Why is Software Even Important?

In recent years the capabilities of computer technology have increased manifold
- however, the software programs that control the computers have not been able to match the pace of advances in hardware
Software is permeating our society
- software is used to control critical functions of various machines such as aircrafts, pacemakers, and other medical devices
Software errors have led to loss of time, money, human life
- cancer patients received lethal doses of radiation from Therac-25
- ESA’s Ariane 5 space rocket blown up 37 seconds after launch
- a computer error in AT&T’s communication system led to the shutdown of all three major airports in the New York region