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Frankenputer: n. 1. A mostly-working computer thrown together from the spare parts of
several machines out of which the magic smoke had
been let. Most shops have a closet full of nonworking machines. When a
new machine is needed immediately (for testing, for example) and there is
no time (or budget) to requisition a new box, someone (often an intern) is
tasked with building a Frankenputer. 2. Also used in referring to a machine that once was a name-brand
computer, but has been upgraded long beyond its useful life, to the point
at which the nameplate violates truth-in-advertising laws (e.g., a Pentium
III-class machine inexplicably living in a case marked “Gateway
486/66”).
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