Computer volatile memory power backup system

A system for placing and maintaining a computer in a standby mode during power failure, said system comprising:

• a mains power failure sensor;
• a source of standby power, said source of standby power being less than the power available for full operation;
• a volatile memory arranged to be powered from said source of standby power in the event of a failure of mains power;
• and
• a processor operative responsive to said mains power failure sensor to store status information on said volatile memory and reduce power demand of said processor and associated devices to no more than that available from said source of standby power.

A method of backing up a computer in the event of mains power failure, the method comprising:

• providing a source of standby power;
• providing a volatile memory;
• sensing a failure of mains power;
• interrupting a processor responsive to said sensing;
• storing status information associated with the processor on said provided volatile memory;
• and
• powering said volatile memory from said provided source of standby power thereby retaining said stored status information during said sensed failure of mains power.