16 today and tomorrow 11 th edition chapter 1 chapter 16 understanding computers, 11 th edition...

16

TODAY AND TOMORROW

11th Edition

CHAPTERCHAPTER1Chapter 16 Understanding Computers, 11th Edition

Intellectual Property Rights, Ethics, Health, Access, and the Environment

2Chapter 16 Understanding Computers, 11th Edition

Learning Objectives Understand the concept of intellectual property rights

and how they relate to computer use.

Explain what is meant by ethics and provide several examples of unethical behavior in computer-related matters.

Describe some possible physical and emotional health risks surrounding the use of computers.


Learning Objectives, Cont’d Discuss the impact factors, such as nationality,

income, race, education, and physical disabilities, may have on computer access and use.

Suggest some ways computer users can practice “green computing” and properly dispose of obsolete computer equipment.

Discuss the current status of legislation related to intellectual property rights, ethics, access, and the environment in relation to computers


Overview This chapter covers:

What intellectual property rights are

A discussion of ethics, including ethical use of materials, resources, and business practices

The impact of computers on our health

Issues related to access to technology

The impact of computers on our environment

A look at legislation related to these issues


Intellectual Property Rights Intellectual property rights: rights to which creators of

original creative works are entitled

Copyrights: protect original artistic or literary works Last until 70 years after

creator’s death For corporate copyrights or

anonymous works, last 95 years from date of publication or 120 years from date of creation, whichever is shorter


Intellectual Property Rights, Cont’d Copyrights, cont’d

To protect rights, can use Digital watermarks:

subtle alteration of digital content that is not noticeable but that can identify the copyright holder

Digital rights management (DRM) software: control the use of a copyrighted work


Trademarks: protect identifying words, phrases, symbols, logos, and designs Includes protection for

domain names (cybersquatting)

Domain name disputes can be brought to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

Intellectual Property Rights, Cont’d


Patents: protect inventions Lasts for 20 years Can also be a

business practice or procedure

Expensive to get but can be very lucrative

Intellectual Property Rights, Cont’d


Ethics Ethics: overall standards of moral conduct

Can vary with individual, religious beliefs, country, race, or culture

Personal ethics

Computer ethics: moral conduct related to computer use

Business ethics: guide a business’s policies, decisions, and actions


Ethical Use of Copyrighted Material Books and

Web-based articles Need to

properly credit sources to avoid plagiarism


Ethical Use of Copyrighted Material, Cont’d

Music Began with Napster Still concerns P2P file sharing sites DRM controls are starting to impact downloaded

files, purchased CDs, etc. Movies

Movie piracy is high (illegal copies, camcording movies to create DVDs, etc.)

Proposed broadcast flag and other controls may become an issue

Legal video-on-demand services may help curb illegal movie downloads


Ethical Use of Resources and Information

Code of conduct: Policy that specifies allowable use of resources by students or employees

Code of ethics: Policy, typically for an industry or organization, that specifies overall moral guidelines for individuals in that industry or organization

Business need to decide what is ethical use of employee and customer Information

Cheating at schools can be reduced by academic honor codes

Résumé padding is considered unethical by most companies


Computer Hoaxes and Digital Manipulation

Computer hoax: inaccurate statement or story spread through the use of computers

Often sent via e-mail

Consider researching before passing on to others (Hoaxbusters site is a good source)


Computer Hoaxes and Digital Manipulation

Digital manipulation: digitally altering text, images, photographs, music, and other digital content Some beneficial ethical

uses (aging photos of runaways, retouching personal photographs, etc.

Use by media is more controversial

Difficult to tell in the future if a historical photo was manipulated


Ethical Business Practices and Decision Making

Businesses need to make ethical decisions regarding: Fraudulent reporting and

other scandalous activities Sarbanes-Oxley Act of

2002 Ethically questionable

products or services Proof of age requirements

for selling liquor, tobacco, and other adult products via Internet


Ethical Business Practices and Decision Making, Cont’d

Businesses need to make ethical decisions regarding: cont’d Vaporware Workplace monitoring Cultural considerations

Errors can cost business, embarrass company, etc.

Schools and businesses are starting to teach global issues


Computers and Health Computer use can cause physical injuries

Repetitive stress injury (RSI): Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) Backaches, etc.

Ergonomics: fitting a work environment to the people who work there Using good workspace design principles can help

avoid physical problems


Computers and Health, Cont’d Ergonomics, cont’d

Also apply to portable PC users Travel mice and travel keyboards can help while on

the go Docking stations or notebook stands can be used

with portable PC at home or in the office Docking station: connects the PC to permanent

hardware, such as a keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.

Notebook stand: raises a notebook up to a better height


Computers and Health, Cont’d Ergonomic hardware: hardware that is more

ergonomically correct than conventional hardware

Ergonomic keyboards

Ergonomic mice

Keyboard drawers

Document holders

Antiglare screens

Wrist rests


Computers and Health, Cont’d Users

should also use good habits and other precautions


Computer Health, Cont’d Computer use can also

be a problem for emotional health

Stress due to ever-changing technology

Many jobs require computer use now than didn’t in the past


Computer Health, Cont’d Computer use can also be a

problem for emotional health, cont’d Stress due to our 24/7 society Information overload

Can use tools such as e-mail filters, RSS feeds, intelligent agents, etc.

Burnout: a state of fatigue or frustration brought on by overwork


Computer Health, Cont’d Computer/Internet addiction: the problem of

overusing, or being unable to stop using, a computer or the Internet Growing problem in many countries Often related to e-mail, IM, shopping, gaming, and

pornography Can result in loss or relationships, job loss,

academic failure, obesity, RSIs, suicide, and more Can be treated similar to other addictions


Access to Technology Digital divide: the gap between those who have

access to technology and those who don’t

U.S. digital divide (differences in technology use by income, race, geographical area, education, broadband Internet use, etc.) Reducing the U.S. digital divide is important to

ensure all citizens have an equal chance of being successful

Some people choose not to use technology


Access to Technology, Cont’d Global digital divide (use varies by country)

Technology infrastructure varies Income vs. cost is important factor Can solve some problems, like telemedicine and

education to remote areas Devices designed to reduce the global digital

divide Simputer (community digital assistant or CDA) Personal Internet Communicator (PIC) $100 Laptop


Assistive Technology Assistive technology: hardware and software

designed for use by individuals with physical disabilities Assistive input devices: Braille keyboards,

keyguards, one-handed keyboards, voice input systems, switches, feet mice, head pointing systems or head mice, brain-to-computer interfacing, etc.

Assistive output devices: screen readers, Braille displays, Braille printers, etc.


Environmental Concerns Green computing: the use of computers in an

environmentally friendly manner


Environmental Concerns, Cont’d Eco-label: A certification,

often by a government agency, that identifies a device as meeting minimum environmental performance specifications

ENERGY STAR: U.S. products that are energy efficient


Environmental Concerns, Cont’d Alternate power can

be used with computers and other devices:

Solar power

Hand chargers

Fuel cells

E-paper and electronic documents can help


Recycling and Disposal of Computing Equipment

E-trash (e-waste): electronic waste such as: Disposable products Discarded hardware Many elements found in

hardware are dangerous Much e-waste is shipped to

other countries


Recycling and Disposal of Computing Equipment

To help avoid more pollution and e-trash: Recycling programs for old computers, discs, etc. Recharged toner cartridges can be used Obsolete equipment can be donated to schools

and other organizations Hardware manufacturers are reducing the amount

of toxic components used and otherwise making more environmental friendly PCs

Some states are implementing disposal fees for new hardware to ensure they are disposed of properly


Related Legislation There is legislation to protect intellectual property

rights, such as: Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005

(FECA) Copyright Term Extension Act U.S. Anticybersquatting Act Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Ethical legislation is more difficult to pass The amendment to the Rehabilitation Act in 1998

requires federal agency information be accessible


Summary Intellectual Property Rights

Ethics

Computers and Health

Access to Technology

Environmental Concerns

Related Legislation

16 today and tomorrow 11 th edition chapter 1 chapter 16 understanding computers, 11 th edition...

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