Paul Smith <phhs80 <at> gmail.com> writes:
When the systems freezes, is it safe to hold down the power button to power off the machine? If not, what alternatives do you suggest?
Simple test: if CapsLock and/or NumLock and/or ScrollLock still work (keyboard light reflects change in state), you have a shot at the Alt-SysReq-<key> stuff. The keyboard lights are actually controlled by the O/S (keyboard driver specifically). If the O/S is dead, the lights won't change state when you push whatever.
I've had fairly good luck with this test. Lights work --> be patient and see if you can get an alternate console, shell in, etc. Lights don't work --> power key time.
Cheers, Dave