ES550: Is software installation necessary?

[Anonymous user]

I own a 24-inch iMac. I bought the ES550 for its battery-backup feature. When I opened the box, I see software (PowerChute), cables, and an installation process. Is it necessary for me to do this in order to use the ES550? I understand that I would lose some functionality, but would what I'm looking for, having a battery backup, still work?

[BillP]

hi,

you can also reference another thread on a similiar subject here: http://forums.apc.com/spaces/11/netbotz-hardware-software/forums/general/4314/temp-sensor-distance

powerchute is NOT required to have the unit perform essential functions. it does allow for graceful unattended shutdown though.

in your situation, most likely, you wont need it since mac has better built in support for the UPS in its own operating system.

i would say dont worry about powerchute but hook up the USB to RJ-45 cable to the computer and UPS and the mac will detect it automatically. then, you can configure it from power options in system preferences and its easier to do than using powerchute and having to install another program. ( this is only if you want graceful unattended shutdown of your computer, otherwise dont worry about the cable, it serves no other purpose really )

the only thing you wont be able to do is see the input voltage or change the sensitivity, which i dont even think you can do with mac powerchute. i could be wrong on that one..but its not essential to do that anyways.

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Thank you!