Intellectual Property & Ethics Flashcards
Describe a Single Use License
This type of licence allows you to install and use the software on one computer or device only.
Describe a Multiple Use License
This type of licence allows you to install and use the software on multiple computers or devices. This depends on the number of devices that is stated by the licence agreement.
Describe a Site License.
A site license is used when purchasing software for use on a single site, but with multiple users. Although a site licence typically allows every employee on that particular site to use the software, it may still be restricted to a particular number of overall users. Some site licences may also permit an organisation to make a limited number of copies of the software for use on the same site.
Describe a Network License
A Network Licence allows you to install the software on a network server for people to use. This saves having to install the software on individual computers and devices. However, the software is only available to those people who can connect to the network and have access to use the program. Typically used in a business environment to save installing software on multiple machines.
Describe Shareware Licencing
Shareware is software that is provided free of charge and can be copied and distributed freely without any legal consequences. However the licence agreement requests that users pay for the shareware they use if they contiune to use it on a regular basis. Usually after a “trial period” or set amount of time, ads start popping up as you open the program or consistently while you use the program. These typically disappear once you pay for the software (or uninstall it).
Describe public domain / freeware software.
This is software that can be freely distributed and used by anyone. There is absolutely no ownership such as copyright, trademark, or patent on the software. It can be installed and used on any number of computers or devices.
What are the three category types of protection that Multimedia products usually fall under?
- A Computer program (such as computer games, or Microsoft Office)
- A Compilation / Artistic work
- A Film
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publishers or distributor to exclusive publication, sale or distribution of their work. It is against the law to use someone else work without gaining their permission first to use it.
Describe the 5 different types of licensing agreement categories.
Single Use or Multiple Licence
Allows you to use the software one computer, or multiple computers depending on how many computers you want to run the software on
Site Licences
Permit an organisation to make a limited number of copies of the software for use on the same site
Network Licence
Allows people to use a program on a network
Shareware
Software that is provided free and can be copied and distributed, but the licence agreement requires users to pay for the shareware they use. Usually comes with ads, which disappear when you pay for the software.
Public domain software, or freeware
Can be freely distributed and used. There is absolutely no ownership such as copyright, trademark, or patent on the software.
What are some advantages of Computer Technology.
- A speedy aid to the way work is done.
- Jobs can be more varied, enjoyable and rewarding, thereby boosting staff morale.
- Reduction in drudgery (labour) when routine calculations and other repetitive jobs are undertaken.
- New career opportunities.
- New job titles.
- Increase in salary.
- Change in responsibility.
- Improved accuracy.
- Increase efficiency and productivity.
- Improved customer relations.
- Competitiveness with other organisations.
- Instant communication.
What are some of the disadvantages of using Computer Technology?
- Huge capital outlay on installation.
- Redundancy and job loss due to the need for fewer member of staff.
- Health problems such as occupational overuse syndrome and eyestrain if correct work, health and safety procedures are not followed.
- Difficulties by some staff in adjusting to retraining.
- Negative impact on the environment when old equipment is dumped and not recyced
- Higher energy costs with running electrical equipment
When does Copyright apply?
In Australia, copyright protection is automatic. This means that a work does not need to be registered or have a copyright notice on it to be protected by copyright.
A work will be protected as soon as it is put into material form, such as being written down or recorded in some way, such as a film or recorded audio.
It exists in both published and unpublished material as well as in electronic material.
Copyright protects all forms of documented expression or works.
When does “fair-use” apply?
Fair Use is a legally permissible use of copyrighted material for specific purposes such as:
- Commentary
- Criticism or Review
- Parody or Satire (mockery)
- News reporting
- Research
- Teaching
- Scholarship
However, it may also be difficult to determine what is fair use as the copyright act provides little guideance on what constitues a fair ammount. This is why it’s important to use referencing.
Explain how both the creator and the consumer of digital content are affected by intellectual property protection.
Sample answer:
The creator of digital content is protected by the Copyright Act. All digital content such as websites, emails, faxes and other electronic material is considered ‘published material’ and is protected under copyright. This means that all materials produced by the creator are owned by the creator, protecting the creator from theft or piracy. This is an automatic process for the creator.
The creator may sell the copyright to another person or commercial entity, resulting in all of the creator’s rights under copyright passing to the new owner. The consumer of digital content can use material that is copyright protected.
The consumer will need to seek permission from the owner/creator of the digital content and may be required to pay royalties or a fee to the copyright owner. The consumer may also need to acknowledge the copyright owner if they use copyright material in the production of their website or document.
