hardlock
Total computer freeze
Hardlock describes something locked in a way that cannot be easily undone or overridden.
In computing and gaming, a hardlock is a system freeze so severe that only a forced restart can recover it: The game crashed and caused a hardlock—I had to hold the power button.
In software licensing, a hardlock is a physical device (a dongle) required to run protected software.
The verb means to lock completely or irreversibly: The save file got hardlocked and I lost all my progress.
Sudden violent impact
- freezeBecome solid from cold
- hangSuspend from above
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
- deadlockMutual blocking, no progress
system failure · blue screen · reboot · kernel panic · stuck · fatal error · infinite loop · race condition
Small plug-in peripheral
- USB keyPortable digital storage device
- license keyCode unlocking paid software
- copy protectionMeasures preventing unauthorized duplication
- DRMDigital content restriction technology
software protection · serial port · parallel port · sentinel · hasp · piracy prevention · activation · software licensing
Tire-locking penalty device
- bootHigh shoe or startup
- immobilizerDevice preventing movement
- parking enforcementRegulating where cars sit
- towPull something behind
impound · violation · fine · ticket · clamped · booted · parking authority
crash
Sudden violent impact
- freezeBecome solid from cold
- hangSuspend from above
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
deadlock · system failure · blue screen · reboot · kernel panic · stuck · fatal error · infinite loop · race condition · thread
dongle
Small plug-in peripheral
- USB keyPortable digital storage device
- license keyCode unlocking paid software
- copy protectionMeasures preventing unauthorized duplication
DRM · software protection · serial port · parallel port · sentinel · hasp · piracy prevention · activation · software licensing
wheel clamp
Tire-locking penalty device
- bootHigh shoe or startup
- immobilizerDevice preventing movement
- parking enforcementRegulating where cars sit
tow · impound · violation · fine · ticket · clamped · booted · parking authority
hardlockresponsive
Quick to react
stable · functioning · fully functional · operational · unlocked
hard, lock, harder, hardest, harden, hardened, hardening, hardness, hardly