comp730:MeAndYou Project Reliability

1. Introduction
Reliability is the ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. Reliability requirements include, for example, an acceptable mean time to failure and the ability to detect specified faults or to withstand specified security attacks. More recently, this category is often replaced by dependability, which is the property of a computer system such that reliance can justifiably be placed on the service it delivers. Dependability includes reliability, robustness (the degree to which a system or component can function correctly in the presence of invalid inputs or stressful environment conditions), and safety (a measure of the absence of catastrophic consequences to the environment).