The moral guidelines that govern the use of computers, mobile devices and information systems.
Areas of Computer Ethics
- Information accuracy
- Green computing
- Codes of conduct
- Intellectual property
- Information privacy
1. Information Accuracy :
- One of the concern because many users access information maintained by other people or companies, such as on the Internet.
- Do not assume all the information on the Web is correct.
- Users should evaluate the value of a Web page before relying on its content.
- Be aware that the organization providing access to the information may not be the creator of the information.
2. Green Computing :
- Green computing is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. In broader terms, it is also defined as the study of designing, manufacturing/engineering, using and disposing of computing devices in a way that reduces their environmental impact.
- Involves reducing the electricity and environmental waste while using a computer.
- Society has become aware of this waste and is taking measures to combat it.
- Some of the actions that has been taken:
- Using energy- efficient devices that require little power when they are not in use.
- Buy computers with low power consumption processors and power supplies
- When possible, use outside air to cool the data center.
- Average computer users can employ the following general tactics to make their computing usage more green:
- Use the hibernate or sleep mode when away from a computer for extended periods.
- Use flat-screen or LCD monitors, instead of conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors.
- Buy energy efficient notebook computers, instead of desktop computers.
- Activate the power management features for controlling energy consumption.
- Turn off computers at the end of each day.
- Refill printer cartridges, rather than buying new ones.
3. Codes of Conduct :
- Written guideline that helps determine whether a specific action is ethical/unethical or allowed/not allowed.
4. Intellectual Property :
- Unique and original works such as ideas, inventions, literary and artistic works, processes, names and logos.
- Or, refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.
- Intellectual property rights are the rights to which creators are entitled for their work.
5. Information Privacy :
- Definition : The right of individuals and companies to deny or restrict the collection, use, and dissemination of information about them.
- The privacy of personal information and usually relates to personal data stored on computer systems.
- The need to maintain information privacy is applicable to collected personal information such as medical records, financial data, criminal records, political records, business related information or website data.
- Information privacy is also known as data privacy.
- Today, huge databases store their data online.
- Much of the data is personal and confidential and should be accessible only to authorize users.
- Many individuals and organizations, however, question whether this data really is private.
- That is, some companies and individuals collect and use this information without your authorization.
- Web sites often collect data about you, so that they can customize advertisements and send you personalized e-mail messages.
- Some employers monitor your computer usage and e-mail messages
