Is it best to turn off your computer during a thunderstorm?
484256
Yes because sometimes lighting can get through the electric lines and damage your PC if the building does not have proper "earthing".  Safer still, after turning off the computer, remove the plug from the socket too. Replug only after the storm has gone
337548
Unless you have a surge protector and a backup system, it isn't recommended to leave your computer on. If lightning strikes, it can fry out the electronics in your computer.
764830
turn off your computer
367010
Actually 50% of all lightning fatalities occur inside the house when people talk on the telephone, take a shower or are in contact with any other conductors while lightning strikes their home.  I personally would not count on the surge protector to save my life, I would just shut down the computer, stay away from all electrical and just read a book until the storm has passed.  Remember, lightning is the number 2 weather killer in the US each year (73 deaths) just surpassed by flash floods.
725652
For Windows XP\n\nIf the computer is running it is best to shut down Windows and then turn off the power.\n\nBegin by first clicking on the Start Button and then click on Turn Off Computer.\n\nNow click on the Turn Off red colored icon to shut down your computer system.\n\nIt is best to wait between 15 to 30 seconds before you turn your system back on.\n\nTurn on your computer and start tapping the F8 key on your keyboard.\n\nSome Computers may display a keyboard error message if you begin tapping F8 too quickly.\n\nRestart your computer again and begin tapping the F8 key a brief second or two later.\n\nWhen the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, Choose the Safe Mode option and hit Enter.\n\nWindows will now boot your computer up in Safe Mode.
497407
Off of coure is it's for hours but for short piorod's of time it wont hurt to leave it on. But even you computer needs it's sleep some times it will help it! Just like sleep hepls you! Plus you save on your power bill!
510476
turning your computer compltely off and back on (rebooting) cures many offline and online computer problems.
1115689
There is a lot of factors that could go wrong, so if you are really worried about it, you should probably shut down.  Surge protector, properly grounded electrical system, and other factors will make it less risky though.  It may be worth the risk.
790650
Yes. Assuming you have a PC: Go to your Control Panel and open Power Options. You can change the settings for your sytem's stand-by and hibernate options, or turn them off completely.
144988
If lightning was the problem, no surge supressor or UPS can provide sufficient protection. If you know that a thunderstorm is on the way, the best protection is to shut down the computer and unplug it from the wall.
5816
I would recommend not.  Two years ago, my Sony Vaio's telephone modem suddenly stopped working during a lightning storm.  The lights hadn't dimmed or anything, so I thought it was just a glitch.  The technician said that just because the power supply was protected by a surge protector, the phone line (which was not plugged into a surge protector) experienced a surge when a telephone box blew a few blocks away (it was a bad storm, but I just had to check my email).  The surge wouldn't have hurt someone on a normal phone, but was just enough to disrupt my delicate computer.  So unless its urgent, or you can work off the power grid (like a laptop), I'd just leave the computer turned off in a storm.
580663
Are you turning the computer OFF or STANDBY?
238854
You'll likely get various answers as I can already see.  No, it doesn't really damage it but think about this, you turn it off and then immediately turn it back on, one minute 500W (my power supply) of energy is flowing through your system and then not and then immediately it is again.  I hold the belief this causes unnecessary wear and tear on the system and if you are only going to be away from the PC for a short time, put it in standby or for longer times hibernate and shut down at night (or whever you sleep).  But, if you are having a problem with Windows and task manager is not responding, press the reset switch (if you have one) which is a far better solution than turning it off and immediately turning back on again.\n\nJust my take.
374123
Hi, it's raining and thunder storming here in Texas tonight, and I hate this kind of weather, I don't know why I get so freaked out and scared when it's like this but I do,,,,,hope i don't ruin my computer being on here in this storm...bye
1108320
I can only tell you about leaving your computer on 24/7. \n\nLeaving it on all depends on how long you leave it on, and what kind of computer you have. If your fan isnt very good, your computer might overheat and cause a malfuction. Id get some kind of program that can see how fast and how hot your computer is getting.
721078
All electrical storms can effect telephones and computers. Surge Protectors can save a life through a storm. If this storm is local to you, I'd sign off, relax and wait for the storm to pass. Better to be save than sorry. To be sure, to be sure
42778
It is better to switch it off. This is to increase the efficiency and life span of the PC. \n\nIf you are using Windows XP, then you might want to try the hibernate option. When u restart the computer from hibernation, the PC gets back on the desktop much much quicker than a normal starting process, thus saving sometime.