5. Computer Ethics

Question 1

Free software

Answer 1

Software that comes with permission for anyone to use, copy and/or distribute, with modifications

• an open source software (source code is given to the user)
• not always free of charge
  eg. Mozilla Firefox

Question 2

Freeware

Answer 2

Software that is available for free

• closed-source software (cannot see source code)
• not allowed to sell it
• may have limited functionality / usable for limited time
• modifications are NOT allowed
  eg. Skype, Google Chrome, Adobe Acrobat Reader

Question 3

Shareware

Answer 3

Software that is provided initially free on a trial basis

• NO modifications allowed
• NO source code available
• trial versions can be shared
• software is copyright
  eg. WinZip

Question 4

Copyright

Answer 4

The right to control who can copy an item, eg. an intellectual or creative product

Question 5

Plagiarism

Answer 5

The taking of somebody’s words or other intellectual property, and claiming that it was created by the “taker”

Question 6

Black hat hackers (crackers)

Answer 6

Black hat hackers work in secret to break into computer systems. They might make changes to the data or make copies of the data. They are usually breaking the law.

Question 7

White hat hackers

Answer 7

White hat hackers have permission to work with computer systems. Sometimes employed to test the security system. If they find a problem, they will report it to the owners of the system so that it can be fixed.

Question 8

Grey hat hackers

Answer 8

Grey hat hackers may work without permission, but they may not do any damage. They may let the owners of the system know if they find a problem. However, they are often breaking the law.

Question 9

Malware

Answer 9

Software that can damage the computer system or delete data

Question 10

Computer ethics

Answer 10

Set of principles that regulates the use of computers in everyday life. This covers intellectual property rights, privacy issues and the effects of computers on society in general.

Question 11

7 ethical issues that should be considered when using computers

Answer 11

1. That we should follow Copyright laws/intellectual property rights/work should not be
   stolen/plagiarised
2. That we should follow Data Protection laws
3. That we should not create or distribute malware
4. That we should not hack/crack other computers
5. That we should protect our own computers against malware/hacking
6. That we should consider privacy issues (when using social networking)
7. That we consider anonymity issues (when using social networking)

Question 12

8 reasons why ethics are important when using computers

Answer 12

1. helps stop the misuse of computers
2. the use of computers needs to be governed
3. helps keep users safe when using computers
4. provides rules for using computers
5. helps stop intellectual property theft
6. helps prevent the misuse of personal information
7. reference to laws (eg. Data Protection laws)
8. reference to security issues (eg. hacking, spyware etc.)