8.2 Ethics
Chapter Overview
Ethics is a philosophy concerning what’s right and what’s wrong.
Computer ethics contains of the followings:
- Netiquette
- Plagiarism and intellectual property rights
- Legal implications
Netiquette
(Well of course you know what it is! If you don’t, go downstairs and find Mr. Mobsbee; he would teach you a personal lesson.)
- Contributes to social well-being
- Avoids harm to others (i.e.
SaCyber Bullying) - Is fair and prevents discrimination
- Honers property rights
…
Intellectual property rights
Different softwares have different policies. Here are some main categories:
| Free software | Open source software | Freeware | Trialware | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free of charge? | Only the evaluation period | |||
| Copyrighted? | ||||
| Source code available? |
An example of open-source software is @Raymond-Wu ‘s past paper crawler.
NOT COPYRIGHTED SOFTWARE:
- Free softwareNot to mistaken with “Freeware”.Users are free to do whatever they want — run, copy, change or modify.
COPYRIGHTED SOFTWARE:
- Open source softwareSource code is open to the users — but under a copyright.
- FreewareCan be downloaded free of charge.
- Shareware / Trial wareSoftware that could be used without license for a period of time.
License would be needed after the evaluation period.
Offenses:
For users:
- Hacking — Gaining unauthorized access to a computer’s software or data
(Which includes cracking softwares, planting viruses and spying) - Offense to software policy
- Using trial ware beyond evaluation period
- Violating the terms and conditions of the software, for example
- Using site-license programs for personal use
- Selling commercial software to others
For developers:
Developers must ensure that:
- Data Gathering
- Gather data fairly and lawfully
- Only used as stated purpose
- Make sure is secure
- Individuals have the right to view data stored about him.
An offense to the software could bring you a lawsuit — unless it’s under national security, crime or taxation..