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Computer Ethics: Definitions: Are The Moral Rules, Standards or Principles of Behavior For Deciding
Computer Ethics: Definitions: Are The Moral Rules, Standards or Principles of Behavior For Deciding
Definitions:
• Ethics are the moral rules, standards or principles of behavior for deciding
between right and wrong. Ethics are rules and standards that relate to
professional conduct of individuals.
• Computer ethics – these are the rules and standards guiding computer
professionals and users in the use of the computer system. They are the rules
adopted and practiced by computer professionals.
Common computer ethics
Computer ethics can be categorized into 4 different types, namely:
Environmental ethics
This refers to environmental factors that affect the use of computers. It relates to the
following;
1. Location of the computer room in a convenient place.
2. Ensuring appropriate ventilation by installing air conditioners.
3. Ensure that the computer room is neat and tidy.
4. Provision of a thermometer to help keep track of the temperature of the room.
Maintenance ethics
This relates to efforts to ensure a good working condition as well as improve the life
span of the computer system. These efforts include:
• Ensure continuous power supply by providing Uninterruptible Power System
(UPS) to curb sudden power failure to the computer system.
• Avoid overcrowding the computer room and also while using a computer.
• Ensure that the computer system is dust-free.
• Periodic check and preventive maintenance should be carried out.
Moral ethics
This relates to moral standards in the usage of the computer. They include:
• No fighting in the computer laboratory
• No playing with the computer system
• Students should adhere to instruction given by the teachers.
• Students should have a genuine purpose before gaining access to the computer
laboratory.
Safety ethics
These are the rules that help to avert danger or harm while using a computer. They
include the following:
• Provision of fire extinguishers to handle fire outbreak.
• Fire alarms should be provided to alert users of any fire outbreak
• Provision of voltage stabilisers to control the input voltage to computer systems.
• There should be proper management of cables and wires and also appropriate
lighting to prevent unnecessary accidents.
Responsible use of the computer
These are the precautions taken by computer users to ensure maximum
performance from the computer system. The following are the ways a computer
can be used responsibly;
Avoid dropping liquid into the computer system.
Use a dust cover to prevent the accumulation of dust into the sensitive parts of
the computer system.
Protect the system from power problem with the use of a voltage stabilizer, surge
protectors and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
Unplug the computer system from power source when not in use.
Obey the laid down rules and regulations in a computer laboratory.