Screen of death

In many computer operating systems, a special type of error message will display onscreen when the system has experienced a fatal error. Computer users have dubbed these messages screens of death as they typically result in unsaved work being lost and often indicate serious problems with the system's hardware or software. Screens of death are usually the result of a kernel panic, although the terms are frequently used interchangeably. Most screens of death are displayed on an even background color with a message advising the user to restart the computer.

Notable screens of death

A Linux kernel panic, forced by an attempt to kill init
The Mac OS X kernel panic alert. It can also be referred as a "black screen of death" as it is on top of a black background. This version was first used in Mac OS X 10.6.

Other screens of death

White window of death in Windows 3.x. This message is shown when default Windows Explorer is corrupted.

The following refers to screens of death that are not based upon computer operating systems and appear instead in other media.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Screens of death.

References

  1. "Surface RT Grey Screen of Death".
  2. "Drupal White Screen of Death".
  3. Ulanoff, Lance (2006-09-12). "The Apple iPod's White Screen of Death". PCMag.com. Retrieved 2011-05-23.
  4. Busoli, Simone (November 15, 2007). "ELMAH - Error Logging Modules And Handlers".
  5. Carter and Bellomo. How to Do Everything with Your TiVo. McGraw-Hill Professional. 2004. pp 245, 246 & 344. Google Books.
  6. Krikorian. TiVo Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools. O'Reilly Media. 2003. Page 24.
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