Ethics Legal And Cultural Concers Flashcards
Open source software
A model of software development which allows permitted use of its source code.
Anyone can legally view, modify and distribute the code.
Pros of open source software
-usually free
-maintained by a large community of contributors
-encourages collaboration
-encourages rapid development
Cons of open source software
-usually provides no warranty or guarantee
-smaller projects may not receive regular updates
-Official customer support may not be available
Propriety software
‘Closed source software’
The source code is not available to people outside the organisation. When buying the software you do not own the software only a license to use it. Modifying, copying or redistributing the software is illegal.
Pros of propriety software
-comes with a warranty or a guarantee
-often has costumer support
-it should be thoroughly tested and reliable
-usually easier to install and use for the average user
Cons of propriety software
-source code not available so cannot be fixed or modified by users
-might not do exactly what you want it to do
-can be expensive
-older versions may not be maintained
Open source licenses
Not all open source software can be used in the same way.
Different licenses determine what can be done with the software’s source code.
Licenses
A set of rules that tell a consumer what they can and cannot do with a piece of software.
E.g.
-you can/cannot redistribute this software
The digital divide
Not everyone has access to computers and the internet.
Those without access to technology are at a disadvantage in terms of education, welfare and career opportunities.
Education and career
Those without access to technology do not have access to free educational websites and often can’t afford to pay for formal education.
This can have impacts on their career progression.
Net neutrality
For a long time, a key principle of the Internet was that all packets are treated equally.
That means that if two websites both want access to a network, they should both have equal response times.
Collapse of net neutrality
Net neutrality is now being threatened, particularly in the USA
Companies are interested in paying internet service providers (IPS) to prioritise their traffic.
Impacts of net neutrality collapsing
-large, rich technology companies could have more control over the traffic of the internet
-pay to have their traffic prioritised over their competitors
Positive cultural impacts
-HEALTH: computerised imaging, modelling diseases, artificial intelligence
-SOCIAL INTERACTION: allow people to connect with friends and family all over the world
-EDUCATION: online learning platforms provide access to courses at some of the best universities for free
-WELFARE: applying the benefits and other government services online saves time. Saves the government money which can be spent on improving other services
-WORK LIFE BALANCE: mobile devices give employees freedom to work from anywhere at any time
