Computer Software Ownership Essay Research Paper COMPUTER

Computer Software Ownership Essay, Research Paper

COMPUTER SOFTWARE OWNERSHIP

A computer program is a sequence of commands, which

tells the computer how to perform a task or a sequence of

tasks. Large computer programs are called software, they

perform heavier tasks. Some of those software programs are

being published on the net, and this is how they are

downloaded for free everyday. Microsoft is well known for

this way of selling products like Internet explorer, Net

Meeting, Real Audio etc.

The Internet is probably one of the most important

informational center in the world. Indeed, with a simple

server connection, we can access the world from our own PC.

The article from Deborah Johnson on property rights in

computer software demonstrates how the Internet somehow

provides privileges and disadvantages on publishing free

software.

In this article, an individual published a virus

tester program on the Internet. An interested programmer

improved the version on his own and published it. What are

the ethical issues raised in this case?

Morally, it’s wrong to improve a program, and publish the

newest version. It’s like copying homework from a friend,

but improving the answers to get a better grade. In this

case the second programmer gets all the credit for writing