1.8 Ethical, Legal, Cultural
and environmental
concerns.
Open Source
allows users access to the code to edit/change themselves.
usually free
Benefits: can
edit/customise freely, a
strong social support
forum, usually free,
good for companies,
allows collaborations
Disadvantages: relies on
support networks of other
users, to edit codes you need
expert knowledge,
de-bugging is hard, may need
to buy in external suppor
proprietary software
lisenced software
costs money
produced by
"professional
company"
many features built into one program
Benefits: provides free
customer support, meets
professional standards,
always someone to go back
if you have problems, likely
to be more tailored to
market needs, may be
broader.
Disadvantages: costs may be
significant, limited to
expansion by only what is
available, reliant on one
company, may not fully meet
the needs of a customer.
Data Protection Act (1998)
it covers what can be collected, how long it can be kept for, steps to
keep it up to date, sending and using the data, who can see that data
PEOPLE WHO COLLECT PERSONAL DATA NEED
TO REGISTER WITH THE INFORMATION
COMMISSIONER.
Computer Misuse Act
Makes it illegal for computers to access computer systems
without proper authorisation
access computer systems with the intent to commit a criminal offence
alter data without permission (viruses, physical deletion etc.)