What two functions does a UPS provide that a surge protector does not?

Question

What two functions does a UPS provide that a surge protector does not?

Answer 1

UPS means Uninterruptable Power Supply.

If the power goes out, it can provide power from a battery long enough for you to save work and shut down.  Also, some UPSs have software and a USB cable that can automatically save your work and shut down if you aren't there to do it yourself.  These also have built-in surge protectors to protect against power spikes, and some models have "power conditioning" that can eliminate noise, as well as protect from under-voltage (brownouts) and over-voltage without using up battery power.

A surge protector just protects against power surges.

Answer 2

Why two functions? Is this a school assignment question or something?

UPS provides battery backup so your computer stays on if the power fails. Some can also shut down your computer properly when the battery starts to run low which is important on computers with a lot of disk activity.

Answer 3

They are two different things that perform different functions and if anything, should be used together.

The UPS maintains a continuous supply of power to equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available.

A Surge Protector protects from voltage spikes