Question 1

Which of these problems was not encountered by BAE as it tried to install an automated baggage handling system at Denver International Airport?

Accepted Answer

BAE encountered all of these problems and more during the installation of the automated baggage handling system at Denver International Airport, leading to significant delays and issues.

Question 2

The process of determining if a model is an accurate representation of the real system is called

Accepted Answer

The process of determining if a model is an accurate representation of the real system is called validation. Verification, on the other hand, is the process of determining whether a model meets its specified requirements or not. The null hypothesis is a statistical hypothesis that assumes that there is no significant difference between two sets of data. Software engineering and synthesis are not directly related to the process of determining the accuracy of a model.

Question 3

Computers that process data from sensors as events occur are called

Accepted Answer

Real-time systems are designed to process incoming data and events as they occur, without delay, making them well-suited for applications such as sensor monitoring and control systems. Distributed computers involve multiple independent systems working together, event-driven simulations are computer programs that simulate events and their outcomes, pseudo-sensory systems are not a recognized term, and time-activated systems involve actions that occur at specific pre-set times.

Question 4

By making the PDP 11 minicomputer an integral part of the Therac-25, AECL was able to

Accepted Answer

By integrating the PDP 11 into the Therac-25, AECL could rely on software safety features, which are typically less expensive than hardware safety features, to reduce costs. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that the integration of the PDP 11 affected the size of the machine or the need for lead shielding. The increase in the stock price of Digital Equipment Corporation, while it may have been a benefit of the integration, was not a primary factor in the decision-making process.

Question 5

The Patriot missile system

Accepted Answer

The Patriot missile system was indeed designed to shoot down airplanes and also adapted for intercepting ballistic missiles. It failed to shoot down a Scud missile during the Gulf War, resulting in the death of 28 U.S. soldiers. This failure was attributed to a computer error related to the system's internal clock, which had been left running too long, causing inaccuracies in tracking the incoming missile.

Question 6

The Ariane 5 satellite launch vehicle failed because

Accepted Answer

The failure of the Ariane 5 rocket was due to a software error in the inertial reference system, which caused it to try to adjust to a non-existent velocity resulting in an unexpected system failure. This error was caused because the software used for the Ariane 5 was adapted from the Ariane 4 without sufficient modifications.

Question 7

A computer used as a component of a larger system is called

Accepted Answer

An embedded system is a computer system used as a component of a larger system or product, such as a car or a medical device. The purpose of an embedded system is to perform a specific task, and it is typically designed to be small, efficient, and reliable. Mainframe computers, networks, operating systems, and personal computers may be part of larger systems, but they are not specifically designed to be embedded.

Question 8

The discipline focused on the production of software, as well as the development of tools, methodologies, and theories supporting software production, is most accurately called

Accepted Answer

The discipline focused on the production of software, as well as the development of tools, methodologies, and theories supporting software production is software engineering. It involves applying engineering principles to software development, including designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software. It is different from computer science, which focuses on the theoretical and mathematical aspects of software and hardware, and computer engineering, which combines computer science and electrical engineering to design and develop computer hardware and software systems. Artificial intelligence and software simulation can be aspects or applications of software engineering, but they do not encompass the entire discipline.

Question 9

Which of these statements about the National Crime Information Center NCIC) is true?

Accepted Answer

The NCIC databases contain approximately 40 million records. B) and C) are false statements. D) The Department of Homeland Security is not in charge of the NCIC; it is managed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Question 10

Some computer experts have spoken out against the conversion to touch-screen voting machines because

Accepted Answer

The fact that touch-screen voting machines do not have a paper audit trail is a major concern for computer experts as it makes it difficult (if not impossible) to verify the accuracy of vote counts and detect potential tampering. The other options listed are either incorrect or less significant compared to the lack of paper audit trails.

Question 11

Computer simulations can

Accepted Answer

Computer simulations can be used to create virtual prototypes of cars, which can save automobile manufacturers time and money during the development stage. However, they cannot accurately predict the weather a month in advance nor can they prove our planet is overpopulated.

Question 12

The AT&T long-distance network did not collapse entirely on January 15, 1990, because

Accepted Answer

The answer of The AT&T long-distance network did not collapse...

Question 13

Mizuho Securities lost $225 million when

Accepted Answer

The answer of Mizuho Securities lost $225 million when
...

Question 14

Which mistake was not made by AECL, the manufacturer of the Therac-25?

Accepted Answer

AECL did not continue to sell the Therac-25 after the FDA declared it to be defective.

Question 15

The Mars Climate Orbiter crashed on the surface of Mars because

Accepted Answer

The Mars Climate Orbiter crashed on the surface of Mars because there was a mismatch between the units of measurement used by the spacecraft's navigation team and the team building the spacecraft. One team used the metric system of newtons to measure thrust, while the other used the imperial system of foot-pounds. This caused the spacecraft to enter Mars' atmosphere too low and ultimately burn up or crash.

Quiz 8: Computer Reliability