English grammar refresher

[katster]

The software contains user and group management and error tracking.

Is that punctuated correctly? I think it is, but my English grammar fu is failing me this morning.

Comments

[macklinr.livejournal.com]

Awkward, but yeah. Honestly, this would be better:

The software contains user management, group management and error tracking.
(Though I use AP style. If you use Chicago:)
The software contains user management, group management, and error tracking.

Multiple "ands" sounds clunky and looks off in almost every situation. If you can't change the language, I might also advise:
The software contains user & group management and error tracking.

[ceemage.livejournal.com]

Without re-writing, I would go for:

The software contains user- and group-management and error tracking.

But yeah, it's fugly either way.

[crossfire.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's right, but you're running afoul of cognitive issues with nesting your and's. Simple reversal of terms will clarify:

"The software contains error tracking and user and group management."

[lirazel.livejournal.com]

Or even, "The software includes/ gives administrators tooks for/ user management, group management, and error tracking." Or, "With this software, authorized users can track errors and manage both user and group (what--access? identity? permissions?)

Because except in very specific circumstances, software isn't a container of anything.