What are computer ethics?
A set of principles set out to regulate the use of computers.
What do computer ethics cover?
Intellectual property rights e.g. copying software without permission from the owner.
Privacy issues e.g. hacking or illegal access to personal data
Effects of computers on society e.g. job losses
What are ethical issues that should be considered when using computers?
- We should follow copyright laws
- We shouldn’t create or distribute malware
- We should protect our own computers from malware
- We shouldn’t hack or crack other people’s computers
- The loss or creation of jobs when using computers
- We should consider privacy issues when using social media.
What is plagiarism?
When a person takes another person’s idea/work and claims it as their own.
Describe free software (4 points)
- It can be copied, adapted, shared (with friends, family) and amended without permission.
- Not subject to copyright laws.
- Distributed with the source code. Source code can be studied and modified.
- Can be used without restrictions
Describe freeware
- Is downloaded from the internet free of charge
- No fees associated with using the software
- Subject to copyright laws
- User cannot study or modify source code. Provided without it
What is needed if someone is to share, copy or modify freeware?
Owner’s permission
What is shareware?
Subject to usual copyright laws.
Users allowed to try out software free of charge for a trial period. Some of the features of the full version are absent here.
At the end of the trial period, you need to pay a fee to continue using the software.
