INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

What Should Be Done about Identity Thef?

Using e-mail and other techniques on the internet, scam artist are employing a technique known as phishing to try to steal your personal information, such as credit card numbers, banking information, and passwords. For example, an e-mail message may appear to be a request from your credit card company to verify your Social Security number and online banking password. Instead, the information you submit ends up in the hands the scammer, who the uses the information for a variety of unethical and ilegal acts. Sadly, the result often is identity theft. You can help to deter identity theft in several ways: 1) shred your financial documents before discarding them, 2) do not click links in unsolicitied e-mail messages, and 3) enroll in a credit monitoring service. Consumers advocates often blame credit card companies and credit bureaus for lax security standards. Meanwhile, the companies blame consumers for being too gullible and forthcoming with private information. Both sides blame the goverments for poor privacy laws and light punishment for identity thieves. But while the arguments go on, law enforcements agencies bear the burn of the problem by spending hundreds of millions of dollar responding to complaints and finding and processing the criminals. Under current laws, who is responsible for internet identity theft? why? Should laws be changed to stop it, or should consumers change behavior? What is an appropriate for identity theives? Given the international nature of the Internet, how can foreign identity theives be handled?

Who Is Responsible for the Accuracy of Web Pages?

Since the dawn of the web, some groups have used Web sites to try to convidence people that the Holocaust in World War II did not occur. Using fake research papers and authoritative looking web pages, these groups hope to revise history to their liking. In response, other groups have created Web sites to counter those claims and provide evidence of the turth. Many People think that anything in print is true, even what they read on the Web. Yet, authors with a wide range of expertise, authority, motives, and biases create Web pages. Web pages can be as accurate as the most scholarly journal, or no truer than the most disreputable supermarket tabloid. The Web makes it easy toobtain information, but Web page readers must make an extra effort to determine the quality of that information. In evaluating a Web page, expert suggest that yo consider such factors as the purpose, scope, sponsor, timeliness, presensation, author, and permanence of the page. Ultimately, who is responsible for the accuracy of information the Web? why? What factors are most important in evaluating the accuracy of a Web page? why? Should people be held accountable for what they lublish on the Web? if so, by whom?

Do Computer Games Do More Harm than Good?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is one of today`s most popular computer games. In the game, players advance through the mafia by conveying secret peckage, following alleged snitches, and planting car boms. Consumer have Bought millions of copies of Grand Theft Auto. Purchasers praise the game`s vivid ghrapics and wide range of allowable by using a special code. Despite investigations, the company was not fined or punished for the conten. Some parents and politicians condemn the game`s explicit violence and the rewards it gives players for participating in ilegal acts. They fear that games like Grand theft Auto eventually could lead to antisocial or criminal behaviour. Even worse, critics fear thatthe game`s popularity may influence future developers of coputer game aimed at younger children. Despite the fears, research has shown that playing violent game has no impact no behaviour or increased crime. in fact, in the time in which gaming has becom popular, violent crime has decreased by 50 percent in america. Some researchers and parents note the positive aspects of gaming, such as thinking skills to slove problems in games, meeting goals, and following rules. What impact, if any, do violet computer games or games that include unacceptable acts have on individual behavior? On belance, is computer gaming good or bad for people? Why? what other motivations might parents have who limit their children`s computer gaming?

Who Should Monitor Online Social Networks?

In recent years, online social networks such as MySpace exploded as a new means of communicating and socializing for teens and young adults. Not surprisingly, the problems associated with these online networks mirror some problem in society in general. Problem include bullying, smear campaigns againts individuals, and inappropirate contact between adults and mirrors. Recently, a high-school-aged girl secretly left the country with the intent of marrying and adult in the foreign country whom she met on a social network site. Fortunately, authorities in the foreign country intercepted her at the airport and sent her home. Some parents claim that the social networking sites should better monitor and report inappropriate behavior. While the sites have stepped up monitoring, they often claim that they are just providing a forum, and parents and authorities should be responsible for the inappriate actions of its members. Many teens and young adults feel that the problems are simply a matter of personal responsibility and using care when online. Should providers of online social networks be required to monitor and stop inappriate or socially unaccaptable behavior? Why or why not? What role should parents play in order in online social networks in the same way they are charged with maintaining order in society in general? Why or why not?

Should the Goverments Be Able Perform Surveillance on All Electronic Communications?

In the years following the terrorist attacks of Septembers 11, 2001, the federal began electronic surveillance intiatives. Some activits say that the words snooping or eavesdropping better describe the programs. By law, goverments agencies are Prohibited from spying on United States citizens. In special cases, agencies such as the CIA (Central Intelligency Agency) or NSA ( National Security Agency) can obtain a warrant to monitor communications between a citizen and a foreigner. One controversial program called the Terrorist Surveillance Program allowed warrantless monitoring of electronic communications, such as phone calls and Internet commnications. Another program involved the gathering of telephone records of tens of millions of America who were not suspects in any criminal acts. This program may have suggest illegal activity. Proponents of the programs say that they are necessary to protect the public and should be allowed in a time of war. Detractors of the programs claim that the programs are unconstitutional, are ineffective, and violate civil liberties. How much leewa should the goverments have when it comes to listening in on electronic communications? why? Given the threat posed by terrorist, should the goverments be able to engage in warrantless searches of electronic communications? Why or why not? Who should oversee the goverment`s behavior in these activities? Warrantless searches of electronic comminucations? Why or why not? Who should oversee the goverment`s behavior in these activities?