Computer Reliability Chapter 8

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary function of the Patriot missile during the Gulf War?

To track civilian aircraft

To attack enemy bases

To provide ground support

To intercept Scud missiles (correct)

What caused the radar system of the Patriot missile to lose track of a Scud missile?

Software error resulting in a faulty range gate (correct)

Hardware malfunction

Operator error during operation

Faulty communication line

What was the impact of the AT&T long-distance network failure?

Complete restoration of services

Upgraded network security measures

Increased message delivery speed

Significant service disruption and loss of calls (correct)

What was the main reason for the failure of the Denver International Airport's automated baggage handling system?

System complexity exceeding development capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable consequence of the malfunctioning Patriot missile battery?

Fatalities from a successful Scud attack Signup and view all the answers

How did the AT&T switches propagate the failure through the network?

Through sending 'OK' messages that misled other switches Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the results of the failures at the Denver International Airport?

Implementation of a conventional baggage system Signup and view all the answers

What specific error led to the failure of the AT&T long-distance network?

Error within the error-recovery procedure Signup and view all the answers

What time-related issue contributed to the failure of the Patriot missile's tracking capability?

Clock error of 0.3433 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What can result from failures in computerized systems?

Lost time, money, or injury Signup and view all the answers

What were the two kinds of data-related failures mentioned?

Wrong data entry and incorrect data retrieval interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the data entry errors during the November 2000 election in Florida?

Thousands of voters were disqualified Signup and view all the answers

How can studying failures in computerized systems be beneficial?

It provides insight into building reliable systems Signup and view all the answers

What role do software warranties play in computer reliability?

They address manufacturer responsibility for software quality Signup and view all the answers

What is one area of increasing importance in computer reliability as mentioned?

Computer Simulations Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of data-entry errors in computerized systems?

May result in incorrect outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What technology was introduced by Tesla in October 2014?

Ultrasonic sensors Signup and view all the answers

What responsibilities does Tesla claim drivers have while using Autopilot?

Be responsible for control at all times Signup and view all the answers

At SAE Level 3 automation, what is expected from the human driver?

Respond to requests for intervention Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in the fatal accident involving the Tesla S in 2016?

The trailer blended in with overhead signs Signup and view all the answers

One of the main issues with the hand-off problem is:

Drivers get bored when disengaged Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum level of autonomy according to SAE classifications?

SAE Level 5 Signup and view all the answers

What average time does it take for drivers to regain attention when taking control back?

3-7 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which automakers are opting to skip SAE Level 3 automation?

Ford, Volvo, and Google Signup and view all the answers

What kind of technology does Level 2 automation primarily control?

Steering and acceleration/deceleration Signup and view all the answers

What specific action did the Tesla system fail to do before the 2016 crash?

Apply the brakes Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of IT projects were completed on time and on budget in 2009?

33% Signup and view all the answers

How did the cancellation rate of IT projects change from 1994 to 2009?

Decreased from 33% to 25% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggested solution to gender bias in male-dominated fields?

Enhancing crash dummy models for women Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of faces in the biased training data for facial-recognition systems was male?

75% Signup and view all the answers

What issue was highlighted regarding Google Photos and its AI system?

Mislabeled black people as 'gorillas' Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary action of the safety operator just before the impact?

She had put her hands on the steering wheel and began to turn. Signup and view all the answers

What speeds was the vehicle traveling when it hit the pedestrian?

39 mph Signup and view all the answers

What substance was found in the pedestrian's system according to toxicology tests?

Methamphetamine and marijuana Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the accident regarding Uber’s operation in Arizona?

The governor suspended Uber’s testing program. Signup and view all the answers

In what situations are simulations considered superior to physical experiments?

When experiments are too expensive or unethical. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'verification' of simulations refer to?

Confirming the program properly implements the model. Signup and view all the answers

What key factor may have influenced the pedestrian's judgment before the accident?

Assumption that no cars were present. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the vehicle's operator take after the collision?

Braked less than 1 second after impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a valid application of computer simulations?

Predicting the path and speed of hurricanes. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor did NOT contribute to the pedestrian's accident?

Foreseeable vehicle presence on the road. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose due to the design and implementation timeline of the automated baggage handling system at Denver International Airport?

The complexity exceeded the development team's abilities Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the tracking error of the Patriot missile system during the Gulf War?

A clock error of 0.3433 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the failure in AT&T's long-distance network during the service disruption?

Single line of code in error-recovery procedure Signup and view all the answers

Which consequence resulted from the failure of the Patriot missile system to intercept a Scud missile?

Loss of 28 soldiers Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the AT&T switches' rebooting have on the network during the failure?

They caused a chain reaction of failures Signup and view all the answers

What was one major operational limitation of the Patriot missile system during its use?

Operational time was limited to only a few hours Signup and view all the answers

What adjustment was made to the baggage handling system at Denver International Airport due to the initial failure?

Addition of a conventional baggage system Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated total value of the NCIC stolen vehicle database per year?

$500 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated harm caused by a false arrest per year in the context of the NCIC database analysis?

$55,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of keeping the Patriot missile system in operation for over 100 hours?

Accumulation of truncation errors Signup and view all the answers

What was a noteworthy outcome of the baggage handling system failures at Denver International Airport?

A delay of 16 months in opening the airport Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between benefits and harm in the analysis of the NCIC database?

Benefits exceed harm. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a failure due to errors in software programming?

Issuing incorrect bills by Qwest Signup and view all the answers

Which system's failure is listed as an example of critical software system failures?

The Boeing 777 incident Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of cars stolen each year are estimated to be recovered due to the NCIC?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What consequence is specifically noted as rare but related to the NCIC database's operation?

Few stories of false arrests Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for removing the second safety operator from Uber’s test vehicles in Fall 2017?

To improve the alertness of operators during shifts. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor posed a serious problem for Uber's autonomous vehicles during testing?

Frequent occurrences of false positives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the self-driving car experiment in San Francisco in December 2016?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles revoked registrations. Signup and view all the answers

What does eliminating false positives in autonomous vehicles potentially lead to?

Increased instances of false negatives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial structure of safety operators in Uber's autonomous vehicle testing?

One operator monitoring while the other drove. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for the implementation of the Help America Vote Act of 2002?

To eliminate punch card voting systems Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is NOT commonly associated with direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines?

High manufacturing costs Signup and view all the answers

What feature did the Therac-25 replace with software that became a source of failure?

Hardware safety features Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main vulnerabilities of DRE voting machines?

Lack of a paper audit trail Signup and view all the answers

How did the design of the Therac-25 lead to software errors?

By reusing inherently unstable code Signup and view all the answers

What are race conditions in software?

Conflicts in accessing shared variables by multiple tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which country has used DRE voting machines exclusively in national elections?

Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What potential problem arises from the source code of DRE voting machines being a trade secret?

Lack of transparency for security auditing Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Therac-25 compared to its predecessors?

Complete reliance on software for safety Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the first Therac-25 unit shipped?

1983 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the ultrasonic sensors, camera, and front radar introduced by Tesla in their technology package?

To enable automatic braking before collisions Signup and view all the answers

At what SAE level is it expected that the human driver remain prepared to take control of the vehicle?

Level 3 Signup and view all the answers

Which level of automation allows a vehicle to perform all dynamic driving tasks regardless of human intervention?

Level 5 Signup and view all the answers

What was a critical contributing factor to the fatal accident involving the Tesla S in 2016?

The driver was not using the brakes before the collision Signup and view all the answers

What is the average time it takes for drivers to regain attention and take control of the vehicle?

3 to 7 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What significant challenge do automakers face with SAE Level 3 automation?

The risk of driver boredom and attention loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following technologies is NOT included in Tesla's initial technology package introduced in October 2014?

Dynamic cruise control Signup and view all the answers

Why are companies like Ford, Volvo, and Google planning to skip SAE Level 3 automation?

To eliminate the hand-off problem Signup and view all the answers

What kind of control does SAE Level 2 provide to drivers?

Limited automation for acceleration and steering Signup and view all the answers

How did the characteristics of the semitrailer truck contribute to the 2016 Tesla accident?

It was difficult to see due to its height and color Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason behind the improvement in IT project success rates from 1994 to 2009?

More effective project management methodologies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the performance issues of AI systems trained on biased data sets?

Significantly higher misidentification rates among minority groups Signup and view all the answers

What common consequence arises from gender bias in software design?

Inaccurate design decisions affecting specific demographics Signup and view all the answers

In 2009, what fraction of IT projects were completed on time and on budget?

1/3 Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed solution to combat gender bias in male-dominated fields?

Revise job postings to appeal more to women Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant consequence of incorrect data being entered into computerized systems?

Disqualification of voters in elections Signup and view all the answers

Which two failures are categorized as data-related failures in computerized systems?

Incorrect data entry and misinterpretation of retrieved data Signup and view all the answers

What does studying failures in computerized systems help to appreciate?

The complexity of building reliable systems Signup and view all the answers

What can be an effect of failures in computerized systems?

Loss of time, money, and potential harm Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable consequence of the incorrect records entered into the voter database during the November 2000 election?

Potential alteration of the presidential election outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is one key area highlighted in relation to software reliability and manufacturer accountability?

Software warranties and vendor liability Signup and view all the answers

In the context of modern communication and systems, what role do computers play?

They are integral to various sectors, enhancing productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the use of direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines in the U.S. elections?

Vulnerability to tampering and fraud Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues is NOT associated with DRE voting machines?

Use of paper ballots for audits Signup and view all the answers

What unique characteristic about the Therac-25 software contributed to its failure?

Inherent race conditions within the software Signup and view all the answers

What was a common problem reported with DRE voting machines during elections?

Inconsistencies in vote counting and recording Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Therac-25, what does the term 'race condition' refer to?

An error arising from how tasks are scheduled Signup and view all the answers

Which country, alongside the U.S., has utilized DRE voting machines for conducting national elections?

Brazil Signup and view all the answers

What procedural change did the Help America Vote Act of 2002 bring about?

Provided funding for replacing outdated voting technologies Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of the source code being treated as a trade secret with respect to DRE voting machines?

Inability for independent verification and audits Signup and view all the answers

What technological flaw has been attributed to the design of the Therac-25?

Replacement of key hardware safety features with software controls Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason Uber deactivated emergency braking in their self-driving cars?

To prevent conflicting commands from two active systems. Signup and view all the answers

How did the self-driving system respond when it detected the pedestrian?

It took six seconds to detect the moving object. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factors contributed to the pedestrian's accident with the Uber vehicle?

Dark clothing worn by the pedestrian and lack of crosswalk. Signup and view all the answers

What was the speed of the Uber test vehicle just before the accident?

43 mph. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose because the Uber system did not alert the driver during the emergency?

The driver did not respond in time. Signup and view all the answers

What was one characteristic of the self-driving system's detection abilities?

It struggled to classify the moving object before impact. Signup and view all the answers

What detail about the pedestrian's crossing further complicated the situation?

The nearest crosswalk was located 360 feet away. Signup and view all the answers

What was the time of the accident and its significance?

Nighttime, which decreased visibility for both the driver and the pedestrian. Signup and view all the answers

Which additional safety mechanism found in other vehicles was not utilized in Uber's self-driving car at the time of the accident?

Automatic emergency braking. Signup and view all the answers

What rationale exists for not implementing an alert system in Uber's self-driving cars?

To prevent confusion over emergency commands. Signup and view all the answers

What was Travis Kalanick's perspective on the development of autonomous vehicles for Uber?

It was an existential threat to Uber's business. Signup and view all the answers

What were the responsibilities of the second safety operator during Uber's initial tests?

Both A and C. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue observed in Uber's test vehicles as of March 2018?

Passengers frequently experienced sudden braking. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did Uber face when trying to eliminate false positives in their autonomous vehicles?

A rise in false negatives that could overlook dangers. Signup and view all the answers

When did Uber start offering self-driving car pickups in San Francisco, and what was the outcome?

December 2016; the experiment was stopped after one week. Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in Uber's safety strategy in Fall 2017 regarding safety operators?

Eliminated the second safety operator due to alertness concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common cause of the 'bad experiences' reported by passengers in Uber's autonomous vehicles?

Frequent unnecessary braking events. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to Uber's decision to open an R&D center in Pittsburgh?

To catch up with competitors like Tesla and Waymo. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major problem encountered by autonomous vehicles in identifying dangers?

False positives from harmless objects like litter. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 8: Computer Reliability

Computers are essential in modern communication, transportation, retail, banking, finance, and healthcare systems
Correct computer function saves time, money, and boosts productivity
Computer failures can cause lost time, money, injuries, or even death
Studying computer failures helps understand the complexity of building reliable computerized systems
Computer simulations are an increasingly important area of study
Software engineering is a high-level overview of computer systems

8.1 Introduction

Computers are integral to modern systems, improving efficiency across many sectors
Failures can result in substantial negative consequences, including financial loss, injuries, and even fatalities

8.2 Data-Entry or Data-Retrieval Errors

Computerized systems can fail due to incorrect data input
Incorrect data interpretations during retrieval can also lead to failures
Errors can have numerous consequences, such as voter disenfranchisement

8.3 Software and Billing Errors

Software errors can cause issues even with accurate input, highlighting the need for proper programming
Examples include incorrect billing statements, faulty USDA beef price reports, and misspelling errors in error-checking software

8.4 Notable Software System Failures

Specific examples of significant software failures are detailed, such as the Patriot Missile failure in the 1991 Gulf War
The Patriot Missile's malfunction led to errors in targeting, resulting in casualties
The AT&T long-distance network failure, due to a single line of erroneous code, disrupted communications for millions.
BAE system for Denver International Airport faced problems due to timeline issues and complexity, delaying the airport's opening

8.5 Therac-25

The Therac-25, a radiation therapy machine, had significant software issues.
Multiple severe radiation overdoses and deaths were directly linked to software errors in reused code
The problems stemmed from race conditions in the software, affecting the control of the electron beam gun

8.6 Tesla Version 7.0 (Autopilot)

Tesla's Autopilot system, introduced in 2015, aimed to improve self-driving capabilities.
Initial introduction of the software created issues such as braking issues and misidentification of potential dangers that should have had an alert mechanism

8.7 Uber Test-Vehicle Accident

Uber faced issues with its self-driving car technology
Initial tests and development caused significant problems with the self-driving cars
Issues with the testing and development resulted in many safety concerns and ultimately cost many people/companies time and money

8.8 Computer Simulations

Simulations are beneficial for experiments that are too expensive, unethical, or impossible to conduct physically
Simulations are used for modeling past events, understanding complex systems, and predicting future events
Simulations play a crucial role in many areas, including predicting hurricanes, crash testing automobiles, and validating mathematical models.

8.9 Software Engineering

Software engineering is a systematic approach to developing high-quality software
Key phases include specification, development, and validation (testing)
Software quality is improving, with a higher percentage of IT projects now being completed on time and within budget

8.10 Software Warranties and Vendor Liability

Software warranties vary, with some companies providing minimal guarantees, such as a money-back guarantee, but not accepting liability for potential harm caused by software use
Courts have been hesitant to treat software as a tangible product

Additional Topics

Gender Bias in Software Design: Unconscious gender bias can affect important design decisions in male-dominated fields, impacting the usability and effectiveness of technology for women and pregnant women.
Bias in Artificial Intelligence: AI systems trained with biased data sets can produce biased outcomes, impacting performance and causing inaccurate identification or mislabeling of people or objects.

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Description

Explore the crucial role of computer reliability in various modern systems through this quiz. Understand how failures impact sectors like finance and healthcare, and learn about the importance of accurate data handling. This chapter focuses on the complexity of building dependable computerized systems and the implications of errors.