Q. Our practice computer technician recommends we buy a new UPS system for €400 to protect our server. Is it essential?

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a necessary addition to your practice computer network. Having one in place only sorts out part of the issue; it's more important to understand how to use it.The UPS is that massive brick-like thing that sits beside the practice server. It's essentially a big battery that kicks in if there is a power cut. It also acts as a surge protector from the incoming power lines.

It will only power the server for approximately 20 minutes or so and not indefinitely. The server, like any computer,doesn't like to be shut off suddenly with the flick of a switch and, like a computer, it wants to shut itself down closing open applications. Failure to shut down properly can lead to corruption and/or loss of data.

In the event of a power cut, the UPS usually starts to beep, telling you to shut down the server like you do any computer. It would be wise to delegate this process to your practice staff. Like any battery, it is flawed with the property of impedance, which lessens the amount of charge it can store over time and will need to be periodically replaced.