COMPUTER ETHICS
Ethics is a set of moral principles that should guide the behaviour of a individual or a
group of people. Computer ethics therefore refers to a set of moral principles that
should guide us when using the computer.
Computer ethics were developed as a result of the many problems that came with
the invention of the computer, thus actions taken while using the computer can be
decided to be good or bad using the computer ethics as a yardstick.
COMPUTER ROOM MANAGEMENT ETHICS
Computer rooms are secure rooms where computers are kept and used, they also
house servers or mainframes and network equipment for data processing.
Listed and explained below are some of the ethics to manage computer rooms. They
include:
1. Do not eat food or drink water or any liquid while in the computer room, this is to
prevent spillage of the liquid on the computer which can cause it to malfunction.
2. The room should be well-lit and include lighted exit signs. Cables should be routed
overhead or underneath the computer room floor to minimize tripping hazards.
3. Don’t leave rubbish lying around the rooms – use the bins provided. If for some
reason, the bin is removed, please bring any discarded papers, bottles, etc, with
you. It’s much nicer to work in a clean room than a dirty one!
4. Well-marked and tested fire extinguishers placed at key locations in the room
should be visible to everyone when entering and exiting.
5. Fire alarms must be installed so that fire is detected early before serious damage
is done.
6. It is the responsibility of users to maintain the security of their own
passwords. Do not give your passwords to any other user or allow any user to use
your account.
7. Lock the laws to prevent unauthorized visitors who can be a risk to everyone in
the computer room, the equipment and important data stored.
8. Do not generate or spread
computer viruses that will cause
harm to other people’s
computers.
LABORATORY RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. Students should be in the lab only during
their time slot and with their teacher present,
this is to ensure that everyone in the school gets access to the computers in the lab.
2. Students may only access files which they are authorised to access. Users are
warned that gaining unauthorised access to data (including programs) and
interfering with data belonging to others are criminal offences.
3. Students should treat the computer room as a library and not to make any
distracting noises, and cell phones, if allowed in, must be on silent mode.
4. Students should not alter the computer settings and request for permission
before making use of USB flash drives.
5. Students should not access the internet,or send/receive email or instant messages
to each other or to anyone unless it is part of the instruction directed by the teacher.
6. Any behaviour that interferes with the work of other students and staff is
prohibited -this includes the use of personal stereos, radios or any behaviour that
leads to excessive levels of noise. It also includes the use of the computing facilities
in any way which may cause offence to others.
7. Viewing pornography via sites, via internal email, external email, documents,
Internet sites or through any other form on lab computers is strictly prohibited.
8. It is an offence to use, access or store any unlicensed software on any system. It
is also an offence to copy, or use any Institute licensed software in any way that
infringes that licence.
9. You must inform the supervising lecturer and/or computer services staff of any
problems that arise whilst using computer equipment.
10. Playing of computer games is not allowed unless it is part of the coursework for
the day.
11. Teachers should record the use of computer lab in the lab log book, lab users
must sign in and out of the lab.
12. Please operate the equipment with respect and care. No horseplay or rough
treatment of the computers will be tolerated.
13. Do not save personal files on the computer hard drives and flash drives must be
scanned for viruses before being opened.
14. Do not tamper with, delete, manipulate, or damage programs or files stored
on any computer.
15. Students are responsible for cleaning their own work area. All supplies, books,
and equipment are in order. All computer programs must be closed properly.
Students will remain seated until class is dismissed by the teacher
Standard computer lab