instructions. Reboot if necessary. It took longer to get the UPS out of the box.
Taking things a step further requires a bit more expertise. All the products shut down Linux in a systematic and timely fashion but most also support additional features like sending e-mail or beeper notification before shutting down. Most can run commands when a shutdown is indicated.
Many of the packages included a text or graphical client application for changing settings and displaying current UPS status. The latter typically includes battery…
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