What device should a technician recommend to ensure power during extreme weather conditions while preventing file corruption?

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is the optimal choice for ensuring power during extreme weather conditions while also preventing file corruption. A UPS provides battery backup power, which is crucial in scenarios where power outages may occur due to severe weather. It allows devices to continue operating uninterrupted for a period of time, thus preventing abrupt shutdowns that can cause data loss or file corruption.

When devices are suddenly cut off from power, any ongoing processes or unsaved data risks being lost or corrupted. The UPS not only preserves power but also gives users the opportunity to save their work and safely shut down their systems if necessary, minimizing the risk of data issues.

In contrast, a surge protector is primarily designed to defend against voltage spikes, not to provide backup power during outages. A power strip simply allows more devices to connect to a wall outlet without providing any protection against power interruptions. Similarly, a power distribution unit (PDU) is used to distribute power from a single power source to multiple devices but does not include battery backup capabilities. Hence, the UPS is the most suitable device for ensuring continuous operation during power failures and protecting against potential file corruption.