Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

smoke test
     
        1. A rudimentary form of testing applied to electronic
        equipment following repair or reconfiguration, in which power
        is applied and the tester checks for sparks, smoke, or other
        dramatic signs of fundamental failure.  See {magic smoke}.
     
        2. By extension, the first run of a piece of software after
        construction or a critical change.  See and compare {reality
        check}.
     
        There is an interesting semi-parallel to this term among
        typographers and printers: When new typefaces are being
        punch-cut by hand, a "smoke test" (hold the letter in candle
        smoke, then press it onto paper) is used to check out new
        dies.
     
        [{Jargon File}]