a) A computer interface for a Kawai digital studio piano has eight microswitches that can be set in either the "on" or "off" position. These switches must be set properly for the interface to work. In how many different ways can this group of switches be set?

b) If it takes two minutes to set the switches and test to see if the interface is working properly, what is the longest possible time that it would take to find the proper settings by trial and error?

c) What are some other real-world examples that you can develop that are similar to the ones above?