CincyMan98 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Since there's really bad storms right now, and I'm on the computer.....I have to ask (and I've never asked it before) is it OK to be on a desktop computer during lightning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 It is not a good idea. The computer should not be on. There are those who will tell you it is safest to unplug it as well. At the VERY least, it should be plugged in to a GOOD surge protector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KI FANATIC 37 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Ummmm, I'm not an expert but I think you'd be fine. All I know is that you shouldn't be on a telephone when storming... Please correct me if I'm wrong EDIT: Listen to Terpy not me i guess.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rcfreak339 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Yes....It's a myth really. By they logic it is possible although very, very rare but it if did happen it would not just damage your computer. It would damage anything electronic in your house. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyMan98 Posted June 2, 2010 Author Share Posted June 2, 2010 Ok then....I guess I'll leave now. Haha. Bye computer for a little bit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Yes....It's a myth really. By they logic it is possible although very, very rare but it if did happen it would not just damage your computer. It would damage anything electronic in your house. It is not a myth. After every electrical storm, much electronic equipment needs servicing/replacing. Computers not plugged in can't get damaged. But, it's your equipment, do what you wish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rcfreak339 Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 Terpy is correct. But you shouldn't just protect your computer, protect everything in your house connected to a outlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyMan98 Posted June 2, 2010 Author Share Posted June 2, 2010 I'm on my laptop now. I took Terpy's advice and unplugged my desktop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted June 2, 2010 Share Posted June 2, 2010 And surge protectors can only protect so much. A direct hit will NOT be stopped by a surge protector. Good ones are NOT the ones that have six plug ins, are white, have a red light and cost less than $15. You get what you pay for...or certainly no more than you pay for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyMan98 Posted June 2, 2010 Author Share Posted June 2, 2010 Sorry I put this in the wrong forum. It's on Kings Island :/ I was in a rush. Anyways, the lightning isn't bad here so at this time I don't really need to worry. But I will take your guys' advice in the future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Evans Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Sorry I put this in the wrong forum. It's on Kings Island :/ I was in a rush. Anyways, the lightning isn't bad here so at this time I don't really need to worry. But I will take your guys' advice in the future! To be 100% safe no you shouldn't be on a computer during a storm. However, it is highly unlikely that you would be struck by lightning, just if it does happen you will probably lose most of your electronics and could be struck while connected. This happened at my oral surgeon's office back in March, they lost all computers, phone system, and oxygen basically shutting them down for anything more than consultations. Also either a phone or cable tech was in the building at the time the lightning hit and was injured by the strike. Unfortunately even if your car was hit at 88 mph you will not be able to travel through time... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Speaking of storms and computers, we just had a power surge about 20 minutes ago, and now my laptop is stuck. I think a reload will hopefully fix it, but that will be tomorrow's project-and it got zapped because my wireless card has not worked in over a year so it was plugged in. Lesson learned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purplehaze Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Only time I ever had an issue, In 2006 I had a brand new laptop. Had it for only two days mind you. I was surfing the net sitting in my lounge chair hooked up to wireless only, not even the charger was on it. A big storm rolled through and heard a loud boom. My laptop was instantly fried. Took it back to Microcenter in Sharonville from which it came. They opened it and said it was fried beyond repair so they replaced it on the spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamondback96 Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 Probably the wireless signal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaddie Posted June 3, 2010 Share Posted June 3, 2010 during the storm, I just shut down my desktop. I also sat here with the television off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theora Posted June 4, 2010 Share Posted June 4, 2010 I actually had a modem fry during a storm! I didn't think to unplug it from the phone line when I disconnected the power to my desktop. (p.s. I don't currently have dial-up - this happened in 1996) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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