SDD 9.1.1 Social and Ethical Issues

One use of serial numbers on computer software is to combat

• plagiarism

• decompilation

• software piracy

• reverse engineering

Answer explanation

Serial numbers on computer software are used to combat software piracy, which involves unauthorized distribution or use of software. This helps prevent illegal copying and distribution of software products.

Which of the following is most effective in preventing software piracy?

• Using a site licence

• Using an encryption key

• Making a file ‘Read-only’

• Providing source code instead of compiled code

Answer explanation

Using an encryption key is most effective in preventing software piracy as it adds a layer of security to the software, making it harder for unauthorized users to access or copy it.

Which of the following is TRUE of the Millennium Bug?

• It was a virus, as it affected software worldwide.

• It was a logic error, resulting in inappropriate calculations.

• It was caused by an inappropriate data structure, requiring a lot of software to be updated.

• It was malware, introduced by programmers who were later employed to fix the problem they had created.

Answer explanation

The Millennium Bug was caused by an inappropriate data structure, requiring a lot of software to be updated.

A user pays for and installs a software package with a single-user licence.

Later, the user pays for and installs an upgrade to the package.

What is the user allowed to do with the original version?

• Sell it

• Archive it onto personal storage

• Give it away but not sell it

• Use it on a different computer

Answer explanation

The user is allowed to archive the original version onto personal storage after paying for and installing an upgrade to the software package.

Some children under the age of 18 are participating in a multiplayer web-based game intended for adults.

What issue does this raise?

• User privacy

• Cyber safety

• Data security

• Intellectual property

Answer explanation

The issue raised by children under 18 participating in an adult multiplayer web-based game is cyber safety, as they may be exposed to inappropriate content or interactions not suitable for their age group.

Which of the following is an ergonomic consideration in software design?

• The placement of screen icons

• The provision of back supports

• The height adjustability of the screen

• The backward compatibility of the software

Answer explanation

The placement of screen icons is an ergonomic consideration in software design as it affects user comfort and efficiency.

Which of the following statements about decompilation is true?

• It is a manual process.

• It does not produce meaningful identifiers.

• It uses reverse engineering as one of its processes.

• It produces an exact copy of the original source code.

Answer explanation

The correct statement about decompilation is that it does not produce meaningful identifiers.

It is legal to copy software and sell the copies if

• copyright is acknowledged.

• the software is open source.

• the software has been paid for.

• the licence specifies that this is allowed.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'the licence specifies that this is allowed.' This is the only condition under which copying software and selling the copies would be legal.

How can the inclusivity of a computer program be enhanced?

• By replacing password characters with asterisks

• By providing a range of methods for inputting data

• By providing all the necessary library routines in a single DLL

• By ensuring that all sources have been included in the acknowledgements

Answer explanation

By providing a range of methods for inputting data

A developer applies reverse engineering to a piece of software.

What is the developer trying to achieve?

• To revert to a previous version

• To retrieve the original source code

• To understand how the software works

• To ensure compatibility with older versions

Answer explanation

The developer is trying to understand how the software works by applying reverse engineering.