Information Technology INT1001

Lecture 11 Ethical, Legal & Social Issues in IT

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Computers Are Your Future

Tenth Edition Chapter 1: Computers & You

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Ethics

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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

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.

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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

An act is considered ethical if:

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.

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Computers, Society, & You

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.

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

Computer Ethics for Computer Users

The acceptableuse policy is a set of rules to be followed when using computers at school or a place of business.

Copyright 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

Computer Ethics for Computer Users

Rules for using school or business computers:

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

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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

Rules for using school or business computers (continued):

Respect academic integrity

Cite text copied from the Internet Obtain permission to use pictures from the Internet Refrain from misusing software

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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

Ten Commandments for Computer EthicsBackground

Developed by the Computer Ethics Institute of the Brookings Institution Applicable for computer programmers, system designers, and all computer users

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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

The Ten Commandments include:

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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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

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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Computer Ethics for Computer Users

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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Computer Ethics for Organizations

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.
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Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals

Professionals should follow a code of professional ethics. Many professional groups develop codes of conduct for their members to follow.

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Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals

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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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

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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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

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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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

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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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

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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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

Public domain software

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

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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

General Public License (GPL)

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.
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Its Not Just Unethical, Its Illegal Too

Sharing copyrighted files is illegal.

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, Society, & You

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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Computers, Society, & You

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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Computers, Society, & You

When using computer hardware:

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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Computers, Society, & You

Stay informed about advances in computer technology.

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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Computers, Society, & You

Ergonomics Computer-related Repetitive Stress Injury

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tendonitis

Computer Vision Syndrome Computer Addiction Green Computing

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What Youve Learned

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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What Youve Learned

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.
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What Youve Learned

Computer users should be responsible and concerned about the effects of their computer actions on others and the environment.

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