8. Setting up your UPS

 The role of a UPS (Uninterruptable Power System) is to provide you with electrical power whatever happens. Say there's a power outage in your area, the UPS will enable you to continue working for a certain amount of time due to its battery (up to 10 minutes usually depending on the model). Its main function, however, is to allow you to save your data and to cleanly close your machine, minimizing and even avoiding data corruption and loss.

To launch the DrakUPS utility, open the Mandrakelinux Control Center in the hardware section and click on Set up a UPS for power monitoring.

[Note]Note

The nut-server (“nut” standing for Network UPS Tool) package needs to be installed.

Figure 3.32. DrakUPS Set Up

DrakUPS Set Up

Next you will be asked to whether you wish for DrakUPS to autodetect your UPS or to manually configure it. First try with auto-detection. If all goes well you should get a congratulation message.

Figure 3.33. Successful Auto-detection

Successful Auto-detection

If it doesn't work try to do it manually.

Figure 3.34. DrakUPS Manual Configuration

DrakUPS Manual Configuration

The next step is to choose your UPS model. Select the most appropriate one in the list of manufacturers and models.

Figure 3.35. Selecting the Manufacturer and Model

Selecting the Manufacturer and Model

Then DrakUPS will display some fields for you to fill. Assign a Name, Driver, and Port[7].

Figure 3.36. Name, Device and Port Names

Name, Device and Port Names

If all went well your UPS should now be configured and ready to help avoid bad power outage surprises.



[7] The Name and Driver fields should automatically be filled. Of course, you can change its name but we recommend you keep the driver name.