GNVQ ICT - Intermediate
Unit 10 - Networks and Communications
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on the level above: [Home Page for Unit 10]
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GNVQ ICT - Intermediate Unit 10 - Networks and Communications
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on the level above: [Home Page for Unit 10]
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Take account of relevant legislation and codes of practice
The
Data Protection Acts (1984, 1988 and 1998) control the use of personal data
stored on computer. Data users must
register with the Information Commissioner if they wish to store personal data
on a computer system. In addition
they must follow certain rules and codes of practice about the type of data they
store, how the data must be kept secure, who and what they are allowed to share
with others and the use to which the data can be put.
They are also required to make sure the data is accurate and, where
necessary, to update the data so that it remains accurate.
Data Subjects (the people whose information is stored by others) also
have certain rights under these acts. The Computer Misuse Act
(1990) was introduced to control the problems caused by computer hackers and
damage from computer viruses. It
made it illegal for anyone to access areas of a computer network for which they
had no permission. It also
prevented people making illegal copies of computer programs.
It made it an offence to change computer files belonging to someone else
(eg through deleting files or infecting them with a virus) and also provided
controls to prevent fraud and blackmail involving computers (eg. Where an
organisation was threatened with a virus attack.) The Copyright, Design and
Patents Act (1989) makes it illegal to copy a computer file without the
permission of the owner of the copyright. When
a user buys a software application they do not actually own the software
– they buy a licence to use the software under certain conditions and
restrictions. They cannot make copies of the software to pass on to others
unless the copyright owner gives them permission to do this.
This also applies to downloading materials from the Internet and using
them without the permission of the owners of the website. Other codes of practice – All
organisations that use computers have rules and codes about the use of computer
hardware and software. There may,
for example, be restrictions on the use of the Internet or using floppy disks
brought from home. It is important
that these rules follow all the relevant laws – and also pay attention to the
particular needs of the organisation. In
some cases, staff who break any of these rules can be (and are) sacked on the
spot! |
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© Hyde Technology School - Non-commercial use by other educational establishments is welcome. Please email your comments to mail@ictgnvq.org.uk Created by K C Parry - Please email your comments to kcparry@ictgnvq.org.uk |
