Part V - Computer Reliability and Ethics

Question 1

Recite a few software engineering disasters

Answer 1

Therac-25, Morris worm, iCloud leak

Question 2

Explain the importance of a disaster recovery plan.

Answer 2

Because in the event a disaster occurs, it will help handle it, and get everything back under control.

Question 3

Recognize data errors, how to recover from them, and how to guard against them in system design and development.

Answer 3

Recognize data error by using corroborating evidence

Basic input checking is one key way to help verify integrity of data when it is entered into a system.

Once inaccurate data is in a system, it is difficult to detect and possibly impossible to fix.

Question 4

Recognize billing errors, how to recover from them, and how to guard against them in system design and development.

Answer 4

Find billing error by cross referencing, or finding corroborating evidence.

Recover by finding the root of the error

Guard against them by checking the data, using redundancy and diversity

Question 5

What are your obligations when providing software, be it freeware, shareware or open source?

Answer 5

Normally, specify an “as is” warranty in the copyright information. Investigate the licensing options to protect your intellectual
property and software ownership:

Question 6

What are the Eight Principles of the Code of Ethics and Professional Practices

Answer 6

Public
Product
Profession
Colleagues
Client & Employer
Management
Self
Judgement

Question 7

Describe the Public principle:

Answer 7

Be truthful and act in the best interest of the public

Question 8

Describe the client & employer principle

Answer 8

It means work in the best interest of your employer. Tell the truth, use software that is obtained legally, keep confidential information private, if you think the project will fail, collect evidence of why it will, and show the employer. Report issues.

Question 9

Describe the product principle

Answer 9

Ensure the products created are of the highest quality possible. Choose achievable goals. Identify, define and address ethical, economic, cultural, legal and environmental issues related to work projects. Fully understand the requirements of the product. Satisfy the user’s requirements, document everything well.

Basically create a well rounded, tested, dependable, quality product that is the best you can create.

Question 10

Describe the judgement principle

Answer 10

Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

Question 11

Describe the management principle

Answer 11

Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance

Ensure that software engineers are informed of standards before being held to them.

Assign work only after taking into account appropriate contributions of education and experience tempered with a desire to further that education and experience.

Implement effective procedures for promotion of quality and reduction of risk.

Basically, be fair, be truthful, do a good job.

Question 12

Describe the profession principle

Answer 12

Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the software engineering profession consistent with the public interest

Question 13

Describe the colleagues principle

Answer 13

Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.

Question 14

Describe the self principle

Answer 14

Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.