Content/Information Development and Discussion on Computing Issues

Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. The importance of computer ethics increased through the 1990s. With the growth of the Internet, privacy issues as well as concerns regarding computing technologies such as spyware and web browser cookies have called into question ethical behavior in technology. Computer acts as a ‘universal tool’ that can, in principle, perform almost any task. Therefore, we can use computer to replace human power in many fields. Computer has been used to develop many software to benefit all of us, so we should not perform illegal copying of the software.

In this era of computer "viruses" and international spying by "hackers" who are thousands of miles away, it is clear that computer security is a topic of concern in the field of Computer Ethics. The problem is not so much the physical security of the hardware (protecting it from theft, fire, flood, etc.), but rather "logical security, divide into 5 aspects:

1. Privacy and confidentiality
2. Integrity -- assuring that data and programs are not modified without proper authority
3. Unimpaired service
4. Consistency -- ensuring that the data and behavior we see today will be the same tomorrow
5. Controlling access to resources

Malicious kinds of software, or "programmed threats", provide a significant challenge to computer security. These include "viruses", which cannot run on their own, but rather are inserted into other computer programs; "worms" which can move from machine to machine across networks, and may have parts of themselves running on different machines; "Trojan horses" which appear to be one sort of program, but actually are doing damage behind the scenes; "logic bombs" which check for particular conditions and then execute when those conditions arise; and "bacteria" or "rabbits" which multiply rapidly and fill up the computer's memory.

Computer crimes, such as embezzlement or planting of logic bombs, are normally committed by trusted personnel who have permission to use the computer system. Computer security, therefore, must also be concerned with the actions of trusted computer users. Another major risk to computer security is the so-called "hacker" who breaks into someone's computer system without permission. Some hackers intentionally steal data or commit vandalism, while others merely "explore" the system to see how it works and what files it contains. These "explorers" often claim to be benevolent defenders of freedom and fighters against rip-offs by major corporations or spying by government agents.

There are so many of hacker nowadays, so how should we stop those hacker? There are some software available to prevent it from intrude our system. Secure browsing is important. Whenever you visit a web page data is being transferred to your PC, and so there is a possibility that this data includes something that was not specifically requested. The only way of knowing is if the incoming data is specifically monitored. Virus scan software ensures that the data downloaded onto your computer is safe. The software used to stop hackers gaining direct access to your computer is known as a 'firewall'. E-mail filter and spam killer software can strengthen e-mail protection by filtering each e-mail received. E-mail which is send by stranger will be placed in junk mail box.

In conclusion, prevention is better than cure, and the best form of hacker and virus prevention is to have a piece of software constantly monitoring the activities that you may not be able to see. Use computer only for good purpose, do not become the next hacker.