I only call my computers names when they do something I didn't want them to, although it was probably my fault they did it.

Exactly!

They have names, for networking purposes of course, not as objects of affection, but telling you the names would be a security violation.

I started naming my computers a long time ago, then for some reason, abandoned the practice.

Then when I started learning Linux (c.2003), I decided to try my hand at building a LAMP server, partly for the learning experience of setting up a Linux network, partly to demonstrate to myself that I could put a full-fledged Web Server with SQL and everything else I need, latest versions of everything, on a tiny little "obsolete" 128meg machine built from spare parts I had laying around.

Anyway, I need to come up with host names for my desktop and server, so the desktop became Homer, and the server became Moe (the bartender from the Simpsons; he serves things to Homer). When I started messing with Samba, my wife's computer became Marge, and the kids' computer became Bart.

I've kept up that naming scheme ever since. Bart is now my LAMP server, Homer is still on the network. I've since added Nelson, Ralph, and Clavin. Most of the other originals have been retired and taken off-line.

My notebook's name is Cortana...shes a slutty notebook that all the guys want..ROFL

I generally name my computers after stars or other objects in space. Right now my desktop is called Alpha, my laptop Proxima and my UltraSparc is Sirius.

If I ever build a cluster, I guess it will have to be named after a galaxy

I was thinking of naming them after simpsons characters, but I haven't gotten so far as actually do it. Now they are just called workstation, laptop, netbook, server etc. If I am to name them now, I'm guessing it would be futurama names instead, as simpsons have lost track, in my opinion.

Who's Clavin? A recent character?

He's the science/inventor guy. The Jerry Lewis type. AFAIK, he's been on since the first season.

Actually, I don't. I don't name cats, dogs, fish, computers, cars, boats, planes, penis, etc. I don't think they need names ... you know.

I don't think I want to name my kids either, if they want names they should choose them when they're old enough to. I don't like my name, for example, I'll probably change it at some point, not that it matters too much.

Do you mean Professor Frink? Cliff Clavin was from Cheers.

Indeed I do.

I don't catch the show regularly, but I like it enough to pattern a naming scheme after it. I'm not sure were "Clavin" came from.

EDIT: From the Wikipdia link:

Well, since I am no longer a deliberate nerd, and tend to laugh at nerds, I don't have any problem with your realism. And if you're making fun of me with your second remark, nicely done. One more thing...was there a typo in your first remark? Because, uh...why would anybody name that. A man would have to really think too much of his body.

I didn't intend to make fun of you ... how did I ?

As for naming that other part, I read an article somewhere that said many actually do name it ... I didn't know either.

Ever since there were computer networks, folks have used names for the participants. In the beginning, the name was the computer host site -- Berkeley, Livermoor, etc.

In the seventies or eighties, there was a study that discovered that the various Disney dwarves followed by various other cartoon characters were the most frequent source for computer network host names.

For those who cannot remember the dwarfs, see:
http://archiearchive.files.wordpress...5/dwarves7.jpg

...Oops, sorry! Try:
http://www.simp.com.au/Disney%20appl...arfs_small.JPG

... and for completeness, according to comedian George Carlin:

"The seven dwarfs were each on different little trips. Happy was into grass and grass alone … Happy, that's all he did. Sleepy was into reds. Grumpy, too much speed. Sneezy was a full blown coke freak. Doc was a connection. Dopey was into everything. Any old orifice will do for Dopey. He's always got his arm out and his leg up. And then, the one we always forget, because he was Bashful. Bashful didn't use drugs. He was paranoid on his own. Didn't need any help on that ladder." --Toledo Window Box, 1974

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_Carlin

Given the times, perhaps George Carlin explains why these names were so popular.

~~~ 0;-Dan

I have always thought individual boxes need names and I name my computers according to their function and location. I know exactly which/where each machine is, according to its name.

My multi-user media centre is known as "pimiento." I have a peachstone and a proscuitto. And a piccolo (this was originally a netbook but now it's a Thinkpad.)

Always the letter "P" and often food / Latin language related.