CHPS 5, 7, & 12 TOPICS FOR PAPER
Due 4/14/08 by midnight, to be handed in via Blackboard under Assignments
1. Critical Thinking Questions TA page 251 #1
Open Source Pros & Cons
Open-source programming embraces a philosophy that states programmers should make their code
available to everyone rather than keeping it proprietary. The Linux operating systm has had much
success as an open-source code. The chapter mentions some of the advantages of open-source code,
such as quicker code updates in response to technological advances and changes.
a. What are other advantages of open-source code?
b. Can you think of disadvantages to open-source code?
c. Why do you think that companies such as Microsoft maintain proprietary restrictions on their
code?
d. Are there disadvantages to maintaining proprietary code
2. Critical Thinking Questions TA page 357 #3
Ethical Hacking?
Hackers and virus authors cause millions of dollars worth of damage to PCs and networks annually.
But hacking is a very controlversial subject. Many hackers believe thay are actually working for the
“good of the people” or “exercising their freedom” when they engage in hacking activities. However,
in most jurisdictions in the United States, hacking is punishable by stiff fines and jail terms.
a. Hackers often argue that hacking is for the good of all people because it points out flaws in
computer systems. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
b. Are there instances in which hacking is a “necessary evil” and the law enforcement officials should
just look the other way?
c. What should the punishment be for convicted hackers and why?
d. Who should be held accountable at a corporation whose network security is breached by a hacker?
e. Is it unethical for software companies not to share with users known security risks in their
software?
3. Critical Thinking Questions TA page 357 #5
Protection for Your Computer
Do you have a firewall, anti-spyware, and antivirus software installed on the computer you use most
often? If not,why not? What types of problems can you experience from not having this software
installed? Have you (or someone you know) ever been a victim of a hacker or a virus? If yes, what
were the effects of the hacker or virus? How did you fix it?
You can add a little research, perhaps about the types of things that can happen to someone’s computer
that isn’t protected, some stats about how many are affected by hackers or viruses, and any other
pertinent information that you find. Did you realize how many dangers are out there with not having a
protected computer?
4. Critical Thinking Questions TA page 619 #1
Internet Risks at School
Internet access is deemed essential to enable students to research projects and papers adequately. But
granting that access potentially invites people to engage in dangerous or unacceptable behaviors.
a. Do you think your school should restrict access to certain Internet sites (such as peer-to-peer
file-sharing services) to prevent students from violating laws by illegally sharing copyrighted
material?
b. Plagiarism is thought to be spreading because of the easy exchange of information on the
Internet. What should the penalty be for a student who plagiarizes material from a Web site
and why? Should a student who plagiarizes have his or her Internet access privileges revoked?
Why or why not?
c. Should schools prohibit students from writing negative comments about faculty and
administrators on their blogs and MySpace pages? Why or why not?
5. Critical Thinking Questions TA page 619 #3
Acceptable Use Internet Policies
Many companies are drafting acceptable use policies for computers and Internet access to inform
empoyees of the approved uses for corporate computing assets. Consider these areas of a potential
company policy:
a. Should employees be allowed to use their computers and Internet access for personal use (such
as checking non-company email, shopping online, or playing games)? If so, how much time
per day is reasonable for employees to spend on personal tasks? Should employees be
permitted to use their computers for personal tasks only during personal time (such as breaks
and lunch hours)?
b. Should employee computer and Internet usage be monitored to ensure compliance with the
personal use policies? Should employers inform employees that they are being monitored?
What should the penalties be for violating these policies? Should your productivity (and pay
raises) be determined based on what activities you perform during the day as monitored by the
company (via computers, cameras, tracking devides, etc.)?
c. Many corporations block access to Internet Web sites that would enable employees to
participate in potentially illegal activities (such as downloading music, gambling, or viewing
pornography). Should corporations have the right to block users from Web sites when they are
at work? Why or why not?
6. Written Assignment Gift of Fire – Computer Crime
pg 321-22 combination of General Exercise 7.12 & Asignment 7.23
Hacking
Find a dozen newspaper and/or magazine articles about hackers from the past few years. How are
hackers described, as criminals or heroes? Give examples.
Consider these examples:
a. One group hacks a German government Web site to protest the ban on distribution of Nazi
material in Germany.
b. Another group hacks a German government site to protest construction of multinational chain
stores such as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks in Germany.
Which would you consider an example of hacktivism? Explain.
7. Written Assignment Gift of Fire – Computer Crime
pg 323 class Discussion Exercise 7.27
DoS Attacks
Suppose a denial-of-service attack shuts down two dozen major Web sites, including retailers, stock
brokerages, and large corporate entertainment and information sites, for several hours. The atack is
traced to one of the following suspects. Do you think different penalties are appropriate, depending on
which it is? Explain why. If you would impose different penalties, how would they differ?
a. A foreign terrorist who launched the attack to cause billions of dollars in damage to the U.S.
economy.
b. An organization publicizing its opposition to commercialization of the Web and corporate
manipulation of consumers.
c. A teenager using hacking tools he found on a Web site.
d. A hacker group showing off to another hacker group about how many sites it could shut down
in one day.