This weeks lecture covered the social and ethical issues that are evident on the web. In looking into this aspect, I can be aware of the dangers on the web and what I can possibly do to protect myself from these dangers.
In addition, copyright, intellectual property and plagiarism was also covered.Copyright refers to the right to copy information found on the web. Copy right issues are mainly associated with music, images and video downloads.Intellectual property refers to an idea, a thought one may have created intellectually. This may be protected by copyright laws if one chooses to.Plagiarism is the duplication or copy of someone else’s work without acknowledgment of the work
Privacy is also another issue associated with web use. There are numerous programs on the web and computers to protect users from the dangers of the internet such as viruses and scams on the web. Although they are available Justine mentioned that the developments of these programs are always one step behind as they are usually based on past attacks instead of future. Viruses are one of the dangers on the internet and were also covered in the lecture. They can be activated on ones computer through email or downloads; for example ad-ware and spy-ware. There were a number of ways to effectively protect ones computer that were mentioned. For example:
• Install a firewall.
• Install anti virus software.
• Beware of attachments.
• Beware of spy ware.
• Do not give personal information out.
• Do not reply to SPAM.
• Use peer to peer software.
• Update anti virus weekly
• Scan all documents
Workshop
Our first task for this week was to access the website http://www.copyright.org.au/ and make a list of the information sheets relevant to us as undergraduates.
Quotes and explanations
If the information not yours then it must be acknowledged. All direct and indirect quotes ideas and explanations must be acknowledged to avoid copyright and plagiarism.
Databases
Information contained in Databases is the property of that database and the original author. If using information from a database, students must ensure they reference it correctly or obtain permission to use that information from the original author.
Libraries
There are a number of copyright laws in place when it comes to obtaining information from a library. These copyright laws relate to the following topics:
Literary works
Artistic works
Musical works
Dramatic works
Cinematographic works.
Libraries are able to make three copies of certain material and editions for study purposes.
Tables and forms
Like any document, tables and forms need to be referenced correctly or permission needs to be obtained from the author if a student wishes to use them in an assignment.
Copying and downloading from the Internet
Students must seek permission to download programs from the Internet and to copy information. Correct referencing techniques must be maintained to avoid penalties. Some down loadable material on the Internet may require permission to download.
Computer software
Copying of computer software is highly illegal and strict penalties apply for doing so. Students must ensure that the computer software they use is genuine if they wish to avoid penalties.
Above is a list of the information sheets I feel are relevant to students and undergraduates. By sticking to the guide lines outlined above an individual can ensure that information they use in an assignment does not get them into trouble with the copyright commission and lead to them having to suffer the penalties put in place by this organisation.
The second task for this week was to right a brief summary on the copyright case titled
US vs Sankus at http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/ipcases.html.
Us vs Sankus refers to a copyright case in which 28yr old John Sankus, Jr., of
He was the head of a software piracy group known as DrinkOrDie, which provided pirated items over the internet, such as the latest movies, games, software and applications.
Readings
Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
This website has list of tips to help one protect themself from the dangers of the internet. It discussed things such as not replying to SPAM, revealing your information to people you don’t know, being wary of sites that ask you for personal details etc. The tips are very helpful and should be taken into consideration when using the internet.
Ethics in Computing - Social Justice Issues
This site provided some links to information regarding privacy in the workplace.
Computer Viruses and the Internet
This reading provided a link to a PDF document detailing the history of computer viruses. Furthermore this document outlines the viruses and worms that users may be susceptible to on the internet. In addition it discusses the the development of the internet through history.
Brown & Michael's - Overview of Intellectual Property
This site provides some good information on how to protect your intellectual property. It main focus is on discussing Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and trade secrets. This site also explains the process one must go through to protect personal property.
This reading provides a link to a site containing frequently asked questions about the copyright laws relating to the exchange of music on the Internet.
Email Attachments and Viruses
This site provides information about email attachments you should never open. It outlines what to look for when deciding if an email attachment has a virus. This site also reveals some of the effects viruses attached to emails can have on a PC and private information.

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