2006-09-10 08:21:33 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
It's safe for you, but it's best to keep the computer off so that the power doesn't go out while your hard drive is active. That can cause damage to your disk and possibly ruin it.
If you have a surge protector/battery backup to keep your computer from suffering a power surge or stoppage, you don't need to worry. If not, leave your computer off and wait for the lightning storm to pass.
2006-09-10 08:29:16 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, my advice is to get a good surge protector. You're going to want to go with one that's a little heavier duty than say, a simple power strip. The purpose of the surge protector is to catch the surge before it travels down the line into your equipment. Many surge protectors will come with outlets for phone and network lines as well. For most electrical surges, a surge protector will do the trick, especially if you buy the higher end ones. Surges can happen without a lightning strike, so having a protector is a good idea regardless.
Of course, direct strikes can be more fatal than ones that strike nearby. If you truly want to be on the safe side, always unplugging your equipment during a thunder storm is a good idea. That includes unplugging from phone lines, network lines and power sockets. It's my experiance that the phone line is more likely to be the cause of a damaging surge than a power line, but this I'm sure is not always true.
If your home, or the power and phone lines feeding it are the highest points in the area, this advice becomes even more crucial. Lightening likes to hit the highest object in the area. This is why you often see it hitting radio towers and trees. If your home is the highest thing around, you're a more likely target and unplugging during a storm is very very wise.
I've ridden out thunderstorm with my equipment on before, but I have an expensive surge protector. I suppose I'm not being as careful as I could be.
2006-09-10 16:23:50 · answer #2 · answered by Lendorien 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No - especially if you live on a hill or mountain. I just had to replace our router and network card in our PC because lightning came in through the phone line. Do not use the computer during a lightning storm and make sure to unplug the phone lines and have all other plugs on surge protectors!
2006-09-10 15:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Had a friend loose his PC during a T & L storm. I always keep mine off and unplugged. If you have a good surge protector, you will not need to unplug your pc.
Michael D.
Supreme Center Hosting
http://www.supremecenterhosting.com
2006-09-10 15:25:30 · answer #4 · answered by Michael D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the lightenings enter the house it will go through all electrical appliances, including pc and especially the one that have ariels. Careful
2006-09-10 15:27:16 · answer #5 · answered by Blue Blue Blue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is fairly safe for you, yes. However, it is not safe for your computer. You should plug your computer and any other fancy electronics you might have into a power bar with surge protection rather than directly into a wall socket.
2006-09-10 15:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
do you have your computer plugged into a surge protector? if not then shut the computer down during lightening.
2006-09-10 15:23:57 · answer #7 · answered by Coltsgal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be wise not to, because what if the power went out?
2006-09-10 15:23:59 · answer #8 · answered by Astera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd keep it off until the storm passes, you are better off that way.
2006-09-10 15:24:41 · answer #9 · answered by Christina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, one time i was on the computer during lightning and it shocked it..... i had to buy a new one
2006-09-10 15:25:40 · answer #10 · answered by [(anti) social butterfly] 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋