you're a mystery yourself

Sunday, August 30, 2009

12:40 AM

Topic 1 : Copyright

What is copyright?

Copyrighting is giving the person who created the work exclusive rights for a period of time in relation to the work. However, ideas, concepts, methods or any works that are not documented in a law firm are works that are not protected and thus no labeled as a copyrighted work.

So, exactly what type of works are copyrighted?

Literary or Dramatic works such as written books, poetry and drama respectively are examples of types these type of works. Musical works such as music, scores and recordings or Artistic works like paintings and sculptures are also works that can be copyrighted. Name or brands of products can also be copyrighted.

What is copyright infringement and the consequences when violated?

Using or copying more than 10% of a work, not seeking permission and using the work which are often in forums or through emails, sharing of music over the net in the form of MP3 format are simply some common types of copyright infringement. All software are also copyrighted. Doing any of these may result in a maximum fine of $100,000 or a jail term of up to five years.

Topic 2 : Danger with Cyber Contacts

Who are cyber contacts and what is the difference between real friends?

Cyber contacts are people you meet on the net and have not met them in real life before. Their true identity and information are unknown to you. These people are also known as Cyber Pals.

Cyber Pals VS Real Friends

How you got to know them?

CP :Know through the internet without meeting face to face
RF :Get to know them through the real world

True identity?

CP :Easy to hide real identity (name, gender, age etc)
RP :Know who they are and their identity

True feelings/ emotions?

CP :No verbal, physical clues to sense emotions and feelings leading to high chance of deception
RP :Not able to easily hide your identity and emotions

How does having Cyber pals affect some people…

POSITIVELY?

It can draw a person out of his/her shell as some people feel more comfortable opening up to others without meeting face to face. The cyberpal can then encourage the person to be braver and tell her true feelings and emotions or thoughts about something instead of keeping it all inside and might even affect her in the real world, making her more open to her own friends or family.

Conversing with cyber friends can also help to provide opportunities as other people might have different opinions or information about something and can widen your knowledge or understanding. It is also a good chance to interact with people from other countries and learn about their cultures and traditions. People are also able to meet with others of a similar interest and motivate them to pursue their dream.

NEGATIVELY?

You’ll be lucky if you met good and sincere cyber friends but some might mean harm. They are able to hide from you their identities, giving you false information in exchange for your own. Using this information they can hack into your accounts and having bad cyber friends can result in him/her to send you threatening mail or simply playing pranks on you.

What precautionary measures should you take when having Cyber Friendships?

Avoid sending or revealing anything personal, details about yourself or images
Try not to meet with the person without properly telling your family or friends about it and seeking permission
If you are not comfortable with what the other person is bringing up, leave the conversation or firmly decline any invitation to meet or give up information

Topic 3 : Computer Security

Why do we need to secure our computer?

It is important to protect our computer or any valuable data stored in it to be damaged or stolen for other people’s use. They can use the information, hacking into your accounts or hackers might simply plant malware into emails or breaking in through a weakness in any of your computer programmes.

What is Malware, types and effects of Security Threats?

Malware is a short form for Malicious Software and consist of Viruses, Trojan, Spyware and Worms.

1. Virus
- Attaches itself to attachments in emails, instant messages or through peer to peer sharing software

2. Trojan
- Attaches to programmes and pretend to be harmless
- Able to control your computer, sending messages to you or shutting it down when you go on the computer

3. Worms
- Slows down the computer be using its resources

4. Spyware
- Collects data from other computers

How to protect your computer/ personal information?

You could use a firewall, or regularly update your anti-virus programmes, have regular virus scans on your computer or simply using a strong password to guard your data.

&the beauty.