Myths of dependable computing: shooting the straw herrings in midstream

The author considers a variety of truths and fallacies relating to the development and use of systems with stringent requirements such as reliability, security, safety, and high assurance. Statements are outlined that are representative of common myths relating to computer system development and operation. In the first five sets of myths considered, each myth may have considerable truth associated with it in the context of conventionally designed systems, but is not necessarily true if systems are intelligently designed, developed, and operated with the explicit goal of avoiding the fallacies inherent in the myth. The myths illustrate concepts that are true under certain short-term conditions, but may not be justifiable when considered from a more global perspective