DEFINITION OF MULTIMEDIA

Multimedia has been used in many aspects in our lives, for example in the field of business, entertainment and the sciences. “Multimedia” comes from the word “multi” and “media”.“Multi” means various. “Media” refers to any hardware or software used for communicating.

These are some examples of hardware and software that we use in communicating with others.

Examples of hardware are: the radio, television, computer and mobile phone.

 

Examples of hardware are: the radio, television, computer and mobile phone.

Examples of software are: email, Yahoo Messenger,  Multimedia Message Service (MMS) and video conferencing.

The usage of text, audio, graphic, video and animation are all involved in

describing media. So, multimedia is the presentation of information by using a combination of text, audio, graphic, video and animation.

In the field of Information and Communication Technology, multimedia means more than the use of the various media.  A computer user interacts with the computer to perform tasks such as finding information or play games to develop a skill.

Thus, the meaning of multimedia has changed as technology advanced in our lives.

There are five main elements in a complete multimedia system

 

MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS IN SOCIETY

Multimedia has improved our lives in many ways.

Firstly, multimedia is used as a common source of reference.

Encyclopedias, directories, dictionaries and electronic books are among common multimedia references.

Multimedia is also used in education and training. Learning has become more interesting and effective with educational programmes such as “edutainment” that is a combination of education and entertainment.

Besides that, multimedia is greatly used in entertainment industry.

These industries produce computer games, and develop animations or special effects for cartoons and movies.

Multimedia applications are also widely used in scientific research.

For example, from research, new findings can help the researchers to improve the condition of sick people.

MORE MULTIMEDIA APPLICATIONS IN VARIOUS FIELDS

Multimedia has played an important role in other fields, such as business, arts, medicine and engineering.

In business, multimedia applications are used in advertising products.

Many companies nowadays develop and distribute catalogues in the form of a CD-ROM as it is more interesting to the consumers.

In art, artists use multimedia elements by combining drawing and animation. 

In medicine, doctors can practice or be trained in performing high-risk

surgery by using virtual surgery. 

In engineering, Computer-Aided Design or CAD is used. By using this application, engineers can view the design from many aspects and improve on it before production.

COMPUTER ETHICS ANS LEGAL ISSUES : DEFINITION

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.

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

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. You shall not use a computer to harm other people.
2. You shall not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. You shall not snoop around in other people's computer files.
4. You shall not use a computer to steal.
5. You shall not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. 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.

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 owner’s 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

OVERVIEW OF ICT - DEFINE ICT

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.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge, experience and resources to create processes and products that fulfill human needs. Technology is vital in communication.

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