what are the three main areas of legislation that needs to be understood
The Data Protection Act 2018
The Computer Misuse Act 1990
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
what are the six principles of the Data Protection Act that govern how data must be stored or processed?
Data must be …
1. Fairly and lawfully processed
2. Used for specific purposes only
3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
4. Accurate and up-to-date
5. Not be kept longer than necessary
6. Kept secure
What are the rights of the data subject?
- Know what information is being stored
- Know how the data is being processed
- Ask for it to be removed or deleted or updated
- Ask the company or organisation for records related to the data subject (SAR - Subject Access Request)
What are the three offences recognised by the Computer Misuse Act 1990? What else is illegal?
- Unauthorised access to computer material
- Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime
- Unauthorised modification of computer material.
Also illegal to make, supply, or obtain anything which can be used in computer misuse offences, including the production and distribution of malware.
What works are included under the copyrights, designs and patents act 1988?
books, music, images, videos or software
What is a software license?
A contract between the user and the developer or owner that grants permission to use software under given conditions.
What conditions can be applied to a software license?
Time period or further limitations such as non-commercial use only
What is open-source software?
Licensed software that is free to use, where the source code can be viewed and edited. Any derivatives of the work must also be made available (open) to others with the source code.
What is proprietary software?
Software created and sold with a charge by companies in the form of a license. You do not own the software or its copyright, only a license to use it. You will not get access to the source code to modify the software and the licenses are commonly limited by the number of users.
Example of open-source software
Linux
Python
Firefox
Example of proprietary software
Microsoft Office
MacOS
Microsoft Windows
What is freeware?
Freeware is free software but will require a licence, commonly restricting its use and distribution. “Free proprietary software”
Advantages of using open-source license to distribute software
- free, hence helps people afford it and be more willing to buy
- gain traction and reputation
- greater number of users
- profit from advertising (?)
- other programmers can improve his software
Advantages of using proprietary license to distribute software
- gain income from charging software usage
- source code remains hidden
- no one can edit it or see how it works
Disadvantages of using open-source license to distribute software
- lose of overall control
- over source code and distribution
Disadvantages of using proprietary license to distribute software
- expectation from customers for maintenance, updates and security and error-fix
- high-quality development needed to keep up with hardware updates and new OSs, potentially expensive
what is the digital divide?
The gap between those with access to digital devices and technology and those who do not.
what is e-waste?
Discarded electronic devices or technological equipment that can harm the environment and pollute it if not disposed of properly.
