Cyber Ethics

Cyber ethics are important in today's society because with the internet technology learning occurring in schools and at home, students need to know what is expected of them and what to watch out for. Even at school, where there are firewalls that attempt to block out information that is detrimental to the student body, students need to know what is appropriate and not for school and their age. One of the aspects of cyber ethics that of up most importance is software piracy. Students need to know that it is not appropriate to pirate software for any reason, and it is also necessary to give credit to where you get the information.
Students today believe that everything they find on the internet is fair game. They can use it anytime and anywhere regardless of whether or not it is copyrighted. According to http://www.playitcybersafe.com/ the cost of piracy (copying or distributing illegal copies) is twelve billion dollars a year. This is especially true because students don't realize that when software or music is purchased it is the license that is purchased, not the actual software. The license agreement says that you must adhere to the rights of the producer. According to http://www.bsa.org/, these rights normally say that illegal distribution is not permitted. Students need to know that they are not allowed to share music or software, like games, with each other to download on the computer or CD to use for themselves and their friends.
My personal opinion about the sharing of files is that students today should be made aware and punished in schools for it. If a student uses graphics or audio, just like we do in school or in other presentations, they must begin to cite their references or how and where they got their information. This will make them more responsible internet and computer users. It will also prepare them for the future when they are asked to make a presentation with information found on the internet. The students also need to be made aware of the people in the news who are downloading information illegally and are being fined thousands of dollars for a dollars worth of music. Some students do not realize that it is against the law and they can be penalized. So when they let their friend copy their games and burn their CD to their friend's computer, they need to realize that it is illegal even if you are not making money. Students also need to realize that allowing pirated software on your computer potentially could freeze or disable things on your computer. So not only is it illegal to download licensed software, it can cause harm to your computer.