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Discussion » Questions » Computers and the Internet » From where did the phrase 'computer bug' derive?

From where did the phrase 'computer bug' derive?

Posted - August 21, 2018

Responses


  • 6023

    Most people think it came from an actual bug (usually a moth) being found in the circuitry of one of the first computers.
    But it didn't.

     

    Here's an interesting article on it:

    https://www.computerworld.com/article/2515435/app-development/moth-in-the-machine--debugging-the-origins-of--bug-.html

      August 21, 2018 9:09 AM MDT
    3

  • 44373
    All these years I thought it was the moth. Thanks.
      August 21, 2018 11:28 AM MDT
    2

  • 10508

    Back in the early 1960’s, NASA used to use an old Volkswagen beetle transport computer tapes from one building to another.  They nicknamed the car the “Computer Bug”.  During the Apollo program, the little car was constantly breaking down.  It spent more time in the shop than it did doing its job.  Therefore, whenever there was a problem with the main computers they jokingly called it a “computer bug” in reference to that little car.

      August 21, 2018 10:11 AM MDT
    3

  • I don't know.  Please forgive my ignorance.
      August 21, 2018 11:36 AM MDT
    2

  • 13071
    My late lap top had baby cock roaches living on the motherboard. It was gross. Maybe its a common thing. ;P
      August 21, 2018 11:39 AM MDT
    3

  • 44373
    Coulda been worse. They might have infested your spacecraft.
      August 21, 2018 12:28 PM MDT
    3

  • 13071
    I know right. I tossed the laptop out my chimneyoutyougodulator. Just in the nick of time. ;O
      August 21, 2018 12:36 PM MDT
    3

  • 10026
    A frightful thought. 
      August 22, 2018 4:24 AM MDT
    2

  • 22891
    probably fronn the connputer
      September 9, 2018 4:24 PM MDT
    0