In a typical desktop computer setup, what does an Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS connect between to provide backup power during outages?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of basic hardware connections and the role of an Uninterruptible Power Supply, commonly called a UPS. A UPS is an important protective device that helps keep a computer running for a short time when there is a power cut and also protects it from power fluctuations. Knowing where a UPS is connected in a computer setup is part of essential computer hardware knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device discussed is a UPS, which stores energy in an internal battery.
• The context is a normal desktop computer system that relies on mains electricity.

Concept / Approach:
A UPS is connected in line with the main power path. It is designed to receive electrical power from the wall outlet and supply conditioned, regulated power to the computer and sometimes to its monitor or other key devices. When power fails, the UPS battery briefly takes over and continues to feed power to the computer. Therefore, the correct option must describe a connection between the computer and the main wall power source, not between peripheral devices that do not handle primary power.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that a UPS has a power cord that plugs into a wall outlet and several output sockets where the computer and monitor can be connected. Step 2: Understand that the purpose of a UPS is to deliver power to the computer even when the wall supply fails, which means it must sit between the wall outlet and the computer power cable. Step 3: Check option A, which says the UPS connects between the computer and the main wall power outlet. This matches the actual physical setup of a UPS. Step 4: Consider the other options. Connections between mouse, keyboard, speakers, microphone, monitor, or printer are data or audio connections and are not related to the function of a UPS as a power backup device.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think about what happens during a power outage. If the UPS is correctly placed between the wall and the computer, the computer stays on for some time using battery power. If the UPS were placed between a mouse and keyboard, or between speakers and a microphone, it would not be able to supply power to the whole system. This real world reasoning confirms that the only sensible connection is between the computer and the wall outlet.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Between the mouse and the keyboard: This is wrong because a UPS deals with electrical power, not with low power data connections among input devices.
Between the monitor and the printer: This is wrong because monitors and printers have separate power cords and are not chained through each other or through a UPS in this way.
Between the speakers and the microphone: This is wrong because these are audio devices and the UPS does not manage audio signal connections. It handles power supply from mains to computer equipment.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misconception is to treat a UPS like a general purpose connector without focusing on power flow. Students may ignore the words power source or backup power in the question and choose a random pair of devices. Another pitfall is to think that a UPS connects directly to every peripheral independently, but the key point is that it sits in series on the power line feeding the computer and other critical components.

Final Answer:
An Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS connects between the computer and the main wall power outlet.