Why a reboot always fixes a computer?

  • Thread starter Thread starter wolram
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of rebooting computers and other machines as a solution to various problems. Participants explore the reasons behind this reliance on rebooting, comparing it to older methods of troubleshooting and reflecting on the implications for both software and hardware systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with modern machines, noting that rebooting often resolves issues that seem complex.
  • One participant humorously suggests that rebooting is a universal fix, likening it to a fresh start for both machines and human problems.
  • Another participant mentions the concept of "bit rot" and suggests that reinstalling software is sometimes necessary, referencing advice attributed to Bill Gates.
  • Concerns are raised about the appropriateness of rebooting critical systems, such as aircraft control systems, highlighting the potential risks involved.
  • Some participants share a light-hearted view on the social dynamics of computer users, particularly contrasting Windows and Mac users.
  • One participant claims their "technician" title stems from their ability to reboot and reinstall systems effectively.
  • A later reply discusses the lack of confidence in software systems, suggesting that engineers prefer to reset systems to ensure proper operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the effectiveness of rebooting while also debating its appropriateness in critical systems. There is no consensus on the underlying reasons for the necessity of rebooting or the implications for different types of users.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal anecdotes and humorous takes on the topic, while others touch on serious concerns regarding system reliability and user behavior. The discussion includes varying perspectives on the effectiveness and appropriateness of rebooting in different contexts.

wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
Messages
4,411
Reaction score
551
What is it with modern machines, from laptops to multi million pound
production lines, to cure a problem requires a reboot.:confused:
In the olden days a well placed thump cured a machine of the colly
wobbles.
I could shake the living day bytes out of some of these machines, they
tell you one thing, lead you up the garden path, get you pulling
your hair out trying to find the problem, when all they need is a
reboot, reboot, reboot
And some machines are blatant liers, i know one that will tell me it
is running, but it ****** well aint, it will give me an endless list of
the things it thinks is wrong with it ***** hypochondriac, but all it
needs is a reboot.
 
Last edited:
Computer science news on Phys.org
Yep, a good BOOT still fixes a lot of things. :biggrin: :smile:
 
Someone must be using windows.

Just wipe and reinstall. Thats their official advice. Dont you know that bitrot is real? At least according to a certain Mr Gates...
 
I don't really care about whether you use windows or macs, as long as its a good computer with nice hardware.

Mac users tend to act like they're part of a new social trend. It's like the new 'emo' except for techies
 
Ki Man said:
I don't really care about whether you use windows or macs, as long as its a good computer with nice hardware.

Mac users tend to act like they're part of a new social trend. It's like the new 'emo' except for techies

I'm lolling at you. You'll never know why.
 
Better not reboot a aircraft control system.
 
interested_learner said:
Better not reboot a aircraft control system.

Or a carrier class system. Less than five minutes of down time per year for the win.
 
Ki Man said:
I don't really care about whether you use windows or macs, as long as its a good computer with nice hardware.

Mac users tend to act like they're part of a new social trend. It's like the new 'emo' except for techies

franznietzsche said:
I'm lolling at you. You'll never know why.

:smile: :smile: I love inside jokes.
 
There's few things I like more than a clean slate. Wake up clean & try something new, something different.
 
  • #10
wolram said:
What is it with modern machines, from laptops to multi million pound
production lines, to cure a problem requires a reboot.:confused:
In the olden days a well placed thump cured a machine of the colly
wobbles.
A reboot is a fresh start. A lot of human problems work the same way. Female problems especially. I've tried Moonbear's approach there, but I've found they generally respond to the reboot approach better than to the boot approach.
 
  • #11
russ_watters said:
A reboot is a fresh start. A lot of human problems work the same way. Female problems especially. I've tried Moonbear's approach there, but I've found they generally respond to the reboot approach better than to the boot approach.

How do you reboot women? PLEASE TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!
 
  • #12
Actually, it is usually a matter of the female rebooting the male: they ignore you for a while, then pretend nothing happened.
 
  • #13
i always claim that my "technician" title among my friend is a direct result of my ability to reboot, or reinstall.
 
  • #14
In all seriousness, the reboot is due to the lack of confidence in software or the system in general. While the software is never SUPPOSED to be caught in an endless loop somewhere, fail to reset some obscure bit, or a host of other things, engineers usually have the most confidence in the operation of the machine starting from the moment that the power switch is thrown rather than any other time.
 

Similar threads

Windows 10 made a brick out of my laptop
  • · Replies 123 ·
5
Replies
123
Views
20K
Windows 10 Update - Caused Loop (Need a Computer )
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Computer New Computer Build Recommendations
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Requesting suggestions for languages, libraries, and architectures for parallel (and sometimes non parallel) numerical and scientific computations
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Why are we here? What I have learned
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K