Dictionary Home » Computer Definitions » crash

crash - technical definition

(1) An abnormal termination of a program, which is usually caused by software, although a hardware failure can also be the reason. When a computer "crashes," it locks up (freezes), and the user cannot obtain any response from the keyboard or mouse.

If the crash occurs in an application, then only that application "hangs up," but other applications continue running. If the crash occurs in the operating system, then the user is locked out of the computer entirely, and it has to be rebooted. See abend and crash in Windows.

(2) A hard disk failure. See head crash.

Learn more about crash

» crash definition

» crash synonyms

» CRASH abbreviations & acronyms

» crash business definition

» crash investment & finance

» crash phrase meanings

» crash sentence examples

» crash quote examples

Related Articles

» How Do I Reformat My Computer?

link/cite print suggestion box

crash - technical definition

More from YD