rig, computer jargon question

quest_for_silence · Post by **quest_for_silence** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:27 am

As a non english-spoken people, sometimes (very often) I'm not so confortable with some word (acronym or not) informally used among any IT enthusiast group. So I beg your pardon preventively for my silly question.

I often see expression like "gaming rig", "quiet rig", "my own rig" or "my new rig". What does the word "rig" stand for? Is it an acronym, or a jargon word? Yes, I guess it's the pc itself, but "rig" according to my old bilingual dictionary (1998) does not mean anything (and even online translators said so), so I'm curious about it, and even its etymology.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Luca

andyb · Post by **andyb** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:08 am

From here.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rig

1. Chiefly Nautical.
a. to put in proper order for working or use.
b. to fit (a ship, mast, etc.) with the necessary shrouds, stays, etc.
c. to fit (shrouds, stays, sails, etc.) to the mast, yard, or the like.
2. to furnish or provide with equipment, clothing, etc.; fit (usually fol. by out or up).
3. to assemble, install, or prepare (often fol. by up).

Not that most PC's have anything to do with boats and water etc

Somehow it has turned into.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rig

a computer. the word is commonly used by DIY computer geeks or hardcore computer gamers

dude check out the new rig i just built

OR

geek speak for - A computer system

I put a new Dual core chip in my rig, now everything loads a lot quicker.

Andy

quest_for_silence · Post by **quest_for_silence** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 2:31 am

Thank you a lot for promptly and thoroughly helping me, Andy.

Luca

jhhoffma · Post by **jhhoffma** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:34 am

I would take it a step further and say that in its noun form, "rig" is anything that is built from separate components and used in its entirety.

I've heard people use "rig" to mean their custom (or non-custom) cars, trucks, and especially semi-tractor trailers. In the last, rig is used to mean the cab and any trailers following.

Just another $0.02 on the plate.

flyingsherpa · Post by **flyingsherpa** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 9:56 am

jhhoffma wrote:I would take it a step further and say that in its noun form, "rig" is anything that is built from separate components and used in its entirety.

Totally agree. I've heard lots of scuba divers refer to their gear as their 'rig', since they put together all the different parts (regulator, tank, buoyancy compensator, lights, etc.)

A decent way to think of it is as a synonym for "setup". So a nice 'rig' is a nice 'setup'.

floffe · Post by **floffe** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:01 am

There's also oil rigs, although I'm unsure if that has influenced this usage.

AuraAllan · Post by **AuraAllan** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:18 am

Acronymfinder.com is very useful for.....well acronyms obviously

(I used to use that site ALOT)