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Definition of software rot

software rot

noun - uncountable

  • a hypothetical affliction that causes programs to run more poorly over time. Software doesn't actually rot, rather a program's assumptions may become out of date, newer operating systems may not function in exactly the same way, etc.

    Last edited on Nov 11 2011. Submitted by WalterGR (via TheJargonFile) on Aug 14 2009.

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Slang terms with the same meaning

Other terms relating to 'computer slang':

Definitions include: acronym for "direct message".
Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features.
Definitions include: acronym for "my life is great".
Definitions include: acronym for "face the wall."
Definitions include: acronym for "take your time".
Definitions include: in a non-computing context, to search.
Definitions include: a declaration of victory or superiority.
Definitions include: software that is free to share with others and is - at least initially - free to use.
Definitions include: a videogame that requires mashing buttons to play, rather than finesse.
Definitions include: "ok, thanks."
Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman.
Definitions include: alternative spelling of "fine", as in attractive.
Definitions include: to test something before it is released or presented.
Definitions include: the place where all deleted, lost, or misdirected data goes to.
Definitions include: to transform data so that it's easier to process.

Slang terms with the same root words

Other terms relating to 'rot':

Definitions include: a hypothetical disease that causes programs to run more poorly over time and causes documents to become corrupted.
Definitions include: a fungal infection of the groin region (Tinea cruris).
Definitions include: the breakage of links on the web as their targets disappear.
Definitions include: venereal disease.
Definitions include: general insult / disparaging remark.

Other terms relating to 'software':

Definitions include: software still under copyright, but which is no longer distributed, sold, or supported.
Definitions include: legitimate software that is free to use, but displays advertising.
Definitions include: a type of shareware that interrupts use of the software to display a message asking the user to "register" the software (i.e. pay for it.)
Definitions include: computer software that occupies too many resources due to its preponderance of features.
Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
Definitions include: a form of shareware where, in lieu of the "registration" fee, the author asks that users donate to a charity.
Definitions include: software that has had features disabled to entice people to upgrade to a for-pay or more expensive version.
Definitions include: "Freeware" was originally the trademark of "PC-Talk" author Andrew Fluegelman.
Definitions include: shareware that uses guilt to encourage users to pay the "registration" cost.
Definitions include: software that does bad things.
Definitions include: shareware software that nags the user if it hasn't yet been purchased.
Definitions include: a type of shareware that only requires users to send a postcard to the author in order to purchase it.
Definitions include: software that is free to share with others and is - at least initially - free to use.
Definitions include: software that was purchased or written, but never used.
Definitions include: low-quality software.

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