Switch that completely de-energizes (or kills) a device. From early IBM PC's which had a Big Red Switch on the side connected to the main power feed.
by Anonymous March 30, 2003
The main power switch, often on computer equipment but applicable to any piece of equipment. Used to stop the system when all other control inputs have failed, often because of a system crash or lockup.
Tech 1: "Buggeration, we have the Blue Screen Of Death yet again !"
Tech 2: "Shit. Give me a sec, I shall apply my digital extremity to the Big Red Reset Switch"
<Click>
<Click>
Tech 1: "Ok, it's rebooting now".
Tech 2: "Shit. Give me a sec, I shall apply my digital extremity to the Big Red Reset Switch"
<Click>
<Click>
Tech 1: "Ok, it's rebooting now".
by eighth of seven February 6, 2010