1.6 Legal, Ethical and Environmental Issues

Question 1

Open Source Software

Answer 1

A model for creating technology that promotes free access to its design and makes it free to share. Free of copyright.

Question 2

Advantages of Open Source

Answer 2

• Free of charge
• Provides source code
• Users can modify the code for their own purposes.
• Allows programmers to contribute, improve and refine the code.
• A modified version (derivative) must also be freely available for anyone.

Question 3

Disadvantages of Open Source

Answer 3

• May not fully work as there is no requirement for anyone to check it is bug-free.
• Support may not be readily available.

Question 4

Examples of Open Source Software

Answer 4

Linux OS, Firefox browser, Python

Question 5

Proprietary Software

Answer 5

Software owned by a company that is copyrighted, and can only be obtained by paying for a license.

Question 6

Advantages of Proprietary Software

Answer 6

• Free of bugs
• Support readily available
• Feature updates available

Question 7

Disadvantages of Proprietary Software

Answer 7

• Initial or ongoing cost
• Users don’t have access to source code.
• Software can’t be adapted to meet the needs of the user.
• Software can be limited to a single computer or network.

Question 8

Examples of Proprietary Software

Answer 8

Windows OS, Microsoft Office, Logic music creation software.

Question 9

Data Protection Act (2018)

Answer 9

• Data must be processed fair and lawfully
• Data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive.
• Data must be accurate an up to date.
• Data must not be retained for longer than necessary.
• Data must be used for the purpose which it was collected.
• Data must be kept secure.
• Data must not be transferred outside the European Economic Area without adequate protection.

Question 10

Computer Misuse Act (1990)

Answer 10

• Illegalised unauthorised access to computer material.
• Illegalised unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime.
• Illegalised unauthorised modification of computer material.
• Illegalised the making, supplying or obtaining of anything which can be used in computer misuse offences.

Question 11

Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act (1988)

Answer 11

• Protects the owner of creative work from having it illegally copied.