Computer ethics

Question 1

What are computer ethics?

Answer 1

A set of principles set out to regulate the use of computers.

Question 2

What do computer ethics cover?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are ethical issues that should be considered when using computers?

Answer 3

• 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.

Question 4

What is plagiarism?

Answer 4

When a person takes another person’s idea/work and claims it as their own.

Question 5

Describe free software (4 points)

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Describe freeware

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

What is needed if someone is to share, copy or modify freeware?

Answer 7

Owner’s permission

Question 8

What is shareware?

Answer 8

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.