Computer malfunction

A computer malfunction is an incident when a computer ceases to operate in the manner in which it is programmed. This may result from an infected system wrought by a computer virus, a system being hacked, electronics affected by electromagnetic energy, or advanced systems that become corrupted to evolving into an artificial intelligence. This latter example actually occurs quite frequently in the science fiction genre. One of the most poignant examples of a malfunctioning A.I. is in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, when HAL, the onboard system of the Discovery One space vessel develops self-awareness and decides to kill off its crew.

In the Terminator multimedia franchise, the T-888 Terminator infiltration unit, as well as other models, may suffer malfunctions due to their central processing unit. This typically forces a reboot of all systems, which takes two minutes to complete. During such a time, the Terminator unit remains inert. On Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the 'good' Terminator, Cameron Phillips, suffered malfunction after being caught in the midst of an explosion. Her system reverted back to its original Hunter-Killer programming with its primary objective being to assassinate John Connor.

Films

 * 2001: A Space Odyssey - HAL 9000 goes insane.
 * Apollo 13 - Houston, we have a problem.
 * Planet of the Apes - Onboard computer on Icarus malfunctions.
 * Planet of the Apes (2001)
 * Avengers, The
 * Escape from Mars
 * Matrix, The
 * Matrix Reloaded, The
 * Matrix Revolutions, The
 * Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines


 * Weird Science

Television

 * 4400: Audrey Parker's Come and Gone
 * Bionic Woman: The Deadly Missiles
 * New Adventures of Superman: Superman Meets Brainiac
 * Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Emissary
 * Terminator: Samson & Delilah - Cameron Phillips reverts to H/K mode.

Novels

 * 2001: A Space Odyssey - HAL 9000 goes insane.