Top 10 Costliest Software Bugs

These software bugs drained billions in less than 60 seconds because one person made a mistake when writing the superscripts.

1. Mars Climate Orbiter Crashes

The contractor who was given the responsibility of planning the navigation system got the specifications from NASA but instead of using the metric system, he carried out measurements using imperial units. What happened was that the space craft crashed into Mars and over 125 million dollars were lost.

2. Ariane 5 Flight 501

The engine of this satellite was much faster than that of the previous models but it had a software bug that went unnoticed. The satellite was launched and after 36.7 seconds, it self destructed and turned into a magnificent ball of fire. While the satellite’s cost was estimated at 8 billion dollars, it was also carrying payload worth 500 million dollars when it disintegrated.

3. EDS Fails Child Support

About 6 years back, EDS created an IT system that was quite complex and presented it to the CSA or the Child Support Agency in U.K. The software was not compatible with the restructure initiated by the DWP which caused many errors. The cost has been estimated at 1 billion dollars till date.

4. Soviet Gas Pipeline Explosion

In 1982, the CIA claimed that the Soviet Union was in the process of stealing important U.S. technology. The CIA then introduced a software bug into the system which would work in such a way that while it would not allow operation to be carried out, it would go through inspection without any problems. The explosion that followed will never be forgotten.

5. Black Monday

In 1987, certain investigation caused the bull market to come to screeching halt. The investigation affected certain stocks whose investors decided to dump them. The computer triggers were kicked into motion which destroyed certain systems. The market value fell rapidly and there was no choice but to liquidate the stocks.

6. Therac-25 Medical Accelerator

This device was built for radiation therapy by the AECL and CGR in France. Unfortunately, the Operation System was designed and planned by an under-experienced programmer. The power of the electron beam reached such a high power that it lead to the death of 5 patients and injured the rest for the rest of their lives.

7. Multidata Systems

Multidata System International designed a software which would help them calculate the radiation dosage for each patient. Such softwares have certain limitations which the doctors tried to remove by ‘tricking’ the system. The software then started recommending double the dosage needed by the patient. Fixing the software and compensating the injured patients was expensive- to say the least.

8. Patriot Missile Bug

A Missile System was installed in 1991 during the Gulf War for the purpose of protecting certain groups from missile attacks fired by the Iraqi troops. However, a software bug did not calculate the time correctly because of which some targets were ignored. Needless to say, the money which was invested in the system was lost and about 100 people died.

9. An Almost World War III

A Soviet Union satellite created panic by interpreting some reflections as missiles launched by the United States. Protocol required the Soviet Union to launch nuclear arsenal towards the US. Thankfully, Lt. Col. Stanislav Petrov realized that there was some mistake and prevented the initiation of another world war.

10. Mariner I Space Probe

When a programmer was entering a navigation computer code, he made the mistake of omitting one superscript bar. The computer lost control while trying to fix the ‘errors’ during the launching period. After 237 seconds, Mission Control realized the mistake and destroyed it. Over 18.2 million dollars were lost.

Top 10 Revolutionary Domestic Technologies

Our world now is heavily depended on these machines even for the basic functions of our daily life. They have become a necessity from the luxuries in history. Here are some which changed our lives and made it easier.

1. Telephone

Who can live without a telephone? Mr. Bell’s invention can be held responsible for making the world a smaller place. Since its introduction in the late 19^th century, it has brought our loved ones closer and now help is just a call away.

2. Television

This wooden box proved everyone wrong. By 1930’s it had the America glued to its screen. It is now sitting in nearly every household around the world. The best friend of a child and the medium of the any government to reach to its people. It is also the easiest medium of transfer of information after the internet.

3. Refrigerator

The ‘Fridge’ is the compilation of many inventors. For millennia’s we have tried to preserve our food just to survive. Now we can do it easily in our kitchen. With increasingly new cheaper and efficient models, we now see this appliance in every corner of the world.

4. Solar Power

Tapping the most abundant energy, this technology can provide energy in form of heat or electricity to the most rural regions in the world. It also helps to cut back the harmful emissions in these critical times of environment degradation.

5. Barbeque grill

Not a western product as people think but a tradition in every society from ancient times. These grills can come in different sizes and designs around the world. Barbeques in this hectic world are the perfect outdoor get together for families and friends to celebrate any occasion.

6. Vacuum cleaner

Dusting a home was a difficult task. With the modern vacuum cleaners one can simply suck the dust and even liquids off the carpet. Till 1940’s, vacuum cleaners were considered a luxury, now it is one of the most necessary domestic item. A clean home is everyone’s dream and this appliance makes it come true.

7. Electric Iron

To look good in social gatherings is always in the back of our heads. We cannot go to the office or for a date in a crumpled shirt now can we? From the days of heavy fuel based irons to modern electric irons, it has only gotten better.

8. Washing machine

This appliance has made scrubbing in the sun or in the numbing cold a thing of the past. Earlier models had to wash, rinse and dry the clothes separately. Also the problem of some types of cloth materials which could not be trusted to these rough machines. Increasingly automated nowadays all we do is put in the dirty laundry, programme it according to the requirement and take it out dry and fresh.

9. Microwave oven

Percy Spencer, an engineer, discovered the concept of the microwave by accident in 1945. Earliest models were energy consuming and large in size. Since then, ovens have gotten smaller, lighter and more efficient. For many of those who do not how to cook, it is a lifesaver.

10. Dish washer

William H. Livens in 1924 gave the modern design of the dishwasher. This helpful appliance was at first hand-powered. Since then the problems of corrosion, sanitation and efficiency were solved one by one. By 1970’s it was common sight in the American households and restaurants.