kill switchA kill switch is a mechanism used to shut down or disable machinery or a device or program. The purpose of a kill switch is usually either to prevent theft of a machine or data or as a means of shutting down machinery in an emergency. In manufacturing, for example, a kill switch (also called a big red button) might be used to shut down machinery if a worker is in danger. In mobile computing, a kill switch can disable a device that has been reported lost or stolen. By activating a kill switch, the network administrator can protect the data on the device from being stolen or altered. In a car or boat, a kill switch can prevent the vehicle from starting unless an associated security mechanism is activated. Software programs sometimes include encoded kill switches as anti-piracy mechanisms. Microsoft's Vista operating system and related products include a component that some industry experts are calling a virtual kill switch . After installing the software, a user has 30 days to successfully register the product. If the user fails to enter a valid registration key before the deadline passes, the software will operate in what Microsoft is calling "reduced functionality mode:" - The background goes black.
- There is no start menu.
- There are no desktop icon s.
- Users are automatically logged out of Web browsers after one hour.
Kill switches are also used for a wide variety of machinery both inside and outside the IT world, including car ignition systems, boat motors, industrial machines and gas pumps. A kill switch for vehicles and machinery is sometimes called a "dead man's switch" because its purpose is to shut the vehicle or machine down if the operator becomes incapacitated.
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| Last updated on:
Jan 31, 2007 |
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