[Double Ugly]

I've used APC (American Power Conversion) Uninterruptable Power Supplies for years and have never had a complaint.  Till now, that is.

There are only two versions or "editions" of PowerChute for personal (non-network) solutions, but the latest iteration is over 3-years old (the other is over 4-years old).  From the reports I've read around the 'net, the chances either version will work with OSX are relatively slim.  Some have had success using them, but an UPS is something from which I refuse to accept intermittent or haphazard performance.

I leave my system on 24/7 and need a solution which will shut the system down in my absence.  It seems clear APC has no intention of supporting Macs or those who own them, yet APC is the only UPS with which I've had any success.  That being the case, I could use some assistance from those who've been there/done that and have found a solution which will meet my needs.

TIA.

[Crimson]

Hey DU,

Long time no see. Hope all is well. I did a similar search about a year back for the mac that serves my music systems, being that I leave it on 24/7. No luck. Maybe something new has been released since, and someone will chime in.

[Levi]

I have used UPS/APC/Leibert etc in small to large business with success.  That is with Windows 2003/2007 servers.

For Mac, you can probably try the APC Tracker 4.4 software.  There is also a native OSX energy saver feature that you can experiment.  The old software works.  Well, there is only one way to figure out if the UPS software really works is to unplug it from the socket.  If it shutsdown gracefully (what you want to software to do) then you are golden! 

Depending on your APC installation we normally use CAT5e connectivity for servers.  Here is the compatibility chart from APC http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SJHN-7AYQNP_R6_EN.pdf

[Double Ugly]

Long time no see. Hope all is well.

Yes, it's been a while.  The move is still ongoing, and just as things were settling down my mother sold her house and moved in with us.

It's been... interesting ... but all is indeed well here.  Thanks for the well-wishes. 

I have used UPS/APC/Leibert etc in small to large business with success.  That is with Windows 2003/2007 servers.

Same here, but AFAIK the relationship between Windows/Windows-based networks & APC has never been an issue.

For Mac, you can probably try the APC Tracker 4.4 software.  There is also a native OSX energy saver feature that you can experiment.  The old software works.  Well, there is only one way to figure out if the UPS software really works is to unplug it from the socket.  If it shutsdown gracefully (what you want to software to do) then you are golden! 

But therein lies the rub.  I'd really prefer to (1) buy a UPS I have every reason to believe will work vs. hoping it'll work & (2) buy from a company which has demonstrated not only a willingness but a desire to support the OS I choose to use.

I'm probably just being old-fashioned and stubborn, but I'd much prefer to give my money to someone who doesn't mind working for it.  APC seems to be inviting Apple/Mac users to look elsewhere.

Depending on your APC installation we normally use CAT5e connectivity for servers.  Here is the compatibility chart from APC http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SJHN-7AYQNP_R6_EN.pdf

That's for the network editions of PowerChute and they do have a couple of updates for them, but the personal editions - which is all I need - have gone unchanged since '05 and '06, respectively.

[chosenhandle]

I have a Belkin unit that runs my linux server at home. I believe that the software for it includes Windows, Linux and OSX versions.

[Double Ugly]

I have a Belkin unit that runs my linux server at home. I believe that the software for it includes Windows, Linux and OSX versions.

Thanks.  I'm pretty sure Belkin is one of the brands with which we weren't overly impressed when I was on active duty, but that's been quite a while back.  I'll look into it.

Aside from possibly the Belkin, it appears we're still awaiting a solution, Crimson.  Who'd a thunk such a popular OS would receive so little attention from the UPS world?

[Toka]

I know this doesn't help, but I use an APC unit with my iMac...while I don't have the software angle working for me, it does provide over 2 hours of power in the event of a loss, which tends to be more than enough time for things to come back. If I know a huge storm is coming, I'll turn off the computer, or if things are REALLY bad I tend to be home anyway. Its not a perfect solution but its one that has worked well so far.

[Double Ugly]

I know this doesn't help, but I use an APC unit with my iMac...while I don't have the software angle working for me, it does provide over 2 hours of power in the event of a loss, which tends to be more than enough time for things to come back. If I know a huge storm is coming, I'll turn off the computer, or if things are REALLY bad I tend to be home anyway. Its not a perfect solution but its one that has worked well so far.

Thanks, Toka, but what you describe is precisely what I've been doing the past couple of years.  It works, but now that my APC's battery is at or beyond it's expected useful life, I'd prefer to find something which addresses my ALL wants/needs instead of making do.  I'm often away from the house when the power goes out or a thunder boomer rises from nothingness, thus my desire to utilize software which will shut the system down in my absence.

Surely the rising popularity of Apple/Mac computers the past several years has caught at least one quality UPS company's attention.  Or does APC manufacture the one and only UPS upon which one can depend?   

[JohnR]

Mostly out of curiosity, what is the worst thing that could happen if the plug is just pulled on a desktop mac?

[Double Ugly]

Mostly out of curiosity, what is the worst thing that could happen if the plug is just pulled on a desktop mac?

I'm not confident in my take on your question or it's relevance, but if I'm following you correctly, I believe the answer is little to nothing.

[Levi]

It works, but now that my APC's battery is at or beyond it's expected useful life

Why not keep the old one.  It still works

You know those APC batteries can be replaced right?!?

[JohnR]

Mostly out of curiosity, what is the worst thing that could happen if the plug is just pulled on a desktop mac?

I'm not confident in my take on your question or it's relevance, but if I'm following you correctly, I believe the answer is little to nothing.

In that case I'm not really following why the UPS is needed in the first place. Sorry Jim, I'm sure there's some fundamental thing I'm missing here, I'm really not seeing how the UPS helps other than providing power during a blackout, which is not an OS-dependent thing.

[Crimson]

Mostly out of curiosity, what is the worst thing that could happen if the plug is just pulled on a desktop mac?

I'm not confident in my take on your question or it's relevance, but if I'm following you correctly, I believe the answer is little to nothing.

In that case I'm not really following why the UPS is needed in the first place. Sorry Jim, I'm sure there's some fundamental thing I'm missing here, I'm really not seeing how the UPS helps other than providing power during a blackout, which is not an OS-dependent thing.

I think Jim is alluding to the automatic shutdown feature that is OS dependent.

[JohnR]

Right, but if nothing bad happens if you just pull the plug, what does it matter? I'm really just wondering, honest, not trying to be argumentative

[Crimson]

Well, maybe he's extra careful. 

[JohnR]

It seems to me that a power-outage resistant system would be better served by laptop/s (which have batteries) and broadband wireless modems (which don't need their own power). During an extended outage, the laptops will shut themselves down. (I realize that this doesn't really help the original question...)

[JP78]

hey doubleugly,

if you're an os x man then i believe the only manufacturer that still supports the soft power shut down and soft resume on feature is apc. if you're using the mac with windows, well then your options are limitless ;).

we have a lot of success with the apc brand here, though we only use the 'smart ups + usb' series (rack mount style)

the power on / off software is directly dependant on the manufacturer to provide, as os x has little native support.

[JohnR]

Um.. I don't have a UPS (nor do I want one). Enterprise-class stuff gets outsourced

[JP78]

john - i got the wrong op. it's all fixed now

[Double Ugly]

It works, but now that my APC's battery is at or beyond it's expected useful life

Why not keep the old one.  It still works

You know those APC batteries can be replaced right?!?

The software doesn't work, thus the thread.  Nevertheless, thanks for the "duh".

Right, but if nothing bad happens if you just pull the plug, what does it matter? I'm really just wondering, honest, not trying to be argumentative

Well, maybe he's extra careful. 

I understand, John, but Crimson is right.  I'm not sure anything happens, at least not to the extent that it affects MS's registry.  It's just that I have a lot invested in this computer and its contents, thus the quest for improved protection.

FWIW, I think your notebook suggestion is great, though as you note it's a little outside the context of this discussion.  When SS memory becomes more widely available and cost effective, I will likely go that route.

hey doubleugly,

if you're an os x man then i believe the only manufacturer that still supports the soft power shut down and soft resume on feature is apc. if you're using the mac with windows, well then your options are limitless .

Hi JP.

I don't use or even want anything MS on this computer, so APC is not a viable option.  I won't support their code-writing efforts with my money as long as those codes are specific to MS-based operating systems.