Back to: Jss1 Computer Science – ICT (BST)

Introduction

Computer ethics are a set of standards and principles that dictate the appropriate and responsible use of computers while avoiding harm to individuals or society as a whole. It is essential for all computer users to be knowledgeable about these ethical standards and to adhere to them, as outlined by experts in the field of computer science.

Definition of Ethics:

Ethics, in general, refers to a set of principles or values that guide the behaviour of a particular group. Computer ethics, in particular, are a set of moral guidelines that govern the use of computer systems, hardware, software, and data. These principles cover a wide range of issues, from privacy concerns to intellectual property rights and cybersecurity.

Computer Ethics

Adherence to computer ethics is important because computers and the internet have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, and their misuse can have serious consequences. For example, computer hacking, cyberbullying, and identity theft can cause significant harm to individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, computer professionals and users have a responsibility to ensure that their actions are in line with established ethical principles

Computer Room/ Computer Laboratory

A computer room or computer laboratory is a designated area where computer systems and related peripherals are stored and made available for practical, hands-on use. It is a designated space where students can learn and receive instruction in computer studies. Additionally, the equipment in a computer room may also be utilised for scientific research or study purposes.

Some of The Materials in The Computer Room

Computer system

A computer system is the central piece of technology in a computer room. It is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, and provides output based on the input data. Computer systems in a computer room are typically high-performance devices with advanced processing capabilities and high storage capacity. They are designed to handle complex computations and facilitate various software applications that are used in computer studies or scientific research.

Chairs

Chairs are a crucial component of a computer room as they provide seating for students, researchers, or technical staff. Computer room chairs are typically designed to provide comfort for extended periods of sitting and are often ergonomic, meaning they are engineered to support good posture and reduce physical strain on the body.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning units in a computer room are essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe environment. The equipment in a computer room generates a significant amount of heat, and the air conditioning system helps to regulate the temperature and keep it at an optimal level to prevent damage to the computer systems and other equipment.

Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is an important safety device that is often required in computer rooms. The equipment in a computer room can generate heat, and in the event of an electrical fire, a fire extinguisher can help to prevent the spread of the fire and protect the people and equipment in the room.

Cables and wires

Cables and wires are essential materials in a computer room as they provide connectivity between various devices. The cables and wires used in a computer room are typically high-quality and designed to provide fast data transfer rates and optimal connectivity between devices.

Stabilizer

A stabilizer is a device that is used to regulate the voltage supplied to the equipment in the computer room. Fluctuations in voltage can damage electronic devices, so a stabilizer is essential to prevent power surges or brownouts that can cause harm to the computer systems.

Shelves

Shelves are used to store various materials and equipment in a computer room. They provide an organised space for storing books, manuals, and other materials that are needed for computer studies or scientific research.

Scanner

A scanner is an electronic device that is used to convert physical documents or images into digital form. Scanners are essential in a computer room as they facilitate the creation of digital copies of documents, which can be stored and manipulated on computer systems.

Fans

Fans are used to circulate air in a computer room, which helps to regulate temperature and prevent overheating of the equipment. They are typically installed to work in conjunction with the air conditioning system to provide optimal cooling and ventilation in the room.

Printer

A printer is a peripheral device that is used to produce hard copies of digital documents or images. Printers in a computer room are typically high-performance devices that are designed to handle large volumes of print jobs and provide fast printing speeds.

UPS

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that provides backup power to the equipment in a computer room in the event of a power outage. It provides a short period of time for the computer systems to shut down safely, preventing data loss and equipment damage.

Primary Function of A Computer System in A Computer Room

a) To store books and manuals

b) To produce hard copies of digital documents

c) To provide a comfortable learning environment

d) To accept data, process it, and provide an output based on the input data

c) To regulate temperature and prevent equipment damage

d) To convert physical documents or images into digital form

c) A device used to regulate the voltage supplied to equipment

d) To prevent the spread of fire

d) To accept data, process it, and provide an output based on the input data

Features of computer laboratory 

• The computer room should be located in an easily accessible area to allow for the easy movement of human and material resources. A central location that is convenient for students and staff is preferable.
• The size of the room should be sufficient to accommodate a particular number of computers and provide ample space for students to move around comfortably. The room should be well-lit and preferably tiled, as a carpeted floor can easily accumulate dust. To reduce glare, window blinds should be provided.
• Adequate seating arrangements are essential in the computer room, with chairs and computer tables being a necessity. The tables should be spacious enough to accommodate the computer system and a notebook for writing. Students need to be comfortable when using the computer, so the chairs should be adjustable to suit individual needs.
• The computer room must be furnished with complete computer sets, including keyboards, speakers, mouse, and other necessary peripherals. It is crucial to ensure that the hardware is well set up and not dropped from a high place to avoid damage.
• Appropriate ventilation is crucial, and fans should be provided to ensure adequate airflow. If possible, air conditioning units can be installed to regulate the temperature in the room.
• Storage media, including CDROM racks, should be kept safe in a cabinet. This ensures the safety and security of important data and reduces clutter in the room.
• Electrical safety should be a top priority. It is essential to ensure that computers are operated with adequate voltage or electricity supply to prevent damage. Avoid using computers with low currents as this can cause electrical damage to the equipment.
• A whiteboard with markers should be made available in the computer laboratory or room to aid in learning and collaboration. This can be used for demonstrations, brainstorming, or explaining complex concepts to the students.
• The computer room should be equipped with appropriate software to support the learning needs of students. This can include operating systems, productivity software, and educational applications. The software should be regularly updated to ensure that it is up-to-date and free of security vulnerabilities.
• The room should be designed to minimize distractions and external noise to create a conducive learning environment. Sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels, can be installed to reduce noise levels.
• It is crucial to have a backup power supply in the computer room to avoid disruptions in case of a power outage. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can provide temporary power during such an event and give students and staff enough time to save their work and shut down their systems properly.
• The computer room should be secure and free from unauthorized access. Access control systems, such as biometric scanners or electronic keypads, can be installed to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the room. CCTV cameras can also be installed to enhance security and monitor activities in the room.

Computer Room Management Ethics

 Computer room management refers to the strategy implemented in the computer room to create a comfortable environment for both the computer equipment and the users. In order to ensure the efficient functioning of the system, several aspects should be given adequate attention

1. It is imperative that the computer room remains clean and well-organized at all times. 
2. The environment should be kept free from dust, and it is recommended that you dust behind your computer regularly. 
3. It is advisable to clean your keyboards and utilize a dust cover to filter out any dust particles.
4. To further ensure cleanliness, a dust blower should be used to remove any accumulated dust within the computer.
5. Proper ventilation is vital to maintain a conducive atmosphere in the computer room.
6. In the event of a power failure, it is important to have Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to store electricity for the computer. These devices will help prevent damage to the computer and its components.
7. Before using the computer system, it is crucial that it is well-configured and set up appropriately.
8. Power surges can be detrimental to computer systems. Therefore, it is important to have measures in place to arrest high voltage.
9. To prevent any possible damage or accidents, it is crucial to switch off all electronic devices at the end of the day.
10. A well-lit and bright computer room is crucial for optimal visibility, and to prevent any strain on the eyes.
11. As a safety measure, there should be a fire extinguisher readily available in case of a fire outbreak.
12. To prevent any tripping hazards, cables should not be left lying on the floor.
13. To avoid any damage caused by liquids, it is important to keep water and other liquids away from the keyboard. Eating and drinking should also be avoided in the computer room.
14. Regular routine servicing is recommended to ensure the computer systems remain functional.
15. It is important to have exit doors easily accessible in case of an emergency.
16. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the computer room.
17. To prevent damage to the computer, it is recommended to have an air-conditioner installed to regulate the temperature in the room, especially during hot weather.
18. Storage of combustible materials should be minimized or avoided altogether in data centres.
19. For security purposes, visitors should not be allowed into the computer room without the accompaniment of staff.
20. To conserve energy and prevent any damage to the devices, it is important to switch off all computers and other electronic equipment when not in use.
21. To prevent any break-ins or thefts, the computer room should have burglary-proof security measures in place.
22. It is recommended to have a maintenance officer to carry out regular checks on all computers before and after use to ensure they are in optimal condition.