I am going to be away from home for six weeks and wanted to check whether I should turn off my computer and broadband modem while away, or leave them in standby mode?

This is a very good question, and I always recommend that when you are going away for a long period of time you switch off all your computer equipment and unplug the equipment from the power outlet on the wall. Many times I have seen computer equipment left plugged-in and a thunderstorm has shocked and destroyed the equipment while the owners were away. Furthermore, there is no need to leave the equipment running while you are away and switching off and unplugging the equipment will also minimise any fire risks should equipment overheat or short-out while you are away.