watchDog

A **watchdog timer** (or **computer operating properly** timer) is a [|computer] hardware timing device that triggers a system [|reset] if the main [|program], due to some fault condition, such as a [|hang], neglects to regularly service the watchdog (writing a “service pulse” to it, also referred to as “petting the dog” or "feed the watchdog"[|[1]] or "waking the watchdog"). The intention is to bring the system back from the hung state into normal operation.

一般PC没有配置硬件形式的报警狗，但可配置软件形式的.

from wikipedia