Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns Issues
Encryption
Puts data in a code (encrypts) that cannot be understood unless the
user has a key to decrypt it.
Prevents unauthorised people accessing the data if it is intercepted.
Defragmentation
Data when stored on a hard disk can get fragmented (split up) which makes it
slower to access the data. Data is saved in the available spaces and not always
grouped together.
This can happen as files are moved, deleted or changed size.
Defragmentation reorganises the data so that it is stored together
Compression
Reduce the size of files before sending or saving
So they can be transmitted faster or take up less space
Allows media on websites to load faster
Backup
A backup is making a copy of the original file
A full backup copies every files on the system. This can can take time and a lot of
space
An incremetal backup only copies files that have changed since the last backup was
made. This is faster to create and uses less space. If a full restore is needed this is
slower than resroring from a full backup
Proprietary
Proprietary software cannot be copied/altered (without permission of the copyright owner). It is
distributed only as a compiled program/source code not available
Advantages Disadvantages
Support is available if there is a problem
Updates are regularly available
Will have tested extensively
Can be expensive as you have to purchase
licenses
It may be inflexible to the user’s needs
Can tie you in to uses one particular
platform
Open Source
Open source software is distributed with its source code and can be modified
Advantages Disadvantages
License free and its source code is
available to others to use and improve
It can be altered as the source code is
available
Can be reliable as many people modify
and improve it
May not be anyone to contact if
something goes wrong
Updates may not be available or be
irregular
Why you would choose to make your software Open Source:
Other people can improve and maintain your code
You can receive an income from advertising
Could reach a wider audience
Why you would choose to make your software Open Proprietary:
Receive an income from selling
Copyright your code so you can prevent people from modifying and
using
Legal = What is considered right and wrong in the eyes of the law
The Data Protection Act 1998
8 principles relating to the gathering and
storage of personal data.
Data must be kept secure, up to date, cannot
sell without permission
Data subject have the right to see data held
about them
Computer Misuse Act 1990
To prevent hacking and unauthorised access.
Covers 3 offences:
1. Gaining unauthorised access
2. Gaining unauthorised access with the intent to
commit a rime
3. Gaining unauthorised access and modifying
material.
Copyright Design and Patents Act
1988
Protects anything that has been created such
as images, software, books
You cannot make copies without permission
Creative Commons Licensing
Allows you to legally share media and
software with others by giving them
permission to use
Freedom of Information Act 2000 Allows the public to access information held
by organisations
Stakeholder = Individuals or Groups of people who have an interest
in an organisation