Do you get off your computer when a thunderstorm is approaching?

Question

Do you get off your computer when a thunderstorm is approaching?

Answer 1

No, but I do turn off my computer with a powerstick or unplug it if the power goes out.  I accept the risk of a blown power supply or worse by doing it but I can fix that pretty easily.

Answer 2

Yes. I did it just an hour ago. I shut down the computer and even unplugged the surge suppressor.

Answer 3

Yes.  No sense taking any chances.  In most cases, as long as the computer, tv, or other appliance is turned off, it should be safe if lightning does strike a nearby power line.

Answer 4

It's smart to turn off & unplug your computer, & even the phone line if you have DSL...in the last month a thunderstorm screwed up windows XP when the power went out in a storm. Had to reinstall & no major damage but a pain in the neck. Surge protectors don't always work so I unplug, too. The phone line to my modem also got fried - lucky the modem didn't. I'd rather go read a book til the storm passes than take a chance on messing up my computer.

Answer 5

If it's a really bad thunderstorm

Answer 6

Yes, the computer won't fit under the bed with me and my dog.

Answer 7

I don't unplug it as I feel that's what a surge protector is about. Mine has battery backup so I can get open programs  shut down so I won't lose them when power goes out. If the storm were really close, I wouldn't be near it or any other electrical item.  I go to an area where there are few or no windows (never a second floor) and wait till its over.

Answer 8

Sometimes.

Answer 9

nope.

Answer 10

no :( I should, but h**l, why bother? I can't answer questions here if I'm not online!

Answer 11

This may have been more of a problem with older power circuitry, but I don't know how far technology has come.  

You run the risk of a power surge in an electrical storm.  Your circuit breakers are supposed to cut out when there is a surge (also why you use a surge protector).  

We used to unplug about everything when there was an electrical storm at my parents house (back in the 90s), but now I think most of my stuff is on a surge protector, and I take that risk.