Conky as a Linux alternative to CyberPower Software
Updated
Our verdict
Conky can serve as a basic UPS monitor for Linux users who already have a UPS driver that can expose battery data via command line or system files. It will display battery level, voltage, and load, and can trigger a shutdown script when the battery falls below a threshold. However, Conky is not a dedicated UPS management tool; it lacks built‑in UPS firmware support, advanced health diagnostics, and a user‑friendly interface for configuring shutdown policies. It is best suited for users comfortable with scripting and who need a lightweight dashboard rather than a full‑featured UPS manager.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.25.5
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide real‑time UPS status monitoring
- Both can trigger system shutdowns on low battery
- Both are lightweight and run with minimal resource usage
- Both can be configured via text files or scripts
- Both support integration with desktop notification services
What is different
- Conky does not natively read UPS data; requires external driver or script to supply information
- CyberPower Software includes UPS firmware communication and health diagnostics
- CyberPower Software offers a graphical interface for setting thresholds and schedules
- Conky lacks built‑in UPS driver support for different UPS models
- CyberPower Software can log events to a file or remote server; Conky does not
Opening your CyberPower Software files
CyberPower Software stores its configuration in proprietary .conf files that are not readable by Conky. Conky does not import or export these files. To use Conky, you must create a custom script that reads the UPS data (e.g., via the UPS daemon or vendor command) and feeds it to Conky’s configuration file.
Switching from CyberPower Software to Conky, step by step
- Install the UPS daemon or vendor‑provided command line tool that exposes battery data.
- Create a shell script that queries battery level, voltage, and load, and exits with a non‑zero status when battery falls below a threshold.
- Configure Conky’s .conkyrc to display the UPS data by calling the script and show the output on the desktop.
- Add a Conky startup command that runs the shutdown script when the script signals low battery.
- Test the setup by simulating a low‑battery condition and verifying that Conky updates and the shutdown script executes.
- Document the Conky configuration and scripts for future maintenance.
Key features of Conky
- Configurable via plain text file
- Displays CPU, memory, disk, network, and custom scripts
- Supports multiple instances on different desktops
- Can show weather, news, or system logs
- Extremely lightweight (few MBs)
- Runs on X11 and Wayland
How to install Conky on Linux
sudo apt install conkysudo apt install conkysudo dnf install conkysudo pacman -S conkysudo zypper install conkyFrequently asked questions
Can Conky read UPS data directly?
No, Conky itself does not read UPS hardware. It can only display data that is supplied by an external script or daemon that interfaces with the UPS.
Will Conky trigger an automatic shutdown?
Yes, if you provide a script that exits with a non‑zero status when battery is low, Conky can call that script and you can configure it to run the system shutdown command.
Is Conky suitable for enterprise UPS monitoring?
Conky is best for personal or small‑scale use. Enterprise environments usually require the comprehensive diagnostics and logging features that dedicated UPS software provides.