stormy weather

United States
July 5, 2008 1:04pm CST
At this time of year, even if no hurricanes come along, we in the subtrops (Miami, FL) experience daily storms. Thunder and lightning and lots of rain are great for sleeping, but are they bad for computers? I know I'm not supposed to be actively using the computer in a storm, but must I unplug it or flip the switch on the surge protector off? I'd love a new computer, but there's no way I can afford one, so how far must I go to protect this old HP?
3 responses
@capirani (2497)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Unless you have one of those really expensive surge protectors, you really should unplug your computer and all your electronics because on stray bolt of lightening can destroy it all. It is a pain, but it is the best way to keep it all safe. We lost a computer due to the very first lightening strike in a storm one night because we forgot to unplug it before we went to bed.
@capirani (2497)
• United States
6 Jul 08
Oh yeh, and you need to unplug the telephone cord to your modem too, or to your dsl box...whichever is connected to the equipment.
• United States
6 Jul 08
Thanks. Living in what the meteorologists insist on reminding us is the lightning capitol of the world should have meant I knew these things, but somehow I just never worried about it before. Maybe as expenses go up and paychecks go down, I'm learning to be cautious with every penny. I don't want to need a new computer!
@capirani (2497)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Thanks for best response vote.
• United States
18 Jul 08
You're welcome. It's deserved.
@sconibear (8016)
• United States
5 Jul 08
i'm not 100% positive, but i think that's what the surge protector is for. i don't think you have to un-plug anything. if you have a blackout you'll loose power anyways, and if you have a power surge, the surge protector should kick off automatically. but just to be on the safe side, i would leave your computer turned off if you have severe lightning.