getxfile I/O error

[Dale Carstensen]

I confused myself.  The "x" means executable, not swap.  What is unique
about executable files is that the "text" (instructions) part can be
shared.  One copy of frequently executed programs' text can sit around in
buffers.  If the memory where the buffers are gets clobbered, for instance
the magic number area, then you could get that error message.  I think you
probably have a problem, either some unusual software that you run, some
usual software that you run in an unusual way, or hardware.

How did I begin to believe that x meant swap instead of executable?  My
Dad told me when I was about 12 that I should be more selective about how
much I tried to learn, because I would reach a point where every new thing
I learned would replace something else I had learned earlier.  I haven't
forgotten that he told me that yet, so I have my doubts about his theory,
but some connection in my brain certainly got crossed up in this case!