that sounds quite cool actually

No, it isn't. I've spent more time offline in the past two days than in the preceeding several weeks.

been known to ignore lightening and get online anyway. Yeah, yeah...Bad Jen.

would be devastated if her PC got fried.

I understand. I don't do it often, but it has been known to happen.

computers get zapped by lightning?!

Lightning Dangers

if a lightning strike is gonna zap your stuff, it dont matter if its on or off.

I unplug the ethernet cable from the modem. I *think* that reduces the risk, a bit.

also, if a lightning strike is gonna zap your stuff, it dont matter if its plugged in or not.

The power cables are connected to a surge protector, but the cable isn't.

100k+ volts? forget about your stuff, if the strike hits close enough to your home

thinking more along the lines of surges than direct strikes. Now, I need my worried smiley...