toaster

(jargon)

1. The archetypal really stupid application for an embedded microprocessor controller; often used in comments that imply that a scheme is inappropriate technology (but see elevator controller). "DWIM for an assembler? That'd be as silly as running Unix on your toaster!"

2. A very, very dumb computer. "You could run this program on any dumb toaster."

See bitty box, Get a real computer!, toy, beige toaster.

3. A Macintosh, especially the Classic Mac. Some hold that this is implied by sense 2.

4. A peripheral device. "I bought my box without toasters, but since then I've added two boards and a second disk drive".

This is not usually to be taken literally but, to show off the expansion capabilities of the Risc PC, Acorn Computers Ltd. built a seven-slice machine (which they called "the rocket-ship") and installed every imaginable peripheral. In a spare drive bay of the top slice they installed a toaster. This machine was exhibited at various shows where it attracted attention by occasionally ejecting a pizza.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

intranet toaster

A self-contained intranet server designed for small departments or businesses. It plugs into the network and is configured via the Web browser. It is not as powerful as a full-blown Unix or NT server, but provides for a convenient and fast installation.

Video Toaster

An earlier video production and editing system for Windows from NewTek, Inc., San Antonio, TX (www.newtek.com). Video Toaster (VT) was introduced in 1990 for Commodore's Amiga computer. Revolutionary at the time for the desktop video market, VT included hardware and software that provided digital effects, character generation and 3D animation. It also controlled professional analog tape decks, and its $5,000 price tag made it the most affordable broadcast-quality video system on the market.

After Commodore went out of business in the mid-1990s, a Windows version of VT was released in 1999 that supported uncompressed D1 digital video. In 2003, a greatly enhanced VT[3] version was introduced that continued the tradition of providing a professional video production environment at a fraction of the cost of mainstream editing systems. The last version (VT[5]) came out in 2007 but was discontinued in 2010. It was also used in NewTek's TriCaster portable production system until 2012. See video/TV history.

On the Amiga

NewTek chose the Amiga for its advanced graphics in the early 1990s. The monitor on the right displayed the videotape, and VT software provided the controls. Analog signals from tape were converted to digital, edited in the computer and converted back to analog to a second tape deck. (Image courtesy of NewTek, Inc.)

On Windows

This is an earlier Windows-based VT system. For under $10,000, Varto Technologies combined VT with several CPU options and a specialized keyboard. This was equivalent to high-end editing systems costing 10 times as much. (Image courtesy of Varto Technologies, www.vartotechnologies.com)

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References in periodicals archive

A couple of categories showing significant changes include Waffle Iron/Sandwich Makers, Coffee Grinders, and Toaster Ovens. Goldman remarked that some of the growth can be attributed to new features and the wealth of options available on the market.

Trend Report 2007: Small Electrics

Lenny bought the toaster oven the week before he was diagnosed with cancer.

What Lenny left. (Looking Back)

Baker says the elements are similar to those found in a toaster oven, and they heat target compounds enough that they burn.

The hottest thing in remediation. (Innovations)

The breakfast finger food item -- which features a crispy crust filled with cheese sauce, scrambled eggs, ham, green pepper and onion -- may be prepared either in a toaster or toaster oven. Six 47g units come per box, which retails for $2.89.

North American Frozen Products

The morning after the [op-ed] ran, I came into my office to find a toaster oven on my desk from a fellow out state representative.

Busting out on Beacon Hill

A: Two functioning toasters, one toaster oven, and a long fork we use to burn bread in the fireplace.

I'm Seeking Asylum, Too

Or you can buy one machine, generically called a multi-function peripheral (MFP) that performs all those functions for between $400 and $700--all packaged in a machine no bigger than a toaster oven.

The perfect office

While it may not be possible to cook all or part of the meal on the unit (although some facilities are moving in this direction), olfactory cues can be enhanced by brewing some coffee, or using a toaster oven to bake some rolls or cook an onion.

Home-like: it's more than carpeting and chintz

(amps) window air conditioner 8-16 table saw 13-15 air compressor 10-15 refrigerator 6-15 toaster oven 12 microwave (countertop) 6-12 dishwasher (portable) 11 hair dryer 10 clothes washer 10 portable heater 10 toaster 7-10 coffee maker 6-10 garbage disposer 5-10 clothes iron 9 dehumidifier 7 freezer (newer model) 5

Straight-as-an-arrow results with a chalk box

* Bring in a small toaster oven or move the class to the homeeconomics room to experiment with recipes that use either baking soda and an acid or baking powder.

Teaching with this issue

These teams of insect-like robots are about the size of a toaster oven, can be mass-produced at low cost and have minimal intelligence.

Getting the bugs worked out

At first it was fun for Jamie and Andy because we taught them how to use sharp knives, the can opener, the blender, the stove, the microwave and the toaster oven. It took patience (one thing everyone in a family with MS has to do is learn patience!) because I couldn't demonstrate what needed to be done.

A crash course in being a mom ... with MS