:green lightning: [IBM] n. 1. Apparently random flashing streaks on
the face of 3278-9 terminals while a new symbol set is being
downloaded. This hardware bug was left deliberately unfixed, as
some genius within IBM suggested it would let the user know that
`something is happening'. That, it certainly does. Later
microprocessor-driven IBM color graphics displays were actually
*programmed* to produce green lightning! 2. [proposed] Any
bug perverted into an alleged feature by adroit rationalization or
marketing. "Motorola calls the CISC cruft in the 88000
architecture `compatibility logic', but I call it green
lightning". See also {feature} (sense 6).
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
the face of 3278-9 terminals while a new symbol set is being
downloaded. This hardware bug was left deliberately unfixed, as
some genius within IBM suggested it would let the user know that
`something is happening'. That, it certainly does. Later
microprocessor-driven IBM color graphics displays were actually
*programmed* to produce green lightning! 2. [proposed] Any
bug perverted into an alleged feature by adroit rationalization or
marketing. "Motorola calls the CISC cruft in the 88000
architecture `compatibility logic', but I call it green
lightning". See also {feature} (sense 6).
-- The AI Hackers Dictionary
Related:
- green lightning n.
[IBM] 1. Apparently random flashing
streaks on the face of 3278-9 terminals while a new symbol set is
being downloaded.
This hardware bug was left deliberately unfixed, ... - misbug: /mis-buhg/ [MIT] n. An unintended property of a program
that turns out to be useful;
something that should have been a {bug} but turns... - green bytes: n. (also `green words') 1. Meta-information
embedded in a file,
such as the length of the file or its name; as opposed... - misbug /mis-buhg/ n.
[MIT; rare (like its referent)]
An unintended property of a program that turns out to be useful;
something that should have been a bug but turns out... - green card: n. [after the "IBM System/360 Reference Data"
card] A summary of an assembly language,
even if the color is not green. Less frequently... - hysterical reasons: (also `hysterical raisins') n. A variant on
the stock phrase "for historical reasons",
indicating specifically that something must be done... - dinosaur: n. 1. Any hardware requiring raised flooring and special
power.
Used especially of old minis and mainframes, in contrast... - footprint: n. 1. The floor or desk area taken up by a piece of
hardware.
2. [IBM] The audit trail (if any) left by a crashed... - fossil: n. 1. In software, a misfeature that becomes
understandable only in historical context,
as a remnant of times past retained so as not to...
