Powerchute
Encyclopedia
PowerChute is a computer program
made by APC
to control the uninterruptible power supplies
(UPS) the company produces. It provides unattended shutdown of servers
and workstation
s in the event of an extended power outage
. It also monitors and logs the UPS status. Some functionality-reduced versions are shipped with the UPS APC sells, while other more professional versions have to be bought separately.
The servers are, in the case of PowerChute Business Edition, connected serially or via USB to the UPS. APC also provides a version called PowerChute Network Shutdown which communicates over a network
to any network-enabled APC UPS (those that contain an optional Network Management Card).
ZoneAlarm is known to have problems when used along with the software.
Recently APC replaced the previous PowerChute v7 software line with the new v8 series, and removed the v7 software downloads from their site. Support of the older models, like the Back-UPS-pro 1000 and 1400 was removed, and it appears that these models are no longer supported. Version 6 and earlier have known security weaknesses and should not be used.
during development of Windows XP
to create the MS/APC UPS service, integrated into the control panel under power options. This service is essentially a limited, repackaged version of PowerChute. This means that most APC UPS models can be plugged into a Windows XP machine using either a smart signaling cable, or a USB cable, and the operating system
can then be configured to perform an automatic shutdown in the event of a power failure, without any additional software. Due to the fact that APC uses a proprietary RS-232
pinout on the serial cable connection, it may be necessary to edit the cable signal properties in the Windows XP UPS service configuration menu before connecting a non-APC UPS. Failure to do so will result in the system being sent the shutdown command, even when the power is on, a condition most easily solved by a boot in safe mode
. Windows Vista
also includes an updated version of the UPS service designed to operate with APC UPS's.
Computer program
A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...
made by APC
American Power Conversion
Schneider Electric's Critical Power and Cooling Services Business Unit, formerly known as American Power Conversion Corporation, is a manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies, electronics peripherals and data center products....
to control the uninterruptible power supplies
Uninterruptible power supply
An uninterruptible power supply, also uninterruptible power source, UPS or battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails...
(UPS) the company produces. It provides unattended shutdown of servers
Server (computing)
In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients"...
and workstation
Workstation
A workstation is a high-end microcomputer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems...
s in the event of an extended power outage
Power outage
A power outage is a short- or long-term loss of the electric power to an area.There are many causes of power failures in an electricity network...
. It also monitors and logs the UPS status. Some functionality-reduced versions are shipped with the UPS APC sells, while other more professional versions have to be bought separately.
The servers are, in the case of PowerChute Business Edition, connected serially or via USB to the UPS. APC also provides a version called PowerChute Network Shutdown which communicates over a network
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
to any network-enabled APC UPS (those that contain an optional Network Management Card).
ZoneAlarm is known to have problems when used along with the software.
Recently APC replaced the previous PowerChute v7 software line with the new v8 series, and removed the v7 software downloads from their site. Support of the older models, like the Back-UPS-pro 1000 and 1400 was removed, and it appears that these models are no longer supported. Version 6 and earlier have known security weaknesses and should not be used.
Windows XP UPS service
APC is rumored to have worked with MicrosoftMicrosoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
during development of Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
to create the MS/APC UPS service, integrated into the control panel under power options. This service is essentially a limited, repackaged version of PowerChute. This means that most APC UPS models can be plugged into a Windows XP machine using either a smart signaling cable, or a USB cable, and the operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
can then be configured to perform an automatic shutdown in the event of a power failure, without any additional software. Due to the fact that APC uses a proprietary RS-232
RS-232
In telecommunications, RS-232 is the traditional name for a series of standards for serial binary single-ended data and control signals connecting between a DTE and a DCE . It is commonly used in computer serial ports...
pinout on the serial cable connection, it may be necessary to edit the cable signal properties in the Windows XP UPS service configuration menu before connecting a non-APC UPS. Failure to do so will result in the system being sent the shutdown command, even when the power is on, a condition most easily solved by a boot in safe mode
Safe Mode
Safe mode is a diagnostic mode of a computer operating system . It can also refer to a mode of operation by application software. Safe mode is intended to fix most, if not all problems within an operating system...
. Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
also includes an updated version of the UPS service designed to operate with APC UPS's.
Freeware Alternatives to PowerChute
- ApcupsdApcupsdApcupsd is an application that runs on Linux, UNIX, Mac OS X and some Windows machines . It allows the computer to interact with APC Uninterruptible power supplies...
- Alternative freeware to monitor and control APC UPS via USB - Network UPS ToolsNetwork UPS ToolsNetwork UPS Tools is a suite of software component designed to monitor power devices, such as uninterruptible power supplies, power distribution units, solar controllers and servers power supply units...
- Alternative freeware to monitor several UPS brands with web interface