A:
Actually, I tend to agree.
A good surge protector can keep your computer safe during a thunderstorm, but I still unplug mine. After all, if the thing isn't plugged into the wall, it's kind of hard for a spike or surge to get through. Also, try to keep all your computer's external components (monitors, scanners, printers, etc) plugged into the same surge protector as the computer. That way, when you pull the plug, all your equipment is protected and you don't risk a spike / surge coming through an external component and damaging your computer.
In addition to unplugging your computer, modem users should also unplug their phone line. As we mentioned a couple weeks ago, phone lines are probably the # 1 way to for surges to get to - and fry- your computer. Note that if you're using a surge protector with a phone line pass through and you unplug it, you need to unplug the phone line as well (most surge protectors don't protect if they are unplugged).
Another cable to unplug would be a high speed internet connection cable. After all, if you're using a cable modem (or DSL) and a surge comes through that line, it may be able to get to your computer. I'm not even 100% sure there is any kind of surge protection available for them yet (there may be, I just haven't seen it).
Now, do you have to do all this each time you hear thunder in the distance? Personally, I usually do - especially if the storm is of the mean and nasty variety. I have a good surge protector and all, but the information on my computer is very valuable to me and I don't like taking chances. Besides, it gets me away from the thing for a half an hour or so :-)
Also, keep in mind that cheaper surge protectors can wear out over time. The power strip type surge protectors can protect you against one good surge (although a direct lighting hit happily rips right through them) or lots of smaller ones, but they can wear out. Problem is, most of them have no way of telling you when they've become useless.
Finally, if you are using a really
good quality surge protector this may all be a bit paranoid on my part. So, the
decision is yours. Just tellin' you what I do.
Leave It Running - Or Not?
This is one of those topics that always seems to make digital sparks fly.
I guess I'll give you the thoughts from both camps and let you decide.
Leave it on:
The electronic components within
the computer tend to last longer if they aren't constantly cooling off and
warming back up. Additionally, you don't get any kind of initial "spike" in
power when your machine is first turned on (not a big problem if you have an ATX
type motherboard - most newer computers do). Finally, it's much more convenient
to just plop down in front of your computer and start working than to sit
through a lengthy boot-up. But with the new Microsoft Vista operating system
flash memory cards will boost computer start up times, your computer will boot
faster using flash memory on Windows Vista.
Turn it off:
Your hard drive may last longer, especially if your computer doesn't put the drive on "standby" after a certain amount of idle time. The constant spinning of your hard drive motor can wear out the internal bearings. I personally don't think this a big deal. Newer hard drives will probably be in good service longer than the computer they live in.
Another "turn it off" argument is that you'll save on your electric bill. Depending on your machine, it uses the same power as one or more 100 watt light bulbs.
Finally, you're going to pull more dust into your computer if it's running all the time. More dust = more heat. More heat = short lived computers, unless you clean it out regularly.
A great company for mfg power strips etc, are
TrippLite Power Strips - Every year, thousands of fires result from faulty
power strips and extension cords* Don't compromise on safety—we don't. Tripp Lite's Power It! products combine all of the safety and performance features
found separately in competitive models into one versatile power strip series.
All models feature rugged, all-metal housings and circuit breakers (15- or
20-amp) that prevent dangerous system overloads.
We have Power Strips in Stock at Tech 1 Computers most all the time.
We also sell Battery Backups.