zlacker

this is what SysReq is for.

>The magic SysRq key is a key combination understood by the Linux kernel, which allows the user to perform various low-level commands regardless of the system's state. It is often used to recover from freezes, or to reboot a computer without corrupting the filesystem.[1] Its effect is similar to the computer's hardware reset button (or power switch) but with many more options and much more control.

https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_SysRq_key?lang=en

>>Showal+(OP)
Not really. The UI will still be unresponsive and the only thing you can do is reboot the system safely using Magic SysRq. What OP is asking about is why the UI is unresponsive in the first place.

>>codeth+3Q
When I ran memory-intense tests on low ram, I had the sysrq sequence for the oom-killer at my fingertips. When the system would start thrashing, it was a quick way back to safety.