9618 · 7.1
Ethics and Ownership flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9618 Ethics and Ownership (syllabus 7.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Ethics (in Computing)
A set of moral principles that govern the behaviour of individuals or groups in the use of computers and information systems. It addresses issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and professional responsibility.
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Code of Conduct
A formal set of rules and guidelines that professionals in a field (like computing) are expected to follow. It outlines ethical standards and best practices. Examples include those from the BCS and ACM.
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Intellectual Property (IP)
Intangible creations of the human mind that are protected by law. In computing, this includes source code, algorithms, user interface designs, and databases.
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Copyright
A legal right that automatically grants the creator of an original work (like software, a photo, or text) exclusive rights for its use, distribution, and modification.
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Plagiarism
The act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, without giving proper credit to the original source. It is an ethical and academic offence.
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Freeware
Software that is available to use at no cost. However, it is still protected by copyright, and you cannot view or modify the source code. The creator retains all rights.
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Shareware
Copyrighted software that is distributed for free on a trial basis. After the trial period, the user is expected to pay to continue using it. Often has limited functionality until purchased.
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Open Source Software
Software with source code that is made available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. It is governed by specific licenses, like MIT or GPL, that define the terms of use.
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Free Software
Software that gives users the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve it. The 'free' refers to freedom, not necessarily price. It is a subset of open-source software with a strong philosophical emphasis on user liberty.
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Trap: Plagiarism vs Copyright Infringement
Plagiarism is an ethical issue of not giving credit. Copyright infringement is a legal issue of violating a creator's exclusive rights. You can commit both at once, but copying a public domain work without credit is plagiarism, not copyright infringement.
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Trap: 'Royalty-Free' Images
This does not mean the image is free of cost. It means you pay a one-time fee to use the image multiple times without paying additional royalties for each use. You are buying a license, not the copyright.