Priority interrupt

[hardware] Describes any stimulus compelling enough to yank one right out of hack mode.

Classically used to describe being dragged away by an SO for immediate sex, but may also refer to more mundane interruptions such as a fire alarm going off in the near vicinity.

Also called an NMI (non-maskable interrupt), especially in PC-land.

[Jargon File]

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printf PRINT I printing discussion print server Print Services Facility	hack mode Intel 80186 interrupt request Non-Maskable Interrupt You know you've been hacking too long when...	priority inversion priority queue priority scheduling PRISM Prisoner of Bill