Cosc 100-01 - Elements of Computer Science

Fall 1997

Class notes: 11/12/97

by Eric Mwangi

Social Aspects of Computing

1. Health risks
   1. Carpal tunnel syndrome- This is a repetitive stress injury (RSI). It is an Engonomic disease i.e a disease associated with the correct posture of the body. To prevent this disease the keyboard should be below to prevent any accumulation of deposits on the carpal tunnel and stress on the nerves. Also by taking frequent breaks and use of wrist rest will greatly reduce the accumulation of deposits. Incase you feel some tingling or numbness, one should stop.
   2. Eye strain- This is because of lack of taking breaks. One looses the ability to focus. Keep the monitor dusted and in the correct position. The monitor gives non-ionizing radiation which is harmless.
   3. Back strain- This is because of incorrect posture.
   4. Computer addiction-This is people who don't have real friends but computer friends. This include such events as funerals online and also weddings.
2. Privacy. In PA, a company's boss has the right to read the email of the employess. This is because one is using company equipment for private uses. In Duquesne university, there is privacy and the Campus doesn't read student's mail unless they suspect that the computers are used for illegal purposes.

   Email along the network is protected by federal law of Electronic communication privacy act. It is illegal to intercept email in transmission in the public network(Part 2). Part 3 of the act says that a system provider has a right to reveal content of any file to protect rights or property.