User error

A user error is an error made by the human user of a complex system, usually a computer system, in interacting with it. Although the term is sometimes used by human–computer interaction practitioners, the more formal term human error is used in the context of human reliability. Related terms such as PEBKAC ("problem exists between keyboard and chair"), PEBMAC ("problem exists between monitor and chair"), identity error or ID-10T/1D-10T error ("idiot error"), PICNIC ("problem in chair, not in computer"), IBM error ("idiot behind machine error"), skill issue ("lack of skill"), and other similar phrases are also used as slang in technical circles with derogatory meaning. This usage implies a lack of computer savviness, asserting that problems arising when using a device are the fault of the user. Critics of the term argue that many problems are caused instead by poor product designs that fail to anticipate the capabilities and needs of the user. The term can also be used for non-computer-related mistakes.

A user error is an error made by the human user of a complex system, usually a computer system, in interacting with it. Although the term is sometimes used by human–computer interaction practitioners, the more formal term human error is used in the context of human reliability. Related terms such as PEBKAC ("problem exists between keyboard and chair"), PEBMAC ("problem exists between monitor and chair"), identity error or ID-10T/1D-10T error ("idiot error"), PICNIC ("problem in chair, not in computer"), IBM error ("idiot behind machine error"), skill issue ("lack of skill"), and other similar phrases are also used as slang in technical circles with derogatory meaning. This usage implies a lack of computer savviness, asserting that problems arising when using a device are the fault of the user. Critics of the term argue that many problems are caused instead by poor product designs that fail to anticipate the capabilities and needs of the user. The term can also be used for non-computer-related mistakes. ===In subcultures=== The computing jargon refers to "wetware bugs" as the user is considered part of the system, in a hardware/software/wetware layering. The automotive repair persons' version is referring to the cause of a problem as a "faulty steering actuator", "broken linkage between the seat and the steering wheel", "loose nut between the steering wheel and the seat," or more simply, "loose nut behind the wheel." Similarly, typewriter repair people used to refer to "a loose nut behind the keyboard" or a "defective keyboard controller." The broadcast engineering or amateur radio version is referred to as a "short between the headphones". Another term used in public safety two-way radio (i.e. police, fire, ambulance, etc.) is a "defective PTT button actuator". Another similar term used in the United States military is "operator headspace and timing issue" or "OHT," borrowing terminology related to the operation of the M2 Browning machine gun. "(It's a) carbon based error", indicates a user problem (humans are a carbon-based life-form), as opposed to a silicon-based one. Some support technicians refer to it as "biological interface error". The networking administrators' version is referring to the cause of a problem as a "layer 8 issue", referring to the "user" or "political" layer on top of the seven-layer OSI model of computer networking. In video game culture, user error is sometimes referred to as a "skill issue", often as a retort to the player complaining about the game's perceived unfairness.

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1372692091 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.