HSC SDD Exam Questions

2008 Q21

• Allows people to see code behind software.

• Software designers work hard on designing software, Reverse engineering is a process which allows people to determine the code that is behind the software, which effects the rights of the designer by allowing developers to copy code which is protected legally under intellectual property laws. Reverse engineering gives the user the opportunity to break IP laws by copying/stealing the code.

• Access to software .This needs to be considered within the design of the software to ensure that it is accessible for all users. For example, for users that are of a language background other than English, the designers need to consider the use of universal or non-literary clues within the design of the navigation of the software.

• ii) Designers have responsibility for the software that is developed for the tax office. In this scenario, the most important responsibilities are those of quality, reliability and response to problems. This is highly important in this scenario, as the users will be held liable for any mistakes that are made within the process. Quality is important, as if data is lost then this will effect the final outcome of the tax return. All data in the back end needs to be appropriately dealt with. For example, if a tax receipt was filed under a certain category, and this category was not included, then this can effect the final outcome. Reliability is important, because the program needs to work as there is no other option for people to put in their tax returns. People need to be able to access the help files, for example, regardless of the type of computer system that they are running, or other software. Response to problems needs to be quicker than normal, as there is a time limit on the submission of responses, there is a real punishment for users that do not do this, and there is no other option for users to perform this task. This means that if there is a problem, it needs to be dealt with very quickly.