Unit 2
Applications and Effects



Computer - electronic device for solving problems / processing info automatically using a stored program capable of modifying itself


Teleworking - carrying out work away from the office and communicating with the employer through the use of a computer and telecommunications equipment


Computer abuse - acts that are legal but unethical


Hacking


Theft of data - data stolen by illegally accessing it or by stealing the computer on which it is stored


Viruses


'Logic bomb'


The Computer Misuse Act, 1990


There have been relatively few prosecutions since organisations are reluctant to admit their security procedures have been breached (which could lead to a loss in confidence by clients)


Advanced 'Information Warfare' Techniques


Copyright Designs & Patents Act, 1988


Data Protection Act, 1984 - 8 data principles of good info handling practice

Data must be:

  1. obtained and processed fairly and lawfully
  2. held for lawful purposes only
  3. used for those purposes and only disclosed those people described in register entry
  4. adequate, relevant and non excessive in relation to purposes for which they are held
  5. accurate and up to date
  6. held no longer than necessary
  7. accessible to individual
  8. surrounded by proper security

Personal data - data about living, identifiable individuals


Automatically processed - processed by computer or other technology


Data subjects - individuals to whom personal data relates


Data Protection Registrar



Health and Safety

Stress - information overload -> managers bombarded with more information than they can assimilate -> information anxiety

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - neck, shoulders and upper limbs

Eye strain

Extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation - from monitor -> may influence miscarriages

Ergonomics - refers to the design and functionality of the environment



General Purpose Packages


Spreadsheets


Integrated package


Software suite