Essay: Ethical issues of using information technology

Installing Computer Programs without Licensing
Introduction
The following white paper will focus on many aspects on organization, regarding installing a computer program without the right licensing, what are responsibilities of the technicians, what are the responsibilities on the organization in case it is charged for infringing the software licensing agreement law and whether it is right to protect all the software by the software licensing agreement law.
In other words, the following questions will be answered and a conclusion will also be provided in the end to make sure that this white paper is concluded with a professional note.
Q1- What should the technician do? Explain clearly your answer with relevant examples.
Q2- Does your boss, Mr. Khalid bear any legal responsibility in case your company is charged for infringing the software licensing agreement law? State your reason.
Q3- Do you agree with the statement below about software licensing? Why or Why not? Is the statement saying that all software should be protected by the software licensing agreement law? Support your answer.
‘Software License Agreement authorizes the terms and conditions of use of a software program as set out by the software publisher or owner of the copyright. Licensor may own all rights to the software or may have permission of the owner to enter into license agreements with other.’
(Source: Technopedia, 2013)
Discussion
Question 1- What should the technician do? Explain clearly your answer with relevant examples.
Copying software is an act of copy right infringement, and is subject to civil and criminal penalties. It is illegal to use pirated software yourself, give it away or to sell it. If illegal software is reported to the software publisher or privacy watchdog group then actions could be taken against RHOL Accounting firm and the technician involved. The technician should follow the Standards of Ethical Conduct and report the case to relevant authority, as by staying silent the technician may violate the RHOL’s Standards of Ethical Conduct.
The correct action, as a professional PC Technician, is to explain the consequences of using illegally installed software. He should explain that he will not risk his career, not to mention imprisonment or a fine, by installing illegal software.
Question 2- Does your boss, Mr. Khalid bear any legal responsibility in case your company is charged for infringing the software licensing agreement law? State your reason.
Those who install software illegally are, in fact, stealing someone else’s property ‘ it is someone’s intellectual property; in addition to breaking the law. Purchasing the software does not mean ownership of the software. Rather, the purchaser is acquiring the right to use the software under restrictions imposed by the copyright owner or publisher. It is important to understand and stick to to the terms of the license agreement.
Mostly the license agreement states that the publisher has the right upload the software onto a single computer and make only one backup copy. If someone goes against the ways that license prohibits, that person is violating the license and copyright law. Under the law company can be held liable for employee’s action. Therefore, Mr. Khalid will be held responsible in case it is charged for infringing the software license agreement law due to his acknowledgement to proceed with the crime, as both company and individual involved are considered liable for this crime under the law.
Question 3- Do you agree with the statement below about software licensing? Why or Why not? Is the statement saying that all software should be protected by the software licensing agreement law? Support your answer.
I agree with statement because Software development involves a team effort that combines the creative ideas and talents of programmers, writers and graphic artists. Like most creative works, such as books, music and films, computer software is protected by copyright laws. Many people consider copyright law as something used by greedy people and companies to prevent the average people from making money. They view it as way to suppress free enterprise. Actually, the opposite is true. If creative work was not protected, its copies would flood the market immediately after it was created and nobody would profit. No one want to create something unique if there was no way they could profit from that work.
Copyright law goes back to many years to the founding father who in order to protect the progress of science and useful art developed this law. If there would have been no copyright law the progress of science and art would have stopped as the people know that there hard work will never payoff.
Conclusion
In the end, it can be easily concluded the all the three questions that are answered within this report are of most importance to each and every organization. From technician’s responsibilities to the company’s responsibilities, what the consequences of infringing the software licensing agreement law and why the software should be protect by copyright law.