Protecting your computers and network gear from power interruptions and surges is an important, but often overlooked part the IT strategy for a small business. 

  

Some of the common mistakes we see with UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) equipment in the field:

• Protect your network gear - Often people know to protect their computers and server, but its also important to have your network gear (modem, router, switch) protected.  This can prevent a short power glitch from damaging a piece of equipment or creating unnecessary Internet down time.
• Check your batteries - when the battery warning light comes on, its time to change the battery.  Waiting too long can cause the system to fail (and make an annoying alarm sound).  Sometimes people delay because they think they need a whole new unit (a few hundred dollars for a server UPS), but really all you need is a new battery to go inside.
• Use the safe shutdown software - This is very important, especially for servers.  Modern UPS equipment comes with software to safely shut down the Server within a few minutes. The UPS can keep your server on for a short power glitch, but its very important that a proper shutdown occurs if the power outage lasts more than a few minutes.  UPS units are rated based on how long they can supply power for a given electrical load.  Remember that for a server (unless you go with very expensive equipment), its the safe shutdown thats important.  We see many systems in the field without the proper USB cable even connected.

 

Happy Pi Day!  3/14/2011 - We hope you had a chance to celebrate yesterday! 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944...

Tablet Sales Eat into PC Market: Report - For every 10 pads sold this year, five netbook or notebook sales will be lost in both consumer and enterprise markets, says research firm Canalys.  Read more on The Street.

  

10 Things you Should Know About Microsoft Small Business Server 2011.  Read more on TechRepublic.

iPad2 Debate - Spec vs. Experience - Read what Steve Jobs has to say about "post-PC" devices . Read more in InformationWeek 

  

From the Ekaru Blog:  8 Things you need to know about before buying a scanner.  

Congratulations to Bob Mauceri for being named Citizen of the Year by the Reading - North Reading Chamber of Commerce. Bob has a long track record of community service, including his current service as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen in North Reading, MA.  Congratulations Bob!  The Chamber of Commerce will be holding an Outstanding Citizens Awards Dinner on March 30 to honor Bob.