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Computer Ethics
Ethics are the moral rules, standards or principles of behavior for deciding what is right and
wrong. They are moral rules and standards relating to a particular profession.
Computer Ethics are the rules, standards and guidelines that are adopted and practiced by
computer professionals. Computer students or users using the computers and the computer
laboratory should abide by the rules and regulations laid down by computer professionals.
Common computer ethics
Computer ethics can be categorized as Safety Ethics, Maintenance Ethics, Environmental
Ethics and Moral Ethics.
1) Safety Ethics: These relate to all cautions taken by users to prevent avoidable danger or
harm. Safety ethics include the following:
Fire Extinguishers should be provided to handle fire outbreaks
Cables and electrical wires should be neatly managed to avoid electrical hazards
There should be an appropriate lighting system in the computer room to avoid
unnecessary accidents
Voltage stabilizers should be used to control the voltage of the electric current that
enters equipment
Appropriate computer settings should be ensured
The furniture should be properly arranged to avoid accidents
2) Maintenance Ethics: These relate to all measures put in place to ensure the good
condition and long span of the system. They include:
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units should be provided to ensure continuous
supply of power even when the main power supply fails, so that the computer can be
properly shut down
The computer room should be dust free to avoid the system being damaged
The computer should be checked and serviced periodically as part of a good
maintenance culture
Overcrowding should be avoided especially in the computer room and in the use of
computer
3) Environmental Ethics: These relate to all issues of the safety of the environment and
they include the following
The computer room should be locate in a convenient place
Appropriate ventilation should be ensured by installing air conditioners or fans to
keep the temperature of the room cool as the computers generate a lot of heat
Computers should be kept neat at all times
4) Moral Ethics: there are moral issues relating to persons using the computer, which are”
Students should avoid fighting in the computer laboratory
Students should have a definite job be done before going to the computer room
The computers or tools are not toys, so students should avoid playing with the
computer
Students should strictly adhere to the instructions given by the teachers
Students should avoid overcrowding in the computer room
Responsible use of the computer system
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Computer users should take the following precautions in using the computer system
I. Obey rules and regulations: Students should strictly and always obey the laid down
rules and regulations in the use of the computer system
II. Avoid liquids dropping into the system: Students should be careful and avoid eating
and drinking in the computer laboratory. This will prevent liquids dropping into the
system
III. Use of dust covers: To avoid dust settling on the computer system, the computer
should be covered with a dust cover
IV. Protect the system from power problems: Stabilizers, surge protectors and UPS should
be installed in the computer laboratory. This measure will protect the computer from
avoidable damage
V. Unplug the system when not in use: The computer system must be switched off when
not in use. Also, the power cable must be unplugged when not in use. This will
prevent avoidable power problems
Responsible use of the Internet
I. Users should check their e-mail on a regular basis: This will enable the users to
promptly receive and reply e-mail
II. Give prompt and polite response to mails
III. Avoid going to dangerous and prohibited sites: This may likely cause the following:
Polluting the mind towards sexual activities
Having unconscious initiation into cultism, or other evil initiation
Inclination to crime
