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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Strange computer event
        
(Message started by: Opus on Jul 20^th, 2004, 5:42pm)

Title: Strange computer event
Post by Opus on Jul 20^th, 2004, 5:42pm

Last night my wife and I were both using our UPS protected computers during a thunderstorm when a tree was struck across the road in the state Forest. The next thing I knew my Gnome desktop was going crazy, each window popped on top then scrolled up and down fast, and then was replaced by the next window. The pointer was shooting all over the screen and could not be controlled. My wife started shouting as she was trying to save her work but the windows were popping up and down so fast she couldn't. Eventually things calmed down on both machines and she was able to save and shut down and I was able to log out. I think my brain was fried too because I forgot to use alt/contol/backspace to kill X, and then I shut it down for no real reason, oh well, so much for up time LOL. The strange thing was that these were two separate computers running two completely different operating systems but were having the same effect from the lightning strike. I wonder if a electromagnetic pulse from the lightning may have induced phantom keystrokes and mouse movements for a period of time. The computer which has the optical mouse didn't have pointer problems but mine with a mechanical mouse and a track ball had a wild pointer with little control. NO* Data was lost in the event. UPSes are Great.

Opus/Paul

* added after Grants post

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by don on Jul 20^th, 2004, 8:31pm

Power surge?

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by brain_cramps on Jul 20^th, 2004, 8:44pm

on 07/20/04 at 17:42:56, Opus wrote:

...I wonder if a electromagnetic pulse from the lightning may have induced phantom keystrokes and mouse movements for a period of time...

[smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=crackup.gif]

on 07/20/04 at 17:42:56, Opus wrote:

...Data was lost in the event. UPSes are Great...

[smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by Opus on Jul 20^th, 2004, 8:48pm

on 07/20/04 at 17:42:56, Opus wrote:

Data was lost in the event.

Actually I meant No data.

Obviously a large amount out of brain cells were lost.

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by fubar on Jul 21^st, 2004, 12:24am

Must be that voodoo linux shit

;;D

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by Jeepgun on Jul 21^st, 2004, 11:24am

It's possessed by the minions of Hell, and my best advice to you my friend, is to immediately call a priest capable of performing an exorcism ritual.

What, you think I'm joking or something? [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by Root on Jul 21^st, 2004, 2:04pm

Transient electrical charge? Did the hair stand up on your arms.
On the other hand. Have you managed to get on the short list of anybody from Haiti. [smiley=smokin.gif]

Title: Re: Strange computer eventBoth
Post by Opus on Jul 21^st, 2004, 4:43pm

on 07/21/04 at 00:24:10, fubar wrote:

Must be that voodoo linux shit
;;D

Both Microsoft Windows 98 and SUSE 9.0 were affected in almost the same way.

on 07/21/04 at 14:04:54, Root wrote:

Transient electrical charge? Did the hair stand up on your arms.
On the other hand. Have you managed to get on the short list of anybody from Haiti. [smiley=smokin.gif]

No static that I could see, they were protected on the power end, I am figuring the keyboard was recieving signals.

I haven't made anyone angry except on this board, so who knows.

Opus/Paul[smiley=eek.gif]

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by sailpappy on Jul 21^st, 2004, 4:58pm

Opus,
Power surges can come in through not only the power circuit, but also as noise on your internet connection, through your Phone Line or Cable connection.
I had a similar experience some years ago when I was on Dial up, living in Florida we have many lightning storms.
I have been on a UPS for the Power connection and have experienced Phone line phantom noise that affected my system like you described. Pappy
http://www.gifs.net/animate/sungulls.gif
http://www.gifs.net/animate/sailboat.gif

Title: Re: Strange computer eventBoth
Post by brain_cramps on Jul 21^st, 2004, 5:01pm

on 07/21/04 at 16:43:26, Opus wrote:

Both Microsoft Windows 98 and SUSE 9.0 were affected in almost the same way.

Damn Fu! didn't ya see that coming? ;;D

Title: Re: Strange computer event
Post by Opus on Jul 21^st, 2004, 5:22pm

on 07/21/04 at 16:58:30, sailpappy wrote:

I have been on a UPS for the Power connection and have experienced Phone line phantom noise that affected my system like you described. Pappy

Thanks Pappy, Maybe it came in through my network. I guess I am not crazy after all, well then again.....

Opus/Paul