PEBKAC
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
PEBKAC is an acronym which stands for "Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair". The phrase is used by computer experts as a semi-humorous way to describe to one another that the problem was not in the computer but was instead caused by the user operating it.
Other variations are PIBKAC ("Problem Is Between Keyboard And Chair"), PEBCAC ("Problem Exists Between Chair and Computer"), PEBCAK ("Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard"), or EBKAC ("Error Between Keyboard And Chair"). The occasionally seen variant PEBKAM ("Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Monitor") would appear to be based on a misunderstanding and/or misremembrance of the phrase.
In 2006, Intel began running a number of PEBKAC web-based advertisements to promote their vPro platform.
[edit] References
- The Jargon File, version 4.4.7, maintained by Eric S. Raymond
- Intel PEBKAC ads
- PEBKAC.AT (in German)
- PEBKAC in the webcomic User Friendly
