Authors: Baskerville, R. Date: 1990 Title: “Desktop Systems: More Power, Less Safety” Journal: Desktop Information Technology: Organizational Worklife in the 1990's Pages: 311-329 |
| desktop computing, information system, desktop systems, universal microcomputing education |
| Mature microcomputer experience is revealing a fundamental, problem underlying technological progress in desktop computing: human expertise cannot keep pace with the rise in computing power. A secure information system is thought to be one which does not invoke the "concern" of its community, while an integumentarily safe information system connotes one which is "free from maladies". The recent onslaught of microprocessor advances has suddenly catapulted the body of desktop computer knowledge far beyond the reach of the "universal microcomputing education" available to desktop users. Problems arise when a mainframe software package is marketed to desktop users with the expectation that a large degree of prerequisite professional technical skills and education is necessary for proper operation as was available in the mainframe environment. Utilities intended to make these packages usable on desktop systems increase the likelihood that the package is operable within the desktop computer end-user community; however the question remains as to whether such software can be used safely. Case study experience illustrates the problem of safety in powerful desktop computer software. Analysis of the case suggests possible technical and managerial solutions. |