Let's not forget the random chance that cosmic rays flipped a naughty bit somewhere in
memory. 

Jaimie

References:
Ziegler, J. F. et. al.
"IBM experiments in soft fails in computer electronics"
IBM Journal of Research and Development, V. 40, N. 1, pp. 3-18, January 1996.

Synopses:
The opening paper for an issue of IBM Journal of Research and Development dedicated to
terrestrial cosmic rays and soft errors. It appears that during the 1980's, IBM may 
have
performed more research into soft memory errors than the rest of the computer industry
combined. This paper is an overview of those findings, complete with the descriptions 
of
the early problems with alpha particles from radioactive contaminants to the 
realization
that improved manufacturing processes and quality controls had greatly reduced the
problems due to alpha particles and that cosmic rays were now the main cause of soft
errors. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ziegler, J. F.
"Terrestrial Cosmic Rays"
IBM Journal of Research and Development, V. 40, 
N. 1, pp. 19-39, January 1996.

Discusses what cosmic rays are and how they interact with both our atmosphere and with
computer memory.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Ray
> Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 1:19 PM
> To: 'Triangle Linux Users Group discussion list'
> Subject: RE: [TriLUG] Server Oddness
> 
> 
> > I wasn't going to say anything but I KNEW it was the 
> freaking bogeyman.
> > 
> [JR>] proper Venus and Mars alignment can also be root cause.
> 
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