COMPUTER ETHICS

WHAT IS COMPUTER ETHICS?

Let's start with, what is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes and stores data to perform tasks
based on instructions. eg Desktop, Laptops, etc.

What is Ethics?

Ethics are moral principles that govern a person's behavior or decisions, distinguishing
right from wrong.

As a computer user, there are certain rules or guidelines necessary to maintain and
keep your computer in good shape and it is called Computer Ethics. Our personal
computers or computer room / laboratory needs to observe these rules and guides.

COMPUTER ROOM: This is a room specially created for keeping computers and other

peripheral devices. It is also called computer laboratory. In designing this room, the

components of a computer room must be taken into consideration.

Components of a computer room

Computer system, Furniture (computer tables and chairs), Electric surge protector,
Stabilizer, Air conditioner or ceiling fan, Printer, Scanner, Dust cover. e.t.c. refer to E-
Note for more examples.

What is computer room management ethics?

This refers to the basic rules and regulations governing the behavior of individuals
while using computers in the laboratory. Always keep your computer in a dust-free
room. Clean it regularly using a soft, dry cloth. Never touch the

monitor or any part of the computer with dirty hands

WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR COMPUTER

1. Always make sure that the computer is kept in a well-ventilated area

2. Place the computer on a desk, not in a closed cabinet

3. There should be appropriate lighting in the computer room to keep the room well lit
up.

4. The arrangement of the computer system should be done in a way that the user
would

not need to strain their neck, back or eyes.

5. Cables should not be left to litter the ground so as t avoid accident

IMPORTANCE OF TAKING GOOD CARE OF OUR COMPUTER

1. Prolongs Lifespan: Proper maintenance ensures the computer lasts longer.

2. Prevents Damage: Regular care avoids hardware issues and breakdowns.

3. Maintains Performance: Keeps the system running efficiently and quickly.

4. Saves Money: Reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.

5. Data Security: Protects important files from loss due to crashes or malware.

6. Ensures Reliability: A well-maintained computer performs consistently without

interruptions.

EVALUATION

1. Define the following;

(a) Computer room

(b) Computer room management ethics

2. Mention five (5) ways to take care of your computer

3. Mention ten (5) components of a computer room

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. State FIVE (5) reasons why it is necessary to take good care of your computer

2. Name the parts of the computer that tend to get dusty easily. How can you take care
of

them?
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMPUTER LABORATORY

1. Computer room should be kept tidy always by regular cleaning

2. Do not remove or load any software into the computer

3. The security should be very tight to prevent the stealing of the equipment.

4. Eating: eating in whatever form should be discouraged.

5. No user should attempt to repair any faulty system but the attention of a qualified

engineer should be called in the event of any faulty equipment.

6. All electrical appliances should be switched off at the end of each day’s activity.

7. Noise: noise of all forms should be discouraged such as stereo set, sound set etc.

8. Always shut the door when coming in or going out.

9. On no account should anyone remove cable from the socket.

10. Always shut down the system properly and arrange the chair before leaving
computer

room. Refer to E-Note for more

HEALTH CONCERNS OF COMPUTER USE

1. Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches
(Computer Vision Syndrome).

2. Back and Neck Pain: Poor posture or an improper workstation setup can cause
musculoskeletal issues.

3. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Continuous typing or mouse use may result in wrist
pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tendonitis.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle: Long hours of sitting can contribute to obesity, poor circulation,
and related health problems.

5. Mental Stress: Overuse of computers can lead to fatigue, stress, and sleep
disturbances.

How To Address Health That Concerns computer use

Prevent Eye Strain:

a. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20
seconds.

b. Adjust screen brightness and use anti-glare filters.

c. Ensure proper lighting in your workspace.

Maintain Good Posture:

a. Sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

b. Keep your screen at eye level and about an arm’s length away.

c. Use an ergonomic chair and desk setup.

Reduce Repetitive Strain:

a. Use ergonomic keyboards and mice.

b. Take regular breaks to stretch your hands and wrists.

c. Practice proper typing techniques.

Combat Sedentary Lifestyle:

a. Take short, frequent breaks to stand, stretch, or walk.

b. Incorporate physical activities like walking or exercise into your daily routine.

Manage Mental Stress:

a. Limit screen time, especially before bedtime.

b. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation.

c. Maintain a balanced schedule to avoid burnout.

WEEK 6

TOPIC: ICT Application in Everyday Life

What is ICT? ICT is an acronym which stands for Information and Communication
Technology.

It can be described as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to

communicate

and to create, disseminate, store and manage information. These technologies include;

1. Computer 2. Internet 3. Broadcasting technologies (radio and television) 4.

Telephone

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a significant role in

everyday life, enhancing productivity, connectivity, and convenience. Here are some
applications of ICT:

Education, Communication, Business, Medical Services, Banking Industry,

Entertainment, Transportation, Government Services, Home Automation, Timing and
control and Information Processing/Management

we will be discussing in detail the application or of ICT in

i. Communication

ii. Timing and control

iii. Information processing/management

USES OF ICT IN COMMUNICATION

ICT enhances communication by enabling faster, more efficient, and diverse methods
of exchanging information. Here are some key uses:

Email: Quick and cost-effective communication across the globe.

Instant Messaging: Real-time text, voice, and video chats (e.g., WhatsApp, Messenger).

Video Conferencing: Remote face-to-face meetings using platforms like Zoom and
Microsoft Teams.

Social media: Sharing of information with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

VoIP Services: Making voice and video calls over the internet (e.g., Skype, Google
Meet).

Mass Communication: Disseminating information through websites, blogs, and digital

media.

Mobile Communication: SMS, apps, and mobile networks for on-the-go interaction.

USES OF ICT IN TIMING AND CONTROL

Many of the devices that are used in everyday life are controlled by small computers to

save time. They are:

⦁ Washing machine

⦁ Air conditioning system

⦁ Programmable microwave ovens

⦁ Traffic lights are switched off and on according to programs running on

computers which manage traffic flow through cities
⦁ Controlling equipment used for scientific research

USES OF ICT IN INFORMATION PROCESSING/MANAGEMENT

ICT can be used in the following areas of information processing and management.

⦁ Typing letters, notes and other documents.

⦁ Distributing and sharing of information.

⦁ Keeping records and inventory, storing, retrieving and manipulating data and
information.

⦁ Transmitting information.

TOPIC 2: ICT AND SOCIETY

CONTENTS

i. ICT in Education

ii. ICT in Banking Industry

iii. ICT in Medical Sciences

iv. ICT in Government

ICT integrates modern tools like GSM, computers, the internet, and satellite
communication to facilitate information sharing and communication, making it
essential in our daily lives.

ICT in Education Industry

Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) have
expanded educational opportunities.

Drills: Help students practice concepts through repeated questions.

Tutorials: Self-instructional programs guiding students at their own pace, allowing

lesson repetition if needed.

Simulation: The use of multimedia (sound, text, and graphics) to create interactive
scenarios for exploring outcomes. Online platforms provide access to topics and
courses, including Degree and master's programs, offering flexible and accessible
learning.

ICT in Banking Industry

The bank uses the high power of ICT equipment to handle wide variety of task such as:

Keeping of customers accounts, Processing of cheques, Processing of deposit and

withdrawals, Money transfer, Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

ICT in Medical Sciences

Computer and ICT equipment are essential in the medical field, aiding doctors, nurses,
pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiologists, and researchers. Their use has significantly
contributed to saving lives.

ICT in Government

E-government facilitates faster and more accurate communication of government

information to citizens, becoming a global trend, especially in the western world.

ICT in Law

Computers are transforming legal practices by enabling lawyers to quickly search

through extensive full-text databases, replacing the need for days of research in
traditional case books.

Airlines

Airline reservation agents use remote terminals to communicate with centralized

computers, allowing real-time updates to the database whenever seats are filled or
become available.