Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
apparently with some nice features, so you upgrade. Some
time later, you discover that the new version contains a
previously unreported error, making your recent work
wrong. Whom do you believe should be legally liable for
any damages arising from your incorrect work?
c.
Does your answer to part b change if the software down
loads upgrades automatically—without asking you first?
d.
In part c, does your answer change if your license agree
ment for your original software explicitly states that the
software vendor is not liable for damages? Discuss how
such licensing terms might muddy liability rules.
■
Exercises
1. a.
Of the terms listed as “Terminology from This Chapter,”
identify those that relate to steps involved in using a com
puter to help solve a problem. That is, indicate the names
of the steps that are typically followed in problem solving
using a computer.
b.
Give a careful definition of each of the terms in part a.
c.
Suppose you are asked to cook a dinner for a group of
friends. For each of the steps in parts a (or b), indicate
if the step also would have a counterpart in your plan
ning and cooking the dinner. In each case, explain your
conclusion.
d.
Define any other “Terminology from This Chapter” not
covered in part b.
e.
Do the terms of part d have any counterpart in cooking the
dinner for your friends?
2.
Consider a problem that you recently encountered. If you
have used computers recently, choose a problem for which
the computer was part of the solution. Otherwise, choose a
problem from a field of science, engineering, or mathematics
(e.g., a physics, chemistry, mathematics, or computer science
problem).
a.
How aware were you of the problemsolving process in ap
proaching the problem?
