Rules of Netiquette and Areas of Computer Ethics

Rules of Netiquette

Netiquette is etiquette on the Internet. Since the Internet changes rapidly, its netiquette does too, but it's still usually based on the Golden Rule. The need for a sense of netiquette arises mostly when sending or distributing e-mail, posting on Usenet groups, or chatting. To some extent, the practice of netiquette depends on understanding how e-mail, the Usenet, chatting, or other aspects of the Internet actually work or are practiced. So a little preliminary observation can help. Poor netiquette because you're new is one thing, but such practices as spam and flaming are another matter.

• Identify yourself:
• Begin messages with a salutation and end them with your name.
• Use a signature (a footer with your identifying information) at the end of a message

• Include a subject line.
•  Give a descriptive phrase in the subject line of the message header that tells the topic of the message (not just "Hi, there!").

• Avoid sarcasm.
•  People who don't know you may misinterpret its meaning.

• Respect others' privacy. 
• Do not quote or forward personal email without the original author's permission.

• Acknowledge and return messages promptly.

• Copy with caution.
•  Don't copy everyone you know on each message.

• No spam (a.k.a. junk mail). 
• Don't contribute to worthless information on the Internet by sending or responding to mass postings of chain letters, rumors, etc.

• Be concise. 
• Keep messages concise—about one screen, as a rule of thumb.

• Use appropriate language:
• Avoid coarse, rough, or rude language.
• Observe good grammar and spelling.

• Use appropriate emoticons (emotion icons) to help convey meaning. Use "smiley's" or punctuation such as :-) to convey emotions. See website list of emoticons at http://netlingo.com/smiley.cfm and http://www.robelle.com/smugbook/smiley.html.

• Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning.
• Avoid "flaming" (online "screaming") or sentences typed in all caps.
• Use asterisks surrounding words to indicate italics used for emphasis (*at last*).
• Use words in brackets, such as (grin), to show a state of mind.
• Use common acronyms (e.g., LOL for "laugh out loud").

Areas of Computer Ethics

Ethics is a set of moral principles that govern the behavior of a group or individual. Therefore, computer ethics is set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers. Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society.

Areas of Computer Ethics:

1. Information Accuracy
2. Green Computing
3. Codes of Conduct
4. Intellectual Property
5. Information Privacy

1. Information Accuracy

• knowledge that is correct, or something that is true
• do not assume all the information on the Web is correct
• users should evaluate the value of a Web page before relying on its content

2. Green Computing

• involves reducing the electricity and environmental waste while using a computer.
• average computer users can employ the following general tactics to make their computing usage more green:

                        * use hibernate or sleep mode 

                        * use flat-screen or LCD monitors

                        * turn off computers at the end of each day

                        * use devices that comply with ENERGY STAR program

                        * recycle paper and buy recycled paper

 3.Codes of Conduct

• written guideline that helps determine whether a specific action is ethical/unethical or not allowed.

4.Information Privacy

• refers to the rights of the individuals and companies to deny and restricts the collection and use the information about them.

5. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.

IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.

• Patent
• Trademark
• Copyright

Patent 

A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state or intergovernmental organization to an inventor or assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for detailed public disclosure of an invention. An invention is a solution to a specific technological problem and is a product or a process. Patents are a form of intellectual property.

Trademark

A trademark, is a recognizable sign, design, or expression which identifies products or services of a particular source from those of others, although trademarks used to identify services are usually called service marks.The trademark owner can be an individual, business organization, or any legal entity. A trademark may be located on a package, a label, a voucher, or on the product itself. For the sake of corporate identity, trademarks are often displayed on company buildings.

Copyright

protection provide to the authors of "original works" and includes such things as literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual creations, both published and unpublished.

•  Artistic works: paintings, drawing, photographs, maps, architecture and advertisement.
• Literary works: novels, poems, newspaper.