ABSTRACT
The operating system is software which controls the execution of computer programs and which may provide scheduling, debugging, input/output control, accounting, compilation, data management, and related services. There are so many operating systems for microcomputers on the market today that it can be very confusing when trying to decide if a particular computer will run a particular program. This chapter provides guidelines to assist the user in selecting appropriate software based on the experience of software consultants who have viewed a wide range of applications. The issue of reliability of engineering software is an important one. A program's reliability must be measured by the deviation of its test results from those of an independent source. A panel discussion on Quality Assurance for Engineering Software that was held at the 1983 ASME International Computers in Engineering Conference. To avoid inaccurate results from engineering programs, government agencies, technical societies, and companies are active in the production of guidelines and standards for verification.
