Computer Ethics, Viruses, and Copyrights

Ethical Computer Use Using computers for positive purposes New technologies Medical cures Increased knowledge

Unethical Computer Use Using computers for negative purposes Stealing information Creating viruses Pirating videos, music, and software

Computer Viruses Designed to cause harm to computers Three categories of viruses Worms Hoaxes Malicious Programs

Worms Usually copy themselves automatically Spread through e-mail and networks Often designed to jam networks Typically do not damage the computer Usually an annoyance

Hoaxes Usually spread through e-mail Instructions to delete a file that is not harmful and supposed to be on your computer

Malicious Programs Cause damage to the computer May delete files, erase hard drive, make computer unusable

Virus Protection Many available virus protection programs Norton and MacAfee are most popular Regular updates and scanning necessary to protect computer Never open e-mail attachments that look suspicious or are from an unknown sender

Copyright Law Denotes that someone is owner of the item Applies to books, artwork, music, software, movies, and other original creations Provides for “fair use”

Software Protected by Copyright Law Must have license for each computer Site licenses and multi-user licenses available for reduced rates Specifics outlined in the End User License Agreement (EULA)

Software (cont.) Copying for re-sale is illegal Backup copying permitted by some companies Downloading through file-sharing programs is illegal

Sources Computer Concepts BASICS, Second Edition by Wells and Ambrose. 2004 Course Technology.