burn-in period

1. A factory test designed to catch systems with marginal

components before they get out the door; the theory is that

burn-in will protect customers by outwaiting the steepest part

of the bathtub curve (see infant mortality).

2. A period of indeterminate length in which a person using a

computer is so intensely involved in his project that he

forgets basic needs such as food, drink, sleep, etc. Warning:

Excessive burn-in can lead to burn-out. See hack mode,

larval stage.

[Jargon File]