Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
the fact that school boards and many teachers are themselves not fully computer
literate may be causative factors.
Embedded Software
One of the major subindustries of the software world is that of embedded software
within physical devices. Some of the more important forms of embedded software
applications include software in medical devices, software that controls automo-
bile engines, avionics software that controls aircraft during flight, and hundreds
of embedded applications in consumer products ranging from televisions to tele-
scopes.
There are probably more embedded applications installed than any other known
form of software. This is because some embedded applications are used in millions
of physical devices. As an example, almost every modern automobile now uses
embedded software for antilock brakes, and many also use embedded software for
fuel injection. Millions of “smart” appliances such as television sets, washing ma-
chines, microwave ovens, and even alarm clocks and wristwatches now are con-
trolled by embedded applications. In industrialized countries, an average college-
educated white-collar worker probably uses at least 50 embedded devices on a
daily basis, often without even knowing it. If we have medical problems, such as
deafness or a heart malfunction, embedded devices may be implanted in our bod-
ies. Over the past 35 years, embedded devices have been used in almost every kind
of modern appliance and piece of complex mechanical equipment.
The widespread use of embedded devices is not without new and modern prob-
lems. Lawsuits have been filed due to brake failures or unintended automotive ac-
celeration. When a computer-controlled device breaks, it is no longer possible to
make repairs; instead, it is now necessary to swap the defective embedded device
for a new one, often at considerable expense.
A final problem based on our recent dependence on embedded devices is that
some can be hacked or accessed remotely by cybercriminals. Worse, an electro-
magnetic pulse (EMP) caused by a nuclear explosion, and possibly by strong solar
storms, can shut down or damage embedded devices, possibly beyond repair.
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