3.1.6 Implications of Computer Use

UNRESTRICTED ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

Social

- Less socialising because young people on computer all the time

- See other societies which may cause friction with parents and other figures of authorities

- Will raise expectations/wants

- Will increase knoweldge of other societies

- Give opportunity to communicate directly with others

Ethical

- Copyright and plagiarism

- Use of internet for educational purposes

- Use of internet to spread understanding

WORKING FROM HOME

Economic

- Employees save money on commuting and company would not need to supply offices

Social

- Ability to work at own times (flexible), more freedom with family - combine work and family

- Save time on commuting, however more easily distracted

- Lack of social contact between people and team communication more difficult and difficulty if system malfunctions

- Company would have less control over work of individuals and less flexibility in altering course of work

- Opportunity for employment of disabled people but difficult to arrange meetings

Ethical - less pollution and reduced traffic congestion as fewer cars on the road

b. Explain changes to society brought about by the use of ocmputer systems

CHANGES TO STAFF WORK EXPECTATIONS

Worry about job loss (redundancy issues) and worry about training

Less time spent on mundane tasks

Employees given more responsibility - good/bad?

More information available when needed and changes of stress levels

More chances of improved qualifications as training makes employees more skilled

Leading to enhanced job prospects (promotion) and more pay

Employees expected to be more literate with new computer system

Incrased work load and customer concern about lack of human contact

Customer satisfaction due to reduction in chance of human erros, saving costs due to redundancies

c. Discuss the effects of privacy and confidentiality of data held in computer systems and steps that can be taken to protect confidentiality

DATA HELD IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Positives

- Data is not readable without access to a computer

- Easier to lgo who has accessed the data

- Data is not stored in a human readable form

Negatives

- Files of data can be easily and quickly copied

- Copies of data can be placed on to the media or sent electronically

- Searches for specific data to steal can be made easily/quickly

- System can be hacked and data looked at remotely/more difficult to restrict no. of copies of data in circulation

Measure/steps

Use of firewalls - prevent identity theft - To stop signals from unauthorised users reaching the system

Passwords - Restrict access to system and files AND passwords should use a mixture of cases and characters for security

Encryption - So that if unauthorised access is gained, the data is unintelligible 

Proxy server -  Restricts the users allowed access to individual machines on network from internet

Intrustion detection system - Warns when uninvited access is attempted

d. Understand the need for legislation governing computer use

STORING PERSONAL DATA

Information is confidential and sensitive

Information must be accurate

Clients must have confidence that measures are being taken to protect their data

Data stored must be updated regularly to ensure irrelevant data is not kept

There is worry about identify theft and fraud

Legislation ay stop data being passed on

DATA PROTECTION ACT

Features

Data must be kept secure with no unauthorised access

Data must be obtained and processed lawfully and fairly

Data must be accurate and up-to-date

Data cannot be transferred to a 3rd party without permission

Data shouldn't be excessive and must be relevant. It must not be kept longer than necessary

Personal data should not be transferred out of the EU

Limitations

Difficult to monitor whether companies are abiding to the principles of the act

Some parts of the world may not comply to data protection law and the changing nature of technology requires constant reviewing of data protection legislation