Tech Term: Mod or Modding

"Mod" is short for modification or modify. The short and sweet tech definition is: to make a modification to a product. In the tech world, however, modding a product usually means making a change to product in a way that was not intended by the manufacturer. Sometimes this may void a warranty, or worse, allow for legal action against the "modder." Let's cover the two most common ways the term "mod" (or "modding") is used.

The first is when an individual mods a gaming console. The modification of a console is almost always to bypass a security check to determine if an inserted disk is a legal and original copy. Typically this requires a physical change to the console (usually some soldering) which bypasses something or adds a bypass chip to the circuitry in order to "fool" the console in to thinking a copy or pirated disk is actually the original/legal disk. Modding of a gaming console will definitely void a warranty and potentially allows for legal action to be taken.

Another common use for the term mod, comes out of the mouth of computer enthusiasts. Many of these hardware gurus love to make changes to the look of their case and systems. Sometimes mods are made out of necessity to make room for hardware. But, most of the time, computer modders love to make changes to their system so they can sweeten the look of their rig. Some will post pics online and others will lug it to the next LAN party to brag about their mods. These PC enthusiasts can mod just about any component but the most popular piece to mod is the case itself. Console users may also use the term in this manner when changing up the look of their gaming system. While warranty voids are almost assured, there are rarely any legal concerns since it's just a change to the visual appeal of products already owned by the modder.