INFORMATION AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

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INTRODUCTION
TO INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
LESSON 1
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

EVOLUTION OF COMMUNICATION

Communication has improved and evolved to facilitate our daily activities. In

the 21st century, everything related to communication utilizes technology to
send out or disseminate information to a wider audience. Information can
be sent out in many ways. The inventions of cellular phones, television and
other electronic devices are important in enhancing communication.

WHAT IS ICT?

ICT is the technology required for information processing, in particular, the

use of electronic computers, communication devices and software
applications to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve
information from anywhere, anytime.

INFORMATION

Information refers to the knowledge obtained from reading, investigation,

study or research.

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The tools to transmit information are the telephone, television and radio.

We need information to make decisions and to predict the future. For

example, scientists can detect the formation of a tsunami using the latest
technology and warn the public to avoid disasters in the affected areas.
Information is knowledge and helps us to fulfill our daily tasks. For example,
forecasting the stock exchange market.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is an act of transmitting messages. It is a process whereby

information is exchanged between individuals using symbols, signs or verbal
interactions. Previously, people communicated through sign or symbols,
performing drama and poetry. With the advent of technology, these older
forms of communication are less utilised as compared to the use of the
Internet, e-mail or video conferencing.

Communication is important in order to gain knowledge. With knowledge, we

are more confident in expressing our thoughts and ideas.

TECHNOLOGY
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Technology is the use of scientific knowledge, experience
and resources to create processes and products that fulfill
human needs. Technology is vital in communication.
Aiding Communication
Telephone and fax machines are the devices used in
extending communication.
Spreading Information
To broadcast information such as news or weather reports
effectively. Radio, television, satellites and the World Wide
Web (www) are powerful tools that can be used.

TECHNOLOGY TIMELINE
Technology

Year
In 3500 BC, the Sumerians
developed cuneiform writing.

In 1500 BC, the Phoenicians

developed the alphabet

In 105 BC, Tsai Lun of China

invented paper.

In 1454, the first printing began

with the creation of a printing
machine.

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In 1793, the telegraph line was

invented.

In 1876, the first telephone was

introduced.

In 1925, television was made

known to public.

In 1941, the computer was

created.

In 1958, the photocopier machine

was introduced.

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In 1963, the communication

satellite was
introduced.

In 1969, the first Internet known

as ARPANET was introduced.

LESSON 2
EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
In the early years, before the computer was invented, there are several
inventions of counting machines.
Year
200
BC

CHINESE ABACUS
500
BC

EGYPTIAN ABACUS

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1620

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JOHN NAPIER

NAPIER'S BONES

BLAISE PASCAL

PASCALINE

1653

1673

LEIBNIZ'S RECHNER
GOTTFRIED WILHELM VON
LEIBNIZ
1801

JOSEPH MARIE JACQUARD

WEAVING LOOM

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1823

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MECHANICAL CALCULATOR
MACHINE

CHARLES BABBAGE
1941

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

MARK 1

COMPUTER GENERATIONS
FIRST GENERATION (1940-1956)
The first generation of computer were huge, slow, expensive and often
unreliable. In 1946, two Americans, Presper Eckert and Willian Mauchly build
the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). It use vacuum
tube instead of mechanical switches of the MARK 1.

Vacuum tube
MARK 1
Presper Eckert

Willian Mauchly

In 1951, Eckert and Mauchly build the

UNIVAC, which could calculate at the rate
of 10,000 addition per seconds.
UNIVAC UNIVERSAL AUTOMATIC COMPUTER

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Hardware Technology
New invention of hardware were needed with the new computer technology.
Technology
VACUUM TUBE

Details
The vacuum tube was an extremely
important step of the advancement of
computers.In a computer, a vacuum tube
which is an electronic tube about the size of
light bulbs, was used as the internal
computer components. Thousands of them
were used.

PUNCHED CARD
Punched card was used to store data.

MAGNETIC TAPE
Magnetic tape was introduced in 1957. It
was a faster and a more compact method of
storing data. Using magnetic tape became
more reliable and cost-effective.
Problems
the vacuum tubes generated a great deal of heat causing many
problems in temperature regulation and climate control
the tubes also burnt out frequently
people operating the computer did not know that the problem was in
the programming machine
the second generation computer scientists invented something new
due to lots of problem created by vacuum tubes

SECOND GENERATION (1956-1963)

The famous computer scientists during the second generation era were:

The creation of transistor spark the production of a wave of second

generation computer. Transistor was small devices use to transfer electronic
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signals across a resister. Transistors had many advantages compared to
other hardware technology.

transistors were smaller than vacuum tubes

they needed no warm up time
consumed less energy
generated much less heat
faster and more reliable

THIRD GENERATION (1964-1971)

In the third generation era, the IBM 370 series were introduced in 1964.
It came in several models and sizes.It was used for business and
scientific programs. Other computer models introduced were CDC 7600
and B2500.
The development of integrated circuit (IC), signal the
beginning of the third generation computers. Silicone
chips were manufactured in 1961 at the Silicone Valley.
Then came the integrated circuit technology, which had
reduced the size and cost of computers.
It is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicone. Which is also
known as semi conductor. Other than that, the Magnetic Core Memory
was replaced by a device called the microchip. Also the first 256 bit RAM
was introduced and it was the basis for development of 1K bit RAM.
Advantages
A new concept in this generation was that of a family of computer which
allowed computer to be upgraded and expanded as necessary.

Silicone chips were reliable, compact and

cheaper.
Sold hardware and software separately
which created the software industry.
customer service industry flourished
(reservation and credit checks)

FOURTH GENERATION (1971-PRESENT)

It took only 55 years for the 4 generations to
evolve. The growth of the computer industry
developed technologies of computer inventions.
There are many types of computer models such as:
Apple Macintosh
IBM
DELL
ACER
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In 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor. In 1976, Steve Jobs built the
first Apple computer. Then, in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal
computer.

Steve Jobs

Bill Gates

Micheal Dell

During the fourth generation, hardware technology such as silicone chips,

microprocessor and storage devices were invented. A microprocessor is a
specialized chip which is developed for computer memory and logic.

Microprocessor

Silicone Chips
The microprocessor is a large-scale integrated circuit which contained
thousands of transistors. The transistors on this one chip are capable of
performing all of the functions of a computer's central processing unit.
Advantages
Computers became 100 times smaller than ENIAC (Electronic
Numerical Integrator and Computer) the first computer
Gain in speed, reliability and storage capacity
Personal and software industry boomed

FIFTH GENERATION (PRESENT & BEYOND)

The fifth generation computers are technologically
advance and are still being development to become
more efficient.
The inventions of new hardware technology in the
fifth generation have grown rapidly including many
other modern computer devices such as :
silicone chips
processor
robotics
virtual reality
intelligent systems
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programs which translate languages

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NEW ERA COMPUTER

After the fifth generation computer, the technology of computer has become
more advanced, modern and sophisticated. The latest invention in the era of
computers are :

Super Computers
Mainframe Computers
Mini Computers
Personal Computers
Mobile Computers

Mini Computers

Mobile Computer

Mainframe Computers
Super Computers
invented as part of
communication

Personal Computers

In the new era of

computers, expert
system such as
teleconferencing and
speech-recognition
system have been
modern world
tools.

LESSON 3
USAGE OF ICT IN DAILY LIFE

EDUCATION
Today, most schools and higher educational institutions have computers in
the classroom for teacher and students. In education, teachers, students,
researchers and school administrators benefits from the usage of ICT.

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Teachers use computers to

research for teaching materials,
participate in online forums and
online conferences as well as
to aid their teaching.

Teachers
Students use the computers as a
reference tool. They use
computers to browse the
Internet to look for information.

Students
Researchers use computers to
collect and process data.

Researchers
School administrators use
computers for administrative
purposes to make sure that the
entire operation runs smoothly.

School administrators

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BANKING
The computer is the nerve centre of the
banking system around the world. It functions
to control the entire banking system that also
includes 'Electronic Banking Services'.
Electronic banking provides 24 hour services.
The services include :

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Cheque Deposit
Electronic Fund Tranfer
Direct Deposit
Pay by phone system
Personal computer banking/ internet
banking

In the banking sector, customers, businessman

and bank administrator benefits from the
usage of ICT.
Customers can make any
transactions at the 24 hour service
centres or via online.These
services allow them to do
transaction at anytime they want.

Customers
Businessmen can save their time
by using the online services
offered by banks. They can access
company accounts for
loan applications, business
transactions and update on their
cash flow at any time.
Businessmen

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Bank administrators can oversee

the entire banking activities such
as reconciliations, inter-branch
transactions (IBT), telegraphic
transfer and others by referring to
the banking system.
Bank administrators

INDUSTRY
Computers are used to facilitate production
planning and control systems, to support chain
management and to help in product design in the
industrial sector.In the industrial sector ,workers,
researchers and administrator benefits from the
usage of ICT.
Workers use machines that are
connected to computers to
operate. In some productions,
robots are used to take over
jobs that are dangerous to the
workers.
Workers
Researchers use computers to
analyse and collect research data
for future reference.

Researchers
Administrators use computers to
oversee the entire operations in
the plant or factory to detect
specific errors or defects that
occurred in the process.
Administrators

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E-COMMERCE
E-commerce helps in boosting the economy. It makes buying and selling
activities easier, more efficient and faster. For this application, computers,
Internet and shared software are needed.
In the e-commerce sector ,customers r, suppliers and employees benefits
from the usage of ICT.
Customers use computers to be
connected online with suppliers to
purchase products. This method
can save time and cost
as they do not have to go to any
outlets.

Customers
Suppliers use computers to keep
track of their transactions. All
products are bar coded and can be
read by the computer
scanner to help in determining
prices and managing inventory.
Suppliers
Employees use computers and
telephones to communicate with
their customers for any enquiries.
The system helps employees to
get the latest updates on
inventory to be informed to the
customers.
Employees

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OTHER SECTOR

LESSON 4
COMPUTERISED AND NON-COMPUTERISED SYSTEMS

COMPUTER SYSTEM
A system is an arrangement of elements that when
it is put together it becomes an organised and
established procedure. A system typically consists
of components connected together in order to
facilitate the flow of information, matter or energy.
A computer system consists of a set of hardware and software which
processes data in a meaningful way.

EDUCATION

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education is the science of teaching and learning of specific skills

it also imparts knowledge, good judgement and wisdom

BANKING SYSTEM
BANKING BEFORE ICT
banking was done manually by taking
deposits directly
transactions can only be made during
working hours
takes time to approve any loan applications
BANKING WITH ICT
all transactions are done by computers
transaction can be done at anytime and place
online services, phone banking system, credit
cards are available

INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY BEFORE ICT
Production was slow because everything was done
manually and totally depended on human labour.
INDUSTRY WITH ICT
Computers and telecommunications industry became
very popular and profitable since production can be
increased through an all day operation.

COMMERCE
Commerce is an activity of exchanging, buying and selling of commodities on
a large scale involving transportation from place to place.
COMMERCE BEFORE ICT
Trading was made using the barter system and it
was then later developed into currency.
Advertisement was in the form of word of mouth,
billboards and printed flyers.
Trading globally was extremely slow, late and
expensive. Traders had to find ways to market local
products in the global market.
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COMMERCE WITH ICT

E-commerce plays an important role in the economic
scene. It includes distribution, buying, selling and
servicing products that are done electronically.

LESSON 5
THE IMPACT OF ICT ON SOCIETY

FASTER COMMUNICATION SPEED

In the past, it took a long time for any news or

messages to be send. Now with the Internet, news or
messages are sent via e-mail to friends, business
partners or to anyone efficiently. With the capability of
bandwidth, broadband and connection speed on the
Internet, any information can travel fast and at an
instant. It saves time and is inexpensive.

LOWER COMMUNICATION COST

Using the Internet is cost-effective than the other modes of communication

such as telephone, mailing or courier service. It allows people to have
access to large amounts of data at a very low cost. With the Internet we do
not have to pay for any basic services provided by the Internet.
Furthermore, the cost of connection to the Internet is relatively cheap.

RELIABLE MODE OF COMMUNICATION

Computers are reliable. With the internet, information could be accessed and
retrieved from anywhere and at anytime. This makes it a reliable mode of
communication. However, the input to the computer is contributed by
humans. If the data passed to the computer is faulty, the result will be faulty
as well. This is related to the term GIGO.
GIGO is a short form for Garbage In Garbage Out. It
refers to the quality of output produced according to the
input. Normally bad input produces bad output.
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EFFECTIVE SHARING OF INFORMATION

With the advancement of ICT, information can be shared by people all

around the world. People can share and exchange
opinions, news and information through discussion
groups, mailing list and forums on the Internet. This
enable knowledge sharing which will contribute to the

development of knowledge based society.

PAPERLESS ENVIRONMENT
ICT technology has created the term paperless environment. This term
means information can be stored and retrieved through the digital medium
instead of paper. Online communication via emails, online chat and instant
messaging also helps in creating the paperless environment.

BORDERLESS COMMUNICATION

Internet offers fast information retrieval, interactivity, accessibility and

versatility. It has become a borderless sources for services and information.
Through the Internet, information and communication can be borderless.

SOCIAL PROBLEMS

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There are some negative effects of ICT. It has created social problems in the
society. Nowadays, people tend to choose online communication rather than
having real time conversations. People tend to become more individualistic
and introvert.
Another negative effect of ICT is :
fraud
identity theft
Pornography
Hacking
This will result a moral decedent and generate threads to the society.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

A computer may harm users if they use it for long hours frequently.
Computer users are also exposed to bad posture, eyestrain, physical and
mental stress. In order to solve the health problems, an ergonomic
environment can be introduced. For example, an ergonomic chair can
reduces back strain and a screen filter is used to minimize eye strain.

COMPUTER ETHICS
AND LEGAL ISSUES
LESSON 6
COMPUTER ETHICS

ETHICS IN GENERAL

A guideline is needed to stop the current technology products from being

exploited for example replicating original CDs and selling them as pirated
software, this unethical behaviour can be controlled by the code of conducts.
Unethical refers to any code of conducts that are not conforming to
approved standards of social or professional behaviour.

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Computer ethics is a system of moral standards or values used as a
guideline for computer users.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COMPUTER ETHICS

The United States Institute of Computer Ethics has come out with the Ten
Commandments of Computer Ethics. These principles consider the effective
code of conducts for the proper use of information technology. The Ten
commandments of computer ethics are :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

You shall not use a computer to harm other people.

You shall not interfere with other people's computer work.
You shall not snoop around in other people's computer files.
You shall not use a computer to steal.
You shall not use a computer to bear false witness.
You shall not copy or use proprietary software for which you
have not paid.
7. You shall not use other people's computer resources without
authorisation or proper compensation.
8. You shall not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. You shall think about the social consequences of the program
you are writing or the system you are designing.
10. You shall always use a computer in ways that ensure
consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

GUIDELINES ON THE E-MAIL AND INTERNET USAGE

Some guidelines from the Department of Public Services of Malaysia:

use only individual e-mail address to forward individual opinion

keep the identity name and password a secret to avoid the
misuse of your e-mail without your knowledge
e-mail must be active to promptly reply the necessary actions
needed for any matters
ensure the total mail kept in the box is within the computer
storage capacity
scan files regularly to avoid the transmission of virus from one
computer to another
do not send e-mails that contain classified information which can
be used to tarnish other people or country
choose a suitable time to search the Internet to save access time
and cost
beware of prohibited sites which could affect one's moral,
organisation or nation
print only relevant documents that you think can be used in
future to save cost

UNETHICAL COMPUTER CODE OF CONDUCTS

With the advancement of ICT, it is easy for anyone to retrieve your

information from the Internet. You may not realise that when you fill a form
on the Internet, your information may be exposed and stolen.
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Examples of unethical computer code of conducts include:

modifying certain information on the Internet, affecting the

accuracy of the information
selling information to other parties without the owners
permission
using information without authorization
involvement in stealing software
invasion of privacy

Intellectual property refers to any product of human intellect that is unique

and has value in the market place. This covers ideas, inventions, unique
name, computer program codes and many more.

ETHICAL COMPUTER CODE OF CONDUCTS

Examples of ethical computer code of conducts include:

sending warning about viruses to other computer users

asking permission before sending any business advertisements
to others
using information with authorization

LESSON 7
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ETHICS AND LAW

DEFINITION OF ETHICS

In general, ethics is a moral philosophy where a

person makes a specific moral choice and sticks to
it. On the other hand, ethics in computing means
moral guidelines to refer to when using the
computer and computer networks. This includes
the Internet.

DEFINITION OF LAW

Law is a legal system comprising of rules and principles that govern the
affairs of a community and controlled by a political authority.
Law differs from one country to another. In the era of
technology, computer law is needed to clarify goods or
actions that fall under the computer law. Computer law
refers to all areas in law that requires an understanding
of computer technology such as hardware, software and
Internet.
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Examples of laws of computing in Malaysia include the Malaysian

Communication and Multimedia Act, the Computer Crime Act 1997 and the
Telemedicine Act 1997.

WHY DO WE NEED ETHICS AND LAW IN

COMPUTING?

Respecting Ownership
Respecting Privacy
Respecting Property

RESPECTING OWNERSHIP
We must respect ownership by not stealing other peoples work either by
duplicating or distributing it. Duplicating and distributing copies of audio
tapes, video tapes and computer programs without permission and
authorisation from the individual or company that created the program
are immoral and illegal.
RESPECTING PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
We should respect other people's privacy and confidentiality by refraining
ourselves from reading their mails or files without their permission. If we do
so, it is considered as violating an individuals rights to privacy and
confidentiality.
RESPECTING PROPERTY
Property here means ownership. Since an individual data and information
are considered as property, therefore, an act of tampering and changing
electronic information is considered as vandalism and disrespect for other
peoples property.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ETHICS AND LAW

Both ethics and law are complimentary to each other and are made:

to
to
to
to

guide user from misusing computers

create a healthy computer society, so that computers are used
contribute to a better life
prevent any crime

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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ETHICS AND LAWS

ETHICS
GUIDELINE
MORAL STANDARDS

As a guideline to computer users.

Ethical behaviour is judged by moral
standards.
Computer users are free to follow or
ignore the code of ethics.
No punishment for anyone who
violates ethics.
Universal, can be applied anywhere,
all over the world.
To produce ethical computer users.

FREE TO FOLLOW
NO PUNISHMENTS
UNIVERSALS
PRODUCE ETHICAL COMPUTER
USERS
IMMORAL

Not honouring computer ethics

means ignoring the moral elements
(immoral).

LAW
CONTROL
JUDICIAL STANDARDS
MUST FOLLOW
PENALTIES, IMPRISONMENTS
AND OTHER PUNISHMENTS
DEPENDS ON COUNTRY
PREVENT MISUSING OF COMPUTERS
CRIME

As a rule to control computer users.

Law is judged by judicial standards.
Computer users must follow the
regulations and law.
Penalties, imprisonments and other
punishments for those who break the
law.
Depends on country and state where
the crime is committed.
To prevent misuse of computers.
Not honouring the law means
committing a crime.

UNETHICAL VS. LAW BREAKING CONDUCTS

Unethical:

using the office computer to do personal things

reading your friends e-mail without his or her permission
plagiarising and using materials from the Internet for your class
assignment without giving credit to the original author.

Law breaking:

sending a computer virus via e-mail

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hacking into your schools database to change your examination
results.
selling pirated software in a night market

LESSON 8
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

DEFINITION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Intellectual Property refers to works created by inventors, authors and

artists. These works are unique and have value in the market place. In our
daily lives, we are surrounded by things that are protected by IP. Your school
bags, your shoes and even your socks are protected by Intellectual Property
rights. Nike, Bata or Adidas, for example, are all protected by a group of
legal rights.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW

Intellectual Property laws cover ideas, inventions, literary creations, unique

names, business models, industrial processes, computer program codes and
more.

INVENTIONS PROTECTED BY INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY LAWS

As businesses continue to expand globally, business owners must realise the

importance of getting professional advice on how to establish and safeguard
their intellectual property rights. These include :

Trademarks
Service marks
Trade/company names
Domain names
Geographical indications
Copyrights
Patents

Example: Protected by property law.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION

There are four types of Intellectual Property protection. They are patents for
invention, trademarks for brand identity, designs for product appearance and
copyright for material.

Patents for inventions

Trademarks for brand identity
Design for product appearance
Copyright for material

Patents for inventions

Utility, design or plant patents that protect inventions and improvements to
existing inventions
Trademarks for brand identity
Words, names, symbols, devices and images that represent products, goods
or services.
Design for product appearance
Literary and artistic material, music, films, sound recordings and
broadcasts, including software and multimedia.
Copyright for material
The features of, in particular, the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture or
material of the product itself or its ornamentation.

LESSON 9
PRIVACY IN COMPUTER USAGE

WHAT IS PRIVACY?

Privacy in IT refers to data and information privacy.

Data refers to a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures and
symbols. Then, computer is used to process data into information. In
general, data include texts, numbers, sounds, images and video.
Information privacy is described as the rights of individuals and companies
to deny or restrict the collection and use of information about them.

WAYS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY THREATEN OUR

PRIVACY

Every time you click on an advertisement or register a software product

online, your information is entered into a database. Computer technology
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can also threaten privacy through spam. Do you know what spam is? Spam
is unsolicited e-mail messages, advertisements or newsgroup postings sent
to many recipients at once.
How does computer technology threaten the privacy of our data?
It is done through:

Cookies
Electronic profile
Spyware

Computer technology threatens our privacy through electronic profiling. For

example, when we fill out a form such as a magazine subscription,
purchasing products or contest entry form on the Internet, this data is kept
in the database. It will include age, address, marital status and other
personal details.
Cookies
are used to identify users by web casting,
e-commerce and other web applications
contain user information and are saved in the
computer hard disk
are used by some websites to store passwords
and track how regularly we visit a website, thats
how we become potential targets for web
advertisers
enable web sites to collect information about
your online activities and store them for future use, then the collected
details will be sold to any company that requests for it.
Electronic profile
electronic profile is the combining of data in a
database that can be sold to the Internet by the
company to the interested parties.
this database is in a form such as magazine
subscription or product warranty cards that
had been filled by online subscribers.
the information in electronic profile includes personal details such as
your age, address and marital status.
Spyware
refers to a program that collects user
information without the users knowledge.
can enter computers, sneaking in like a virus.
is a result of installing new programs.
communicates information it collects to some
outside source while we are online.
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WHY DO WE NEED PRIVACY?

We need privacy for anonymity. For example, the Internet creates an

elaborate trail of data detailing a person surfing on the Web because all
information is stored inside cookies. We do not want our trail to be detected.
We also need privacy for confidentiality. For example, online information
generated in the course of a business transaction is routinely used for
a variety of other purposes without the individuals knowledge or consent.
We do not want our private lives and habits exposed to third parties.

CAN PRIVACY BE PROTECTED?

Privacy can be protected by:

(a) Privacy law

The privacy laws in Malaysia emphasises on the following:
Security Services to review the security policy
Security Management to protect the resources
Security Mechanism to implement the required security services
Security Objects, the important entities within the system
environment
(b) Utilities software
Example: anti-spam program, firewall, anti-spyware and antivirus.

LESSON 10
AUTHENTICATIONS
Authentication is a process where users verify that they are who they say
they are. The user who attempts to perform functions in a system is in fact
the user who is authorised to do so.
For Example : When you use an ATM card, the machine will verify the
validation of the card then the machine will request for a pin number. This is
where the authentication process takes place.

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AUTHENTICATION
Identification
present what the user has (e.g. smart card)

Not valid (F)

Verificatio
n
verify the
validity of
the ID

Access
denied

Valid (T)

Valid (T)
Identification
present what the user is (e.g. biometric)

False
Authenticatio
n
authenticate
who
the user is
True

Access granted

METHODS OF AUTHENTICATION
There are two commonly used authentication methods, which are biometric
device and callback system.
Biometric device is a device that
translates personal characteristics
into a digital code that is compared
with a digital code stored in the
database.
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Callback system refers to the checking system that authenticates the user.

BIOMETRIC DEVICES

Fingerprint Recognition
In order to prevent fake fingers from being used, many
biometrics fingerprint systems also measure blood flow, or check for
correctly arrayed ridges at the edges of the
fingers.

Facial Recognition
Facial recognition analyses the characteristics of an
individual's face images captured through a digital video
camera. Facial recognition is widely used, touted as a
fantastic system for recognising potential threats
(whether terrorists, scam artists, or known criminals).

Hand Geometry Scanning

Hand scanning involves the measurement and analysis
of the shape of one's hand.
Unlike fingerprints, the human hand isn't unique.
Individual hand features are not descriptive enough for
identification.
It is possible to devise a method by combining various individual features
and measurements of fingers and hands for verification purposes.

Iris Scanning
Iris scanning analyses the features that exist in the
coloured tissues surrounding the pupil which has more
than 200 points that can be used for comparison,
including rings, furrows and freckles.
The scans use a regular video camera and can be done from further away
than a retinal scan.It will work perfectly fine through glasses and in fact has
the ability to create an accurate enough measurement that it can be used for
identification purposes.
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The accuracy of this method is excellent while the cost involved is high.

Retinal Scanning
Retinal biometrics involves the scanning of retina and
analysing the layer of blood vessels at the back of the
eye.
Retinal scanning involves using a low-intensity light
source and an optical coupler and can read the patterns
at a great level of accuracy.
Retina scanning requires the user to remove glasses, place their eye close to
the device, and focus on a certain point. Whether the accuracy can outweigh
the public discomfort is yet to be seen.
The accuracy in retinal scanning is very good and the cost involved is fair.

Voice Recognition
Voice recognition system compares a persons live
speech with their stored voice pattern.
Voice recognition biometrics requires user to speak into
a microphone. What he speaks can be his password or
an access phrase.
Verification time is approximately 5 seconds. To prevent recorded voice
use, most voice recognition devices require the high and low frequencies of
the sound to match, which is difficult for many recording instruments to
recreate well. Also, some devices generate random number of sequences for
verification.
The accuracy in voice recognition is fair and the cost involved is very
reasonable.

Signature Verification System

Signature verification system uses special pen and
tablet. After pre-processing the signature, several
features are extracted.
The authenticity of a writer is determined by comparing
an input signature to a stored reference set (template) consisting of three
signatures.
The similarity between an input signature and the reference set is computed
using string matching and the similarity value is compared to a threshold.
The accuracy in signature verification system is fair and the cost involved is
excellent.

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CALLBACK SYSTEM
The callback system is commonly used in the bank
operation and business transaction.
For example, when you book for the taxi service, the
operator will ask you to hang up and she will call you
back to confirm for the service required.

WHY IS AUTHENTICATION IMPORTANT?

Authentication is important in order to safeguard against the unauthorised
access and use.

LESSON 11
VERIFICATIONS

VERIFICATION

Verification is the act of proving or disproving the correctness of a system

with respect to a certain formal specification.
IDENTIFICATION
present what the user has (e.g ATM card)
Access Granted
Valid

VERIFICATION
verify the validity of the ID

Not Valid
IDENTIFICATION
present what the user has (e.g pin number)

METHODS OF VERIFICATION

There are two methods commonly used in

verification, which are user identification and
processed object.
User identification refers to the process of
validating the user.
Processed object refers to something the user
has such as identification card, security token
and cell phone.

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USER IDENTIFICATION

The examples of validating process using the user identification are:

Key in the user name to log-in to a system and the

system will verify whether the user is valid or invalid
user
Show the exam slip to verify that you are the valid
candidate for the exam.
show a passport before departure.

PROCESSED OBJECT

The examples of validating process using the processed object are:

the policeman will check on the drivers license to
identify the valid driver
employees have to swipe their security card to enter
the building
buy blouses at the mall using a credit card

LESSON 12
CONTROVERSIAL CONTENT

CONTROVERSIAL CONTENT

A controversial content is information that causes disagreement in opinions

and may cause the disruption of peace because different people or culture
will have different views about the contents.

ISSUES ON CONTROVERSIAL CONTENTS

The issues on controversial contents are always focusing on pornography

and slander. Malaysia considers pornography and slander as illegal.
Pornographic and slanderous activities can be in the forms of
plots and actions displayed on video games, controversial
rhythm or lyrics of music, controversial contents of books and
controversial issues on religion and philosophy.
Pornography Creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic
value other than to stimulate sexual desire.

Slander Oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation.

A false and malicious statement or report about someone.

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PORNOGRAPHY

What is pornography? Why is pornography considered negative content?

Both pictures are very cute pictures of innocent babies. Neither can be
considered pornographic by normal standards.

DEFINITION OF PORNOGRAPHY

The definition of pornography is any form of media or material (like books or

photographs) that depicts erotic behaviour and is intended to cause sexual
excitement.
Pornography tends to exploit men, women and children in a distasteful
manner.

SLANDER

Slander is another example of controversial content.

Slander is a legal term for false and malicious statement
(meaning knowing that it is false, or reckless disregard
that it was false) about someone.
Examples :
You wrote an e-mail that a fellow classmate was having an affair with a
teacher, even though it was not true. You then sent it to five other friends.
Ahmad is a Muslim. One day, he received a spam e-mail stating that his
favourite soda drink Soda Moda uses non-halal food colouring, but he does
not know if the source of the content is credible or true. He decides to
forward the e-mail to 50 of his friends.
Chin Wei spreads a rumour that a Government Minister is receiving bribes
from an enemy government.

IMPACTS ON MALAYSIAN SOCIETY

What can you conclude about the impact of controversial content on the
Malaysian society?
Pornography
can lead to criminal acts such as exploitation of women and children
can lead to sexual addiction or perversion
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can develop low moral value towards other men, women or children
can erode good religious, cultural and social beliefs and behaviour
Slander
can
can
can
can

develop into a society that disregards honesty and truth

develop bad habit of spreading untruths and rumours
lead to unnecessary argument
cause people to have negative attitudes towards another person

LESSON 13
THE PROCESS OF INTERNET FILTERING

INTERNET FILTERING

It is our responsibility to ensure that the teenagers are

protected from these corruptions of the mind by filtering
access to the Internet. Internet filtering is a process that
prevents or blocks access to certain materials on the
Internet.
It is our responsibility to ensure that the teenagers are protected from
these corruptions of the mind by filtering access to the Internet.
What is Internet filtering?
Internet filtering is a process that prevents or blocks access to certain
materials on the Internet. Filtering is most commonly used to prevent
children from accessing inappropriate material and to keep employees
productive on the Internet.

CONTROLLING ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

Controlling access to the internet by means of filtering software has become

a growing industry in Malaysia and elsewhere. Its use has increase as the
mandatory response to the current plague of society, namely internet
pornography, politically incorrect site, hatred, violence, hate and in general
anything viewed to be unpleasant or threatening.
The current preferred method of choice to limit access on the Internet is to
filter content either by:
keyword blocking
site blocking
web rating systems
These methods require software to be installed at a client of server level.

KEYWORD BLOCKING

One of the strategies is by using the keyword blocking

method.This method uses a list of banned words or
objectionable terms.
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As the page is downloading, the filter searches for any of these words. If
found, it will block the page completely, stop downloading the page, block
the banned words and even shut down the browser.

SITE BLOCKING

software company maintains a list of dubious Internet sites

the software prevents access to any sites on this list
denial lists regularly updated
some software provides control over what categories of information
you block
Who decides what goes on the denial list and what criteria are they
using?
can you keep track of the whole of the Internet?
filters can use both site blocking and word blocking

WEB RATING SYSTEMS

Web sites are rated in terms of nudity, sex, violence and language. The
Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSACI) is responsible for the rating
of the websites on the content on the internet.

ratings done either by the web page author or by the

independent bureau.
browsers set to only accept pages with certain levels of ratings.

LESSON 14
CYBER LAW

What is Cyber Law?

Cyber law refers to any laws relating to protecting the

Internet and other online communication technologies.

NEEDS FOR CYBER LAW

In the recent years, many concerns and issues were raised on the integrity
and security of information, legal status of online transactions, privacy and
confidentiality of information, intellectual property rights and security of
government data placed on the Internet.
Integrity and Security
of Information

Security of
Government Data
CYBER LAW

Legal Status of Online

Transactions

Intellectual Property
Rights
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These concerns and issues clearly indicate why cyber laws are needed in
online activities.

THE CYBER LAW ACTS IN MALAYSIA

The Malaysian Government has already passed several cyber laws to control
and reduce the Internet abuse.
These cyber laws include:

Digital Signature Act 1997

Computer Crimes Act 1997
Telemedicine Act 1997
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998

Beside these cyber laws, there are three other cyber laws being drafted.

Private Data Protection Bill

Electronic Government Activities Bill
Electronic Transactions Bill

DIGITAL SIGNATURE ACT 1997

The Digital Signature Act 1997 secures electronic

communications especially on the Internet.
Digital Signature is an identity verification standard that
uses encryption techniques to protect against e-mail
forgery. The encrypted code consists of the users name
and a hash of all the parts of the message.
By attaching the digital signature, one can ensure that nobody can
eavesdrop, intercept or temper with transmitted data.

COMPUTER CRIMES ACT 1997

The Computer Crimes Act 1997 gives protection

against the misuses of computers and computer
criminal activities such as unauthorised use of
programmes, illegal transmission of data or messages
over computers and hacking and cracking of computer
systems and networks.
By implementing the Computer Crimes Act 1997, users can protect their
rights to privacy and build trust in the computer system. At the same time,
the government can have control at a certain level over cyberspace to
reduce cyber crime activities.
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TELEMEDICINE ACT 1997

The Telemedicine Act 1997 ensures that only qualified

medical practitioners can practice telemedicine and that
their patient's rights and interests are protected.
These act provides the future development and delivery
of healthcare in Malaysia.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MULTIMEDIA ACT 1998

The implementation of Communication and
Telecommunication Act 1998 ensures that information is
secure, the network is reliable and the service is
affordable all over Malaysia.

This Act also ensures high level of user's confidence in

the information and communication technology industry.

LESSON 15
COMPUTER CRIMES

COMPUTER CRIMES

A computer crime is defined as any criminal activity that

is related to the use of computers. These activities
include computer fraud, copyright infringement,
computer theft and computer attack.

COMPUTER FRAUD

Computer fraud is defined as having an intention to take advantage over or

causing loss to other people, mainly on monetary basis through the use of
computers.
There are many forms of computer fraud which include e-mail hoaxes,
programme fraud, investment schemes, sales promotions and claims of
expertise on certain fields.
Students need to be aware of other computer frauds such
as health frauds, scams and hacking. Students will also
most likely get false information while researching
information on the Internet.

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Copyright infringement is defined as a violation of the

rights secured by a copyright. Copyright infringement
involves illegal copy or reproduction of copyrights
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material by the black market group. The open commercial sale of pirated
item is also illegal.
With the current technology, the most perfect copy of the original copy can
be downloaded from the internet.

COMPUTER THEFT

Computer theft is defined as the unauthorised use of

another persons property with the intention to deny the
owner the rightful possession of that property or its use.
Examples of computer theft include:

transfer of payments to the wrong accounts

tap into data transmission lines on database at no cost
divert goods to the wrong destination

COMPUTER ATTACK

Computer attack may be defined as any activities taken

to disrupt the equipment of computer systems, change
processing control or corrupt stored data.
Computer attack can be in the forms of:

physical attack that disrupt the computer facility or its

transmission lines.
an electronic attack that uses the power of electromagnetic
energy to overload computer circuitry.
a computer network attack that uses a malicious code to
exploit a weakness in software, or in the computer security
practices of a computer user

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