You should unplug your computer if you _____.

• A. It is running slowly
• B. Smell burning or see smoke rising from it
• C. The screen shows a blue screen
• D. It is overheating but not smoking

Answer: (B)

When there is a potential fire or dangerous electrical fault, the immediate concern is safety. A burning smell or visible smoke from a computer means something is overheating or burning inside, which can lead to a fire. Unplugging the power source right away cuts off the electrical supply, reducing the risk of a fire starting or spreading. After you’ve unplugged (and, if safe, you can also switch off the power at the surge protector), step back and assess. If the fire continues or you can’t unplug safely, call for help.

Other signs like the computer running slowly or a blue screen point to software or performance issues that don’t pose the same urgent fire risk, so they don’t require unplugging as an immediate safety action. Overheating without smoke is serious and should be addressed by shutting down safely and checking ventilation, but the clear, immediate danger is indicated by smoke or burning smells.