Crash to Desktop
Encyclopedia
A crash to desktop is a computer program crash
which is said to occur when a program
(commonly a video game) unexpectedly quits, abruptly taking the user back to the desktop
. Usually, the term is applied only to crashes where no error
is display
ed, hence all the user sees as a result of the crash is the desktop. Many times there is no apparent action that causes a CTD. During normal function, the program may freeze
for a shorter period of time, and then close by itself. Also during normal function, the program may become a black screen
and play the last few seconds of sound
(depending on the size of the data buffer) that was being played repeatedly before it crashes to desktop. Other times it may appear to be trigger
ed by a certain action, such as loading an area.
The CTD bugs are considered particularly problematic for users. Since they frequently display no error message, it can be very difficult to track down the source of the problem, especially if the times they occur and the actions taking place right before the CTD do not appear to have any pattern or common ground. One way to track down the source of CTDs for games is to run them in windowed-mode. Windows Vista
has a feature that can help track down the cause of a CTD problem when it occurs on any program. Windows XP included a similar feature as well.
Some computer programs, such as StepMania
and BBC's Bamzooki
, also crash to desktop if in full-screen, but displays the error in a separate window when the user has returned to the desktop. Crashes are usually caused by website failure or system failure.
Crash (computing)
A crash in computing is a condition where a computer or a program, either an application or part of the operating system, ceases to function properly, often exiting after encountering errors. Often the offending program may appear to freeze or hang until a crash reporting service documents...
which is said to occur when a program
Computer program
A computer program is a sequence of instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute...
(commonly a video game) unexpectedly quits, abruptly taking the user back to the desktop
Desktop metaphor
The desktop metaphor is an interface metaphor which is a set of unifying concepts used by graphical user interfaces to help users more easily interact with the computer. The desktop metaphor treats the monitor of a computer as if it is the user's desktop, upon which objects such as documents and...
. Usually, the term is applied only to crashes where no error
Error
The word error entails different meanings and usages relative to how it is conceptually applied. The concrete meaning of the Latin word "error" is "wandering" or "straying". Unlike an illusion, an error or a mistake can sometimes be dispelled through knowledge...
is display
Electronic visual display
An electronic visual display is display technology which incorporates flat panel displays, performs as a video display, output device for presentation of images transmitted electronically, for visual reception, without producing a permanent record....
ed, hence all the user sees as a result of the crash is the desktop. Many times there is no apparent action that causes a CTD. During normal function, the program may freeze
Hang (computing)
In computing, a hang or freeze occurs when either a single computer program, or the whole system ceases to respond to inputs. In the most commonly encountered scenario, a workstation with a graphical user interface, all windows belonging to the frozen program become static, and though the mouse...
for a shorter period of time, and then close by itself. Also during normal function, the program may become a black screen
Black Screen of Death
The Black Screen of Death is generally a colloquialism used for the black error screen displayed by some operating systems after encountering a critical system error which can cause the system to shut down to prevent damage.-Windows 3.x:...
and play the last few seconds of sound
Sound
Sound is a mechanical wave that is an oscillation of pressure transmitted through a solid, liquid, or gas, composed of frequencies within the range of hearing and of a level sufficiently strong to be heard, or the sensation stimulated in organs of hearing by such vibrations.-Propagation of...
(depending on the size of the data buffer) that was being played repeatedly before it crashes to desktop. Other times it may appear to be trigger
Event-driven programming
In computer programming, event-driven programming or event-based programming is a programming paradigm in which the flow of the program is determined by events—i.e., sensor outputs or user actions or messages from other programs or threads.Event-driven programming can also be defined as an...
ed by a certain action, such as loading an area.
The CTD bugs are considered particularly problematic for users. Since they frequently display no error message, it can be very difficult to track down the source of the problem, especially if the times they occur and the actions taking place right before the CTD do not appear to have any pattern or common ground. One way to track down the source of CTDs for games is to run them in windowed-mode. Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
has a feature that can help track down the cause of a CTD problem when it occurs on any program. Windows XP included a similar feature as well.
Some computer programs, such as StepMania
StepMania
StepMania is an open source and cross-platform rhythm video game and engine. It was originally developed as a simulator of Konami's arcade game series Dance Dance Revolution, and has since evolved into an extensible rhythm game engine capable of supporting a wide variety of rhythm-based game types...
and BBC's Bamzooki
BAMZOOKi
Bamzooki was a mixed Reality television gameshow on the BBC which features a toolkit developed by Gameware Development. The first series aired in March 2004 on CBBC. The show was presented by Jake Humphrey. It has occasionally featured specials with Sophie McDonnell. In July 2008, it was announced...
, also crash to desktop if in full-screen, but displays the error in a separate window when the user has returned to the desktop. Crashes are usually caused by website failure or system failure.