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IT FUNDAMENTALS - Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

This document outlines 10 commandments for computer ethics that promote the responsible and ethical use of computer technology. The commandments instruct users to respect others' work and privacy, avoid stealing or spreading misinformation, pay for software, get authorization before using others' resources, and consider the social impact of one's creations. Overall, the commandments emphasize using computers respectfully and avoiding harm.

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1K views12 pages

IT FUNDAMENTALS - Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

This document outlines 10 commandments for computer ethics that promote the responsible and ethical use of computer technology. The commandments instruct users to respect others' work and privacy, avoid stealing or spreading misinformation, pay for software, get authorization before using others' resources, and consider the social impact of one's creations. Overall, the commandments emphasize using computers respectfully and avoiding harm.

Uploaded by

Rinante
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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IT FUNDAMENTALS

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not interfere with the works and files of other people.
2. Thou shalt not sneak around in other people's computer files.
3. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal and do negative things.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
5. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you
have not paid.
6. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources with no
authorization or proper compensation.
7. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
8. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program
you are writing or the system you are designing.
9. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure
consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
The 1st Commandment
• Thou shalt not interfere with the works and files
of other people.
– Simply put: Do not use computer technology to cause
interference in other users' work.
– Computer software can be used in ways that disturb
other users or disrupt their work. Viruses, for
example, are programs meant to harm useful
computer programs or interfere with the normal
functioning of a computer. Malicious software can
disrupt the functioning of computers in more ways
than one.
The 2nd Commandment
• Thou shalt not sneak around in other
people's computer files.
– Simply : Do not spy on another person's computer
data.
– We know it is wrong to read someone's personal
letters. On the same lines, it is wrong to read
someone else's email messages or files. Obtaining
data from another person's private files is nothing
less than breaking into someone's room.
The 3rd Commandment
• Thou shalt not use a computer to steal and do
negative things.
– Simply : Do not use computer technology to steal
information. Stealing sensitive information or leaking
confidential information is as good as robbery.
– It is wrong to acquire personal information of
employees from an employee database or patient
history from a hospital database or other such
information that is meant to be confidential. Similarly,
breaking into a bank account to collect information
about the account or account holder is wrong.
The 4th Commandment
• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false
witness.
– Simply : Do not contribute to the spread of
misinformation using computer technology.
– Spread of information has become viral today,
because of the Internet. This also means that false
news or rumors can spread speedily through
social networking sites or emails.
The 5th Commandment
1. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary
software for which you have not paid.
– Simply : Refrain from copying software or buying
pirated copies. Pay for software unless it is free.
– Like any other artistic or literary work, software is
copyrighted. A piece of code is the original work
of the individual who created it.
The 6th Commandment
1. Thou shalt not use other people's computer
resources with no authorization or proper
compensation.
– Simply : Do not use someone else's computer
resources unless authorized to.Simply put: Do not
use someone else's computer resources unless
authorized to.
– Multi-user systems have user specific passwords.
Breaking into some other user's password, thus
intruding his private space is unethical.
The 7th Commandment
• Thou shalt not appropriate other people's
intellectual output.
– Simply : It is wrong to claim ownership on a work
which is the output of someone else's intellect.
– Programs developed by a software developer are
his/her property. If he is working with an
organization, they are the organization's property.
Copying them and propagating them in one's own
name is unethical.
The 8th Commandment
• Thou shalt think about the social consequences
of the program you are writing or the system
you are designing.
– Simply : Before developing a software, think about the
social impact it can have.
– Looking at the social consequences that a program
can have, describes a broader perspective of looking
at technology. A computer software on release,
reaches millions. Software like video games and
animations or educational software can have a social
impact on their users.
The 9th Commandment
• Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other
people.
– Simply: Don’t user computer as a tool to harm
other people, it may be through social media or
etc.
The 10th Commandment
• Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that
ensure consideration and respect for your fellow
humans.
– Simply : In using computers for communication, be
respectful and courteous with the fellow members.
– Explanation: The communication etiquette we follow
in the real world applies to communication over
computers as well. While communicating over the
Internet, one should treat others with respect.

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