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Ethical, Legal & Social Issues in Information Technlogy
Ethical, Legal & Social Issues in Information Technlogy
Ethics
An ethical principle is the justification used to determine whether a rule or act is morally right or wrong. Computer ethics take basic ethical principles and apply them to daily computer use.
Society would benefit if everyone acted in the same manner. It treats people as an end rather than a means to an end. Impartial observers would rate it as fair to all concerned parties.
Computer ethics involve moral dilemmas relating to computer usage. Unethical behavior includes sending viruses, stealing credit card information, computer stalking, and installing illegitimate copies of software on computers.
The acceptableuse policy is a set of rules to be followed when using computers at school or a place of business.
Respect yourself
Respect others
Never give account passwords to others Never use the Internet in a manner that may reflect badly on you Share computer resources Act professionally
Cite text copied from the Internet Obtain permission to use pictures from the Internet Refrain from misusing software
Developed by the Computer Ethics Institute of the Brookings Institution Applicable for computer programmers, system designers, and all computer users
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Not using computers to hurt or interfere with computer work of others Not looking at others files or using the computer to steal from or lie about others Not using or copying proprietary software that was not purchased by the user Not using others computer resources or intellectual property without authorization
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Netiquette
A series of guidelines to be followed when using the Internet Results in a more respectful environment Use with discussion forums and e-mail and instant messages
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While psychologists do not agree regarding the effects of playing violent computer video games, the fact is that computer video games are becoming more violent.
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Although common, employees should not conduct personal business on their computers while at work. Businesses and organizations have an obligation to protect their data from being lost or damaged and from inaccuracies and misuse.
Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 14
Professionals should follow a code of professional ethics. Many professional groups develop codes of conduct for their members to follow.
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The most important goals at the heart of each code of ethics for computer professionals should be to ensure that human life is protected and to safeguard others from harm or injury.
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Plagiarism
Is the use of anothers ideas, writings, or intellectual property without his or her permission Is unethical and illegal Has existed for a long time Is now easier, and therefore more tempting, because of the Internet
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Copyright infringement occurs when copyrighted material is plagiarized. The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material for research, education, and commentary.
Use brief selection May not compromise the commercial value of the original work
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Libel
The publication of untrue assertions about a person or entity that results in injury to the person or entity. Ease of computer use makes it ripe for libel. Posting a document on the Internet is publishing it. Ensure that anything you publish is true.
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Software piracy: Copying or distributing copyrighted software. Users purchase a software license.
The license grants that user the right to back up and install the software. Software may only be used on one machine at a time. Making copies for others is illegal.
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Free to users May be copied and modified without any legal repercussions Users may use freely during a trial period. Users must buy the software to continue use.
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Shareware
Under the auspices of the Free Software Foundation Users may copy, use, and modify freely as long as software
Site license: A contract that permits an entity to install software on multiple computers at a reduced cost.
Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 22
Includes music and movies May result in fines or jail terms Does not matter whether user is downloading the copyrighted files for his or her own use or uploading the files to share with others
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Computers provide disabled and disadvantaged people with added support and opportunities. E-learning, through the use of computers, allows students to learn without requiring them to be at a specific location at a specific time.
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Being a responsible computer user starts with understanding how ones manner of computer use affects others. Be aware of e-waste and the proper disposal of outdated computer hardware.
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Do not plug too many devices into electrical outlets. Use surge protectors. Place hardware where it cant fall or be damaged. Provide adequate space for air circulation around hardware. Securely fasten computer cables, cords, and wires.
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Upgrading software will ensure that users have the latest software features. Staying informed can help users protect themselves from computer viruses.
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A computer is a device that can perform the information-processing cycle: input, processing, output, and storage. A computer system is made up of hardware and software.
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Some form of risk exists when using computer hardware and software. Computers can be misused or used as a benefit. Computer ethics guide how a computer should be used. Computers are causing a shift in employment, creating new job opportunities at the same time.
Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall 30
Computer users should be responsible and concerned about the effects of their computer actions on others and the environment.
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