Why a reboot always fixes a computer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of rebooting as a common solution for various computer issues, highlighting its effectiveness across different systems, including Windows and Mac. Users express frustration with modern machines that often require a reboot to resolve problems, contrasting this with older methods like physically shaking the device. The conversation touches on the concept of "bit rot" and the importance of confidence in software stability, suggesting that a reboot serves as a fresh start for both machines and users.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of operating systems, specifically Windows and macOS.
  • Familiarity with the concept of "bit rot" in software.
  • Basic knowledge of troubleshooting techniques for computers.
  • Awareness of the implications of rebooting critical systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of "bit rot" on system performance and stability.
  • Explore advanced troubleshooting techniques for Windows and macOS.
  • Learn about system recovery options beyond rebooting, such as safe mode and system restore.
  • Investigate best practices for maintaining software and hardware reliability in production environments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for IT professionals, system administrators, and anyone involved in computer maintenance and troubleshooting, particularly those working with Windows and macOS systems.

wolram
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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:
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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.
 

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