What you should know about the digital world
Netiquette Issues
According to Kellie Schneider at Boise State University, it is important to treat others with respect no matter where you are - in "real" life or on the Web. Behavior on the Internet is a little different than in real life. When communicating on the internet, the audience often cannot see your body language or hear the tone of your voice. A sarcastic, joking comment that might be taken lightly in real life, could be taken as offensive or threatening on the Internet. Following the guidelines of proper Netiquette will help you send the right message, the right way.How can you show proper Netiquette? Showing respect to others on the Web can be very easy if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Copyright Concerns
Follow this link to learn about 15 Copyright rules you should be aware of. Music is also copyrighted material. Here are some basic facts and myths about downloading music and other media forms from the internet that Syracuse University put together.
Fact: It is illegal to download to your computer, copyrighted materials (including music, video, images, games, software, etc.) for which you have not obtained a license through purchase, rental agreement, or written permission from the copyright owner.
Fact: It is illegal to distribute (share) copyrighted materials using your computer without the written permission of the copyright owner, even if you have obtained a license for the material through purchase or rental agreement.
Fact: Violating copyright laws is a serious issue that can result in severe legal consequences.
Myth: Downloading music, videos, games from the internet is free and anonymous. Actually, copyright holders can trace illegal downloading or uploading (sharing) of copyrighted materials to your computer's IP address. A single violation-one song, one movie, one game-can cost you more than $3,000.
Myth: It's okay to share on the Internet a song, movie, or game that you purchased. Actually, purchasing copyrighted material does not give you the right to share copies (or distribute copies) of that material with others. Copyright owners determine the number and price of copies that will be distributed. Copyright owners have the sole authority to distribute copies of their protected work.
According to Kellie Schneider at Boise State University, it is important to treat others with respect no matter where you are - in "real" life or on the Web. Behavior on the Internet is a little different than in real life. When communicating on the internet, the audience often cannot see your body language or hear the tone of your voice. A sarcastic, joking comment that might be taken lightly in real life, could be taken as offensive or threatening on the Internet. Following the guidelines of proper Netiquette will help you send the right message, the right way.How can you show proper Netiquette? Showing respect to others on the Web can be very easy if you follow a few simple guidelines.
- Be calm. Avoid using all capital letters when chatting, emailing, or any other online form of text. Typing in all caps is viewed as shouting and can be offensive. Remember that you are communicating with real people who have feelings, not just empty cyberspace.
- Be cool. Never send a message when you are angry. Wait a day to see if you cool off a bit. You may regret sending a message in anger. If someone else sends you a message that sounds angry or rude, be forgiving. If you reply with an angry message you may just start a battle.
- Be kind. If you are tempted to gossip about someone, or even say unkind things to someone else online, keep in mind what could happen when that person sees what you have said. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone said hurtful things to you or about you Online is still bullying.
- Be honest. Copying someone else's work and claiming it as your own is plagiarism, even on the Web. Give credit for work that you reference by citing it properly and get permission to use copyrighted materials.
- Be clear. Try to use proper grammar and spelling. Make it easier for your audience to clearly understand you message.
Copyright Concerns
Follow this link to learn about 15 Copyright rules you should be aware of. Music is also copyrighted material. Here are some basic facts and myths about downloading music and other media forms from the internet that Syracuse University put together.
Fact: It is illegal to download to your computer, copyrighted materials (including music, video, images, games, software, etc.) for which you have not obtained a license through purchase, rental agreement, or written permission from the copyright owner.
Fact: It is illegal to distribute (share) copyrighted materials using your computer without the written permission of the copyright owner, even if you have obtained a license for the material through purchase or rental agreement.
Fact: Violating copyright laws is a serious issue that can result in severe legal consequences.
Myth: Downloading music, videos, games from the internet is free and anonymous. Actually, copyright holders can trace illegal downloading or uploading (sharing) of copyrighted materials to your computer's IP address. A single violation-one song, one movie, one game-can cost you more than $3,000.
Myth: It's okay to share on the Internet a song, movie, or game that you purchased. Actually, purchasing copyrighted material does not give you the right to share copies (or distribute copies) of that material with others. Copyright owners determine the number and price of copies that will be distributed. Copyright owners have the sole authority to distribute copies of their protected work.