It's important to recycle and dispose correctly of all computer systems and electronics.
Many electronics contain harmful chemicals.
These chemicals can negatively affect our environment.
Recycling also benefits our economy, as less resources are used in gathering new materials since old materials are re-used.
Do not simply throw your old computer or electronics in the household trash.
Giving old computers to exportation companies for developing nations isn't advised, as it's just passing the disposal problem on to a country or community that may not be able to afford correct disposal.
You should have your old computers and electronics collected by electronic waste recycling facilities
Advancements in these facilities now mean between 95% - 98% of the electronics can be recycled
Barium, Beryllium, Brominated Flame Retardants, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Plastics
All of these chemicals and components have the ability to negatively affect our environment if not dealt with correctly.
Check out eWaste here
A code of conduct is simply a set of rules that outlines the responsibilites and expectations of an individual, party or organization
Companies use a code of conduct to display what is expected from each employee
All companies, big and small, often rely on a code of conduct to ensure the behaviour and actions of each employee is up to a certain standard
In IT, this relates to many aspects of the use of technology (e.g. the Internet and computers)
Companies will outline their expectations in terms of using computers and the Internet in a code of conduct.
It ensures computing resources are used for work purposes
It provides guidelines to protect data, eg company secret files not going online and available for all
Code of conduct = a set of rules and guides that outline the expectations of an individual, party or organization
IT code of conduct = generally refers to how technologies such as computers and the Internet are to be used
Check out an example of a Code of Conduct here
Intellect property is a term that refers to creations of the mind
This can include inventions, literary and artistic work, designs, symbols, and even names and images used in business
IP is protected by law through patents, copyrights and trademarks
IP is essential in protecting original ideas and creations
New ideas arise daily in the ICT business
IP allows us to protect these ideas by law and gain compensation if our creations are stolen
Copyright = this is applied by default when work is created
Patent = this is an issued right for an invention that allows the creator to commercially exploit the invention for the life of the patent
Trademark = this is a unique symbol or logo that differentiates your product or service from others
Etiquette is the customary code of conduct and use of polite behaviour in society, or when among other people
Etiquette is generally second-nature to us, it's what causes us to act polite and civilized
It is important to have etiquette in our civilization in order for us to respect each other
Etiquette is an integral part of any society; even online communities
Community rules and guidelines vary throughout the web but generally all follow basic etiquette
It is impotant to have a functioning, healthy online community to ensure the community can flourish
An example of etiquette in IT can also refer to workplace etiquette
Work places often have expected rules and codes of conduct
This often includes the way we talk and interact with one another
Using our "please and thank you's" often lifts morality, which in turn boosts productivity
This practice works in the same in ICT Systems
The better we're treated, the more inclined we are to help someone, or build something, etc.
Using approprite language
Formal writing when required
Avoiding offensive language such as curse words
Using capitalisation appropriately (we tend to read caps-lock sentences as SHOUTING)
Using manners and being polite towards other users
When on online communities such as forums:
Making posts that are on-topic
Not posting material that is against the community guidelines
As a basic rule of thumb:
If you wouldn't say it in real life, don't say it on the Internet!
Email Etiquette (Netiquette) by Griffith University here
Net Etiquette Guideliens by Flinders University here
Piracy is simply the illegal use or reproduction of someone else's work
In terms of IT, it can apply to the illegal copying, distribution and even use of software
Most software comes with End User License Agreements (EULAs) that is included to protect the creator with copyright laws
Infringement of this EULA results in piracy and can have legal consequences
Piracy is a factor that needs to be regarded heavily in both developing and using ICT Systems
For example, companies can stand to lose millions of dollars in revenue from piracy
Music and Film companies are constantly in legal battles with courts due to their music and film works being pirated
This gives developers something to consider, as they're put at risk of having their work used illegally
As ICT experts with clients, it's essential to ensure we're not breaking any laws in terms of piracy, as this could end up costing both ourselves and our clients lots in legal repayments
Piracy does give us exciting new opportunities as ICT experts as it forces us to look at ways in which piracy can be prevented and products can be secured digitally
Softlifting: Borrowing and installing a copy of software from a friend / colleague.
Client-server overuse: Installing and using more copies of software than you have purchased licenses for.
Hard-disk loading: Installing and selling unauthorized copies of software on re-build or new computers.
Counterfeiting: Copying and re-selling copyrighted programs.
Online Piracy: Involves downloading content illegal online. This can include books, TV Shows, Movies, Music etc.
A lot of times, preventation of piracy is a difficult task
Licensing is a legal method of ensuring your work won't be stolen, although pirates often regard these legal documents
Special encryption and software signing methods can be put in place to ensure validation of software
Often demo versions are released together with full versions of software to help restrict piracy
Internet validation can be used to ensure a license has been purchased before starting the software / game
A code of conduct is simply a set of rules used to set a standard of behaviour and social norms
Codes of conduct are used in a multitude of companies and institutions
Each organization will have a different code of conduct that outlines their particular practices, responsibilities and expected behaviour from its members and / or users
A code of conduct is put in place to ensure harmony within an organization as it encourages proper etiquette and behaviour when dealing with one another
Much like any system, specific rules and guidelines need to be followed when working with technology
For example, in a school situation, students will have to agree and abide by a certain code of conduct when using technology either owned by the school, or when on school grounds
This also applies to many workplaces and other organizations
Common agreements outlined in a typical code of conduct relating to ICT are:
All computers must be used for [organization] purposes only
[Individuals] must not disclose passwords to other individuals
Non-educational games and software must not be installed on a computer
Computer hardware should not be defaced or vandalized
The network administrator has right to deleted anything deemed inappropriate on [the organization]'s network (such as non-work / education related files)
Etc.
Failure to follow these rules and guidelines outlined in an organization's code of conduct could result in loss of technology-related privileges
Codes of conduct apply to websites and online resources as well as computing systems
Many websites create their own specific codes of conduct with their own particular guidelines
These guidelines work to create a happy, safe and healthy browsing experience
Codes of conduct and etiquette go hand-in-hand in ensuring a standard of behaviour on the Internet
Read The Computing Teacher's article on Etiquette in ICT here
View the Department of Education WA's code of conducts and policies relating to ICT here
View some typical codes of conduct rules here