A-level Computing/AQA/Paper 2/Consequences of uses of computing/Code of conduct

Legislation Hacking A Code of Conduct is not law, but it is a set of rules that apply when you are in an organisation such as your college. Examples might include "Don't look at pornography at work". This would be legal at home, but if you did it at work you could be sacked. In addition, a code of conduct may contain laws such as "Don't install pirated software". The British Computer Society has produced a list of standards for the training and development of Information Technology workers. It covers the following issues: The Public Interest - safeguarding public health; respecting rights of 3rd parties, applying a knowledge of relevant regulation. Duty to employers and clients - carrying out work according to the requirements, and not abusing employers' or clients' trust in any way. Professional duty - uphold the reputation of the profession through good practice, support fellow members in professional development Professional Integrity and Competence - maintain standards of professional skill and practice, accepting responsibility for work done, avoiding conflicts of interest with clients. An example of a code of conduct in use in an office is as follows: Don't play games Don't look at pornography Don't gamble Don't plug your own peripherals into your computer Don't install software on work machines without permission Each of these might be perfectly legal at home, but they might get you sacked at work Codes of Conduct may also include laws, as a way of reminding employees what is legal and what isn't legal Exercise: Laws and Codes of Conduct What is the difference between a Code of Conduct and a Law? A Law is applicable in all and every situation. A Code of Conduct is relevant only within the confines of an office, organisation or school. In a work place which of the following would be code of conduct rules only and which are laws. If a law name the law applicable: Don't look at pornography Don't download commercial MP3s from pirate websites Don't use email for personal messages Don't look at pirate software websites Don't use other company's logo on your work without permission Don't copy other company's ideas Don't give friends copies of CVs that have been sent to you Don't look at pornography (Code of Conduct) Don't download commercial MP3s from pirate websites (Law) - Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 Don't use email for personal messages (Code of Conduct) Don't look at pirate software websites (Code of Conduct) Don't use other company's logo on your work without permission (Law) - Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 Don't copy other company's ideas (Law) - Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 Don't give friends copies of CVs that have been sent to you (Law) - Data Protection Act 1998