Online Communications

The Internet & Social Media
This Term in ICT we studied the Internet and Social Media. Our Tasks were to create this blog, and to provide a definition, example and personal opinion on each of the below issues:


The Internet
Definition – The internet is made up of millions of small LAN (Local Area Network) networks all brought together to form the vast "Inter-Network". Although that phrase never caught on, and people soon abbreviated it to the "Internet"
Example – Google is a great example of the internet, because it shows you just how many websites there are out there. Try searching a simple phrase, and see just how many millions of results come up. Some other examples are any website you come across, even this blog.

Importance – I believe the internet is an extremely important part of our lives. It allows us to send and receive information around the globe in a matter of milliseconds.

Social Effects
Definition –The effect that it has on the community that uses it.

Example – Cyber Bullying
Importance –I believe it is important because cyber bullying is a very serious issue
Computer Misuse Act
DefinitionThe Computer Misuse Act was passed in 1990. The purpose of the act is to recognise and create punishments for three new offences:
1.              Unauthorised access to computer material

2.              Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime

3.              Unauthorised modification of computer material.


ExampleCreating a virus that relays the users keystrokes to the cyber criminal, also known as a "Keylogger", so the criminal can find out personal information about the victim, eg bank details.
Importance – I believe this act is very important, because without it, it would be legal for people to transmit viruses and find out your personal information.
Copyright Patent Act
DefinitionThe 'Copyright, Designs and Patents Act' was passed in 1988. It's purpose is to protect the author of any original material from someone else taking it and claiming it as their work.

Example – Anything that someone makes themselves, they own the copyright (Unless otherwise Stipulated). Preventing others from copying their work.

Importance – I believe this act is very impotant. Without it, people would be constantly stealing other peoples work.



Data Protection Act
DefinitionThe Data Protection Act was passed in 1998. The aim of the act is to protect against data of organizations that is stored online (eg. Bank details), so that they are not misused or stolen.



Example – Every time your computer crashes, you are given the option to send a 'Crash Report' to Microsoft.



Importance –I believe this is an important act, because without it, websites would be able to legally find out your personal information, and maybe even sell it to others.

Computer Crime
DefinitionComputer crime is defined as 'criminal activity directly related to the use of computers'.

ExampleRecently, people have become very cautious about banking online, because of how easy it is for a cyber criminal to inject a virus into your computer and then find out your details whilst you login.

Importance – I believe that this act is important act, because without it, theives would legally be able to steal your money or identity.

Piracy
DefinitionSoftware piracy is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software. It is such a profitable "business" that it has caught the attention of organized crime groups in a number of countries

ExampleA Great example of software piracy is Adobe Photoshop. Because it is such an expensive program, most people download a 'crack'.

Importance – I believe that this is an important law because it is taking money straight out of the hands of honest people trying to make our lives easier by developing software for us. It is only fair we pay them what they deserve.

Social Media
DefinitionWeb sites and other online means of communication that are used by large groups of people to share information.



ExampleFacebook, Youtube and Myspace.


Importance – It is not as important as the things mentioned above, but still a very useful method of sharing information.

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