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Results tagged with computing
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user 9001
Questions about language and terminology related to computers, programming, and IT.
6
votes
Accepted
Etymology of "ping"
The network utility dates from 1983. I first heard the IM use sometime within the last five or so years.
The IM meaning can be found on Urban Dictionary from September 10, 2005, in this second highes …
- 68.1k
10
votes
Accepted
When did "Easter egg" begin to mean "hidden feature"?
The OED has this sense of Easter egg from 1987:
1987 Re: Does Set Startup work Anymore? in comp.sys.mac (Usenet newsgroup) 13 Nov., The Option-Command ‘About MultiFinder’ easter egg was a good la …
- 68.1k
5
votes
Accepted
Etymology of "compiler" (computer term)
Wikipedia gives the evolution of the term:
Towards the end of the 1950s, machine-independent programming languages were first
proposed. Subsequently several experimental compilers were developed …
- 68.1k
14
votes
Why is a "splash screen" so called?
A splash screen completely covers what was shown before: it splashes content over the whole screen. The term has been in use since at least 1984, and originates from Apple Mac applications.
1998: FOL …
- 68.1k
1
vote
What is the etymology of "[computer] terminal"?
The OED's sense B.2.d. for terminal is:
A device for feeding data into a computer or receiving its output; esp. one that can be used by a person as a means of two-way communication with a computer.
…
- 68.1k
2
votes
Confusion about Pronunciation of gif
Use whichever version you prefer, both are in widespread use.
According to CNN the creator gave his opinion in 2013:
Steve Wilhite created the Graphics Interchange Format, or GIF, while working for C …
- 68.1k
14
votes
Origin and scope of "cruft"
Meaning:
Computing slang.
Anything unnecessary or redundant; esp. poorly designed or unnecessarily complex computer software, e.g. that containing sections of obsolete code. …
- 68.1k
5
votes
Accepted
Etymology of "modal dialogs" in computerese
Here's a good explanation from mjv on Stack Overflow:
With a modal dialog, you set your application in a particular mode (a different "state" if you will), whereby only actions pertaining to that …
- 68.1k
8
votes
Accepted
Provenance of 'deprecated' (in the programming sense)
Definitions
The computing sense hasn't yet made the Oxford English Dictionary, where the verb senses (many themselves archaic or obsolete) show the evolutions:
To pray against (evil); to pray for … Cf. self-deprecation
Here's a computing definition from the Jargon File (version 4.4.7):
deprecated: adj. …
- 68.1k
30
votes
Accepted
What do you call a computer window when it is not maximized or minimized?
In Windows, the verbs are Minimize, Maximize and Restore Down.
In official documentation, Microsoft uses restored but also normal.
A WindowState that determines whether a window is restored, mini …
- 68.1k
1
vote
What's the origin of "beta" to describe a "user-testing" phase of computer development?
This terminology originated from IBM in the 1960s when they had A-tests, B-tests, C-tests and D-tests. From the Jargon File 4.4.7:
Historical note: More formally, to
beta-test is to test a pre-r …
- 68.1k
2
votes
What is the etymology of 'munge'?
Jargon File
The New Hacker's Dictionary (1991) is based on the Jargon File, the earliest surviving version is from the mid-1970s and contains these definitions:
MUNCH v. Often confused with "mun …
- 68.1k
48
votes
Accepted
Origin of the term "wizard" in computing
In computing, wizards were originally expert computer users (people) who could install software or help you with your installation. …
- 68.1k
7
votes
1
answer
603
views
Who first used the term "bit rot"?
Wikipedia says:
Bit rot, also known as bit decay, data rot, or data decay, is a colloquial computing term used to describe either a gradual decay of storage media or the degradation of a software program …
- 68.1k
5
votes
Accepted
Who first used the term "bit rot"?
It's next mentioned in this 22nd April 1983 net.misc posting, discussing various sources of bit rot in computing:
I have always heard "Program Entropy" referred to as "bit rot". … It
is a serious and ubiquotous phenomenon of computing systems. Any
working program will in time tend to deteriorate if not periodically
cared for. …
- 68.1k