Simple question

Although this isn't a security related question, but rather, a hardware related one; i figured that i'd ask you guys...

What, exactly, are "static switches"? I ask because my neighbor occasionally has problems using the power button on the front of her tower...sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Occasionally the "shutdown" command doesn't work, either, but i'm pretty sure that is a software issue.

Anyways, i thought it may be more fun to ask the question here, rather than look it up. I tried to ask an comptech buddy of mine, but he was drunk as hell and didn't have time for my mindless newbie banter:)

Thanks in advance.

check http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to see there is a bug-fix for the power / OS.
It could be a hardware issue (I had to repair a power button when the internal panel with the switch on came away from the case, open the box and have a look if that could be the cause)