Computer Ethics

CLASS: JSS One

Definition of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics is a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers.

Computer Room Management Ethics

The computer room should be managed properly. Unlike our homes, we need to keep a computer room in a good condition always by:
1. Making it free of dust: we should endeavour to dust our computers every day after sweeping the room. After some time, a computer engineer should use a blower to blow off the dust from within the computer.
2. Maintaining appropriate lighting: A computer room must not be dark while computers are being used. A steady flow of electricity and a device called an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and inverters can be used. A UPS is a device used to store electricity for the computer in case of power failure.
3. Maintaining adequate and appropriate ventilation: A cooling system is necessary all the time for our computers. Fans and air conditioners should be used always to avoid computers being damaged because of heat.
4. Proper setup of the computer system: All connections should be done before usage.
5. Eating and drinking should be avoided while in the computer room: The computer is an electronic device. Liquids could be spilt mistakenly into the computer if we eat and drink in the computer room. Fluid generally is not okay for electronic devices because it can short-circuit components inside them, causing them to malfunction and result in eventual damage. Moreso, food particles could obstruct ventilation inside the computer system resulting in damage due to overheating.
: 6. Noise should be avoided in a computer room The computer room is not a marketplace. People could be using the computer for research, attending online classes, writing examinations, etc. Absolute quietness is needed in the computer room to avoid distraction.
7. A maintenance officer should check all computers before and after use.

Laboratory Rules and Regulations

In a computer laboratory, certain rules and regulations should be observed. They include:
1. Chairs and tables should be arranged comfortably to ease movement within the computer laboratory.
2. Power points should be attached to the wall close to each computer.
3. The system unit and peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, mice, etc should be arranged in an orderly manner.
4. A computer laboratory should be out of bounds for non-computer users.
5. Computers should be booted properly before use and shut down properly after use to avoid damage to the memory files of the computer.
6. There should be no smoking, eating, or drinking in the computer laboratory.
7. Keep the computer away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
8. Be careful about using diskettes or external storage devices from unknown sources, as the computer could get infected with a virus.