CS7- COMPUTER CRIME

• COMPUTER CRIME

A precise definition of computer crime is problematic. This is because of the array of different forms and forums in which the crime may appear. A single category cannot accommodate the wide divergence of conduct, perpetrators, victims, and motives found in examining computer crimes. Adding to this confusion is the fact that computer crimes also can vary depending upon the jurisdiction criminalizing the conduct. The criminal conduct can be the subject of punishment under a state statute. There is also an odd mixture of federal offenses that can be used to prosecute computer crimes. But computer crimes are not just domestic. Because computers operate internationally, the definition of computer crime can be influenced by the law of other countries as well. Despite debate among leading experts, there is no internationally recognized definition of computer crime.

• THE COMPUTER AS THE TOOL TO COMMIT CRIME

Old crimes conducted using computers as a tool: for
example storage of illegal images on a hard disk
instead of in print; harassment using mobile
telephones or illegal downloads of music and other
forms of piracy. Another example is ‘phishing’:
confidence tricks involving spoof emails and fraudulent
websites to acquire sensitive information.

• THE COMPUTER AS THE OBJECT OF CRIME

Where the computer is the instrument of crime we have familiar landmarks for identifying the conduct as criminal. An individual whose intent is to get his or her hands on a tangible gain – money – uses the computer as a metaphorical pistol pointed at a bank teller. Where the computer is the object of crime, however, things are not so clear. These situations are not limited to theft of the computer itself, but include things associated with it that have substantial value but that are not tangible and whose legal status is unclear. For example, the information stored in a computer can be of inestimable value to its processor and to others and can be "stolen" without damage to the computer and without "depriving" the owner of its use. This is true of perhaps the most valuable information in a computer – the program – the key to how the machine carries out its data processing. An even more intangible yet valuable "thing" that can be taken is computer time. So great is the capacity of a computer and so valuable are its services that use of it even for short periods of time can be worth a lot. The degree to which these intangibles can or should be protected is a significant issue for the law.
This leads to a brief discussion of how computer crime is carried out. A computer has five principal component parts. First there is the input, which converts data and instructions from human-readable to machine-readable codes. The central processing unit controls and coordinates the machines and the data based on its operating instructions, or program, also known as software. This is the heart of a cybernetic machine. All other processes are basically mechanical and repetitious, but made significant by the vast memory capacity and great speed of their operation; software is qualitatively different in that it governs how these data are processed. Next, the logical and memory units perform calculations, decision-making and storage functions in response to commands from the control unit. Finally, the output unit converts processing results back into human-readable language or symbols. A typical computer system may also use telecommunications facilities in order to link the central unit with terminals or printers located elsewhere.
Virtually every component part of a computer system is vulnerable to invasion and abuse. Personnel can alter data at the input stage; operations and systems programmers can manipulate data and software; transmission of data over common carrier lines can be tapped; and both authorized and unauthorized users can interfere with computer operations at terminals. The methods used to perpetrate theft or fraud by computer range from the ingenious to the banal.

• PREVENTING COMPUTER RELATED CRIME

Online security was once a corporate issue and not too long ago firewalls were of no concern to home computer users. Hackers got their kicks from gaining entry to corporate and government networks. We might have had a picture in our mind's eye of such hackers as geeks who didn't want to steal our money, but inconvenience us with computer viruses.Online crime as shifted and businesses have tightened their computer security, hackers are going for private individuals, yep you and me. Our private PC's are a wealth of information and stealing our identity can be relatively simple. It is the amount of information and data that we store on our computers not just user names and passwords for online banks and commerce sites, but e-mail addresses, instant message IDs, and even licensing keys for expensive software.
We need to be aware of the term 'phishing' and 'bots', they are components of a massive crime wave committing fraud and extortion, by using spy ware, worms and spam. Phishing begins with emails that appear to be from a reputable source such as your bank … more.

POWER BUILDER

• What PowerBuilder is

PowerBuilder is an enterprise development tool that allows you to build many types of applications and components. It is one of a group of Sybase products that together provide the tools to develop client/server, multitier, and Internet applications.
What’s in a PowerBuilder application?
A PowerBuilder client application can contain:
· A user interface Menus, windows, and window controls that users interact with to direct an application.
· Application processing logic Event and function scripts in which you code business rules, validation rules, and other application processing. PowerBuilder allows you to code application processing logic as part of the user interface or in separate modules called custom class user objects.

What is a PowerBuilder component?
In a multitier application, modules containing application processing logic (that you deploy to a server) are called components. You can design, build, and deploy custom class user objects as application server components.
PowerBuilder applications are event driven
In a client application, users control what happens by the actions they take. For example, when a user clicks a button, chooses an item from a menu, or enters data into a text box, one or more events are triggered. You write scripts that specify the processing that should happen when events are triggered.
Windows, controls, and other application components you create with PowerBuilder each have a set of predefined events. For example, each button has a Clicked event associated with it and each text box has a Modified event. Most of the time, the predefined events are all you need. However, in some situations, you may want to define your own events.
PowerScript language
You write scripts using PowerScript, the PowerBuilder language. Scripts consist of PowerScript commands, functions, and statements that perform processing in response to an event.
For example, the script for a button’s Clicked event might retrieve and display information from the database; the script for a text box’s Modified event might evaluate the data and perform processing based on the data.
The execution of an event script can also cause other events to be triggered. For example, the script for a Clicked event in a button might open another window, triggering the Open event in that window.
PowerScript functions
PowerScript provides a rich assortment of built-in functions that can act on the various components of your application. For example, there is a function to open a window, a function to close a window, a function to enable a button, a function to update the database, and so on.
You can also build your own functions to define processing unique to your application.
Object-oriented programming with PowerBuilder
Each menu or window you create with PowerBuilder is a self-contained module called an object. The basic building blocks of a PowerBuilder application are the objects you create. Each object contains the particular characteristics and behaviors (properties, events, and functions) that are appropriate to it. By taking advantage of object-oriented programming techniques such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, you can get the most out of each object you create, making your work more reusable, extensible, and powerful.
.NET applications
If you are using the Enterprise edition of PowerBuilder, you can develop applications and components for the .NET environment. These include Web Forms applications that you deploy to IIS servers using ASP.NET and Windows Forms applications that you can deploy with smart client functionality. You can also convert nonvisual custom class objects directly into .NET assemblies and you can deploy them as .NET Web services.
For information about .NET targets, see Deploying Applications and Components to .NET.
JSP applications
If you are using the Enterprise edition of PowerBuilder, you can develop PowerBuilder applications that run on the Web using JSP targets technology. With JSP targets, you can build complex Web pages that can include client- and server-side scripting, database content, Web DataWindows, and EAServer components.
In all editions of PowerBuilder, you can use the DataWindow and PowerBuilder window plug-ins, the PowerBuilder window ActiveX, and the DataWindow Web control for ActiveX.
For information about JSP targets, see Working with JSP Targets. For information about PowerBuilder plug-ins, see Application Techniques. For information about the DataWindow Web control for ActiveX, see the DataWindow Programmer’s Guide and the DataWindow Reference.
Multitier applications
PowerBuilder lets you build applications that run in a distributed computing environment. A multitier application lets you:
· Centralize business logic on servers, such as EAServer , JBoss, WebLogic, WebSphere, or COM+
· Partition application functions between the client and the server, thereby reducing the client workload
· Build scalable applications that are easy to maintain
For information about multitier applications, see the sections on distributed application techniques in Application Techniques.
Database connectivity
PowerBuilder provides easy access to corporate information stored in a wide variety of databases. Data can be accessed through the PowerBuilder ODBC or JDBC interfaces, through a middle-tier data access server like the Sybase DirectCONNECT server, or through a native or direct connection to a database.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

• What is Ethics?

Ethics is a branch of philosophy which seeks to address questions about morality, such as what the fundamental semantic, ontological, and epistemic nature of ethics or morality is (meta-ethics), how moral values should be determined (normative ethics), how a moral outcome can be achieved in specific situations (applied ethics), how moral capacity or moral agency develops and what its nature is (moral psychology), and what moral values people actually abide by (descriptive ethics).

• Computer Ethics

Computer Ethics is a branch of practical philosophy which deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct. The term "computer ethics" was first coined by Walter Maner in the mid-1970s, but only since the 1990s has it started being integrated into professional development programs in academic settings. The conceptual foundations of computer ethics are investigated by information ethics, a branch of philosophical ethics established by Luciano Floridi. Computer ethics is a very important topic in computer applications.

• Introducing Ethics into the Computer World

The Computer Ethics Institute and the National Computer Ethics & Responsibilities Campaign are working to raise awareness and standards for conduct
A movement is growing among computer professionals and entrepreneurs to curb the lawless side of the Internet and bring awareness and acceptance of computer ethics. Some of the most prominent names in the industry are taking an active role in straightening out the renegades — and handling the problem at its source.

“Today, ethical collapse is no longer confined to the trauma ward. It is epidemic among — are you ready for this? — information technology users. And you may be among them,” according to the National Computer Ethics & Responsibilities Campaign (NCERC).
The campaign and its principal sponsor, the Computer Ethics Institute (CEI), a nonprofit research, education and policy study organization in Washington, D.C., are pressing to move computer ethics out of the realm of philosophical debate and into implementation in the world of computers and their users. They stress that in the real world, well-defined standards of behavior have been established for centuries, while some have exploited the fact that the world of computers is ethically uncharted. Now, according to CEI and NCERC, it is time to bring that scenario to a close.

“Computer ethics begin where the fingers meet the keyboard,” said Patrick Sullivan, executive director of CEI. “But ethics are more than a philosophical concern. They are directly relevant to managers and system operators, for whom computer technology presents ethical problems ranging from e-mail privacy and worker monitoring to employee use of corporate resources.”

NCERC member Charlie Atterbury said “There are many issues in computing for which there are no laws.... So where do you turn? You have to turn to encouraging responsible computing and ethical behavior.”

NCERC participants feel that a key part of the answer to problems in the field of computer ethics lies in education. Nick Routledge, co-chairman of NCERC, told Freedom, “Computers are a relatively new part of our lives, and while you are taught the ethics of different fields in school, computer ethics isn’t taught. A lot of the unethical behavior we see is a product of ignorance more than anything else. “

NCERC is pushing for computer ethics becoming part of standard school cirriculum.

“We hope that all concerned will really understand that they have a vested interest in self-regulation — businesses, government agencies, and so on.”
Along with encouraging discussion and ideas on computer ethics, NCERC has posited the “Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics,” which includes points such as “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people,” and “Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.”

“We need to change what might be perceived as logically wrong to a gut level wrong,” said Dr. Peter Tippett, director of CEI and co-chairman of NCERC. Tippett cited common fallacies in the computer field which cloud ethical issues, such as “the hacker’s ethic”: “As long as you’re doing it for pure pursuit of knowledge, it’s OK.”
“In real life, we call this trespassing,” he said.

NCERC has been joined by numerous noted computer organizations and business corporations, such as Compuserve, the National Computer Security Association, Business Software Alliance and Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility.

OFFICE TOOLS - 3

• What is Linux?

The free Unix workalike created by Linus Torvalds and friends starting about 1991. The pronunciation /li´nuhks/ is preferred because the name ‘Linus’ has an /ee/ sound in Swedish (Linus's family is part of Finland's 6% ethnic-Swedish minority) and Linus considers English short /i/ to be closer to /ee/ than English long /i:/. This may be the most remarkable hacker project in history — an entire clone of Unix for 386, 486 and Pentium micros, distributed for free with sources over the net (ports to Alpha and Sparc and many other machines are also in use).
Linux is what GNU aimed to be, and it relies on the GNU toolset. But the Free Software Foundation didn't produce the kernel to go with that toolset until 1999, which was too late. Other, similar efforts like FreeBSD and NetBSD have been technically successful but never caught fire the way Linux has; as this is written in 2003, Linux has effectively swallowed all proprietary Unixes except Solaris and is seriously challenging Microsoft. It has already captured 41% of the Internet-server market and over 25% of general business servers.
An earlier version of this entry opined “The secret of Linux's success seems to be that Linus worked much harder early on to keep the development process open and recruit other hackers, creating a snowball effect.” Truer than we knew.

• Linux Distribution

A Linux distribution (also called GNU/Linux distribution by some vendors and users) is a member of the family of Unix-like software distributions built on top of the Linux kernel. Such distributions (often called distros for short) consist of a large collection of software applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, media players and database applications. The operating system will consist of the Linux kernel and, usually, a set of libraries and utilities from the GNU project, with graphics support from the X Window System. Distributions optimized for size may not contain X, and tend to use more compact alternatives to the GNU utilities such as busybox, uclibc or dietlibc. There are currently over three hundred Linux distributions. Most of those are in active development, constantly being revised and improved.
Because most of the kernel and supporting packages are some combination of free software and open source, Linux distributions have taken a wide variety of forms — from fully featured desktop and server operating systems to minimal environments (typically for use in embedded systems, or for booting from a floppy disk). Aside from certain custom software (such as installers and configuration tools) a distribution simply refers to a particular assortment of applications installed on top of a set of libraries married with a version of the kernel, such that its "out-of-the-box" capabilities meets most of the needs of its particular end-user base.
One can distinguish between commercially backed distributions, such as Fedora (Red Hat), openSUSE (Novell), Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd.), and Mandriva Linux and community distributions such as Debian and Gentoo, though there are other distributions that are driven neither by a corporation nor a community; perhaps most famously, Slackware.

• Preparing to Install Linux

Contents: Minimum Hardware RequirementsCollecting Information About Your SystemPreparing Your Hard Disk

This chapter presents information you need to know and tasks you need to perform before installing Linux. It helps you make certain that your IBM-compatible PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Linux. It shows you how to document your system configuration so that you can respond to questions presented by the Linux install procedure. Finally, it shows you how to prepare your hard disk for Linux.

Minimum Hardware Requirements
Linux supports a wide range of PC hardware; but not even Linux supports every known device and system. Your PC must meet certain minimum requirements in order to run Linux. The following sections present these minimum requirements; however, for the latest and most complete information, you should check the Debian Project web site at http://www.debian.org/. The Debian web site will also help you determine if Linux supports all the devices installed in your system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Linux does not support the Intel 286 and earlier processors. However, it fully supports the Intel 80386, 80486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, and Pentium III processors. Nevertheless, some users feel that their 80386 Linux systems respond sluggishly, particularly when running X. So, if you want optimum performance, you should install Linux on a PC having an 80486 processor or better.
Linux also supports non-Intel processors such as the Cyrix 6x86 and the AMD K5 and K6. Most Linux users have systems that use Intel chips; if your system uses a non-Intel chip, you may find it more difficult to resolve possible problems.

Motherboard
Linux supports the standard ISA, EISA, PCI, and VESA (VLB) system buses used on most IBM-compatible PCs. Linux recently gained support for IBM's MCA bus, used in IBM's PS/2 series of computers. However, at the time of this writing, Debian GNU/Linux does not yet support the MCA bus. If you have an IBM PS/2, you may be unable to install Debian GNU/Linux (check the Debian Project web site for the latest available information on support for the MCA bus).
Your motherboard should include at least 16 MB of RAM for optimum Linux performance. Some users have managed to coax Linux into working on systems with as little as 4 MB of RAM. However, if your system has less than 16 MB of RAM, you probably won't be pleased with its performance. If you plan to run X, you may wish to install more than 16 MB of RAM - perhaps 64 MB. Although X operates well with 16 MB of RAM, you can open more windows and switch between them more quickly if you have additional memory.
A handful of motherboards presents special problems when installing Linux. Generally, the problem stems from a bad BIOS, for which a fix is often available. Check the Debian Project web site for details.

Drives
An anonymous wag once quipped that one can never be too thin, too rich, or have too much hard disk space. Fortunately, Linux is not too hungry for disk space. To install and use Linux, you should have at least 250 MB of free hard disk space. (The minimum is about 100 MB, but installing Linux on a system with so little disk space will compel you to omit many useful applications and will leave you with little room to work.)
More realistically, if you plan to use your Linux system as a workstation, you should have at least 600 MB of free disk space; if you plan to user your Linux system as a server, you should have at least 1.6 GB (1,600 MB) of free disk space.
For convenient installation using the CD-ROM included with this book, your system should include an IDE or SCSI CD-ROM drive. It's also possible to install Linux from a PCMCIA CD-ROM drive, an FTP site, an NFS server, an SMB shared volume, or a hard drive. Consult the Debian Project web site for details.
Your system should also include a 3.5-inch floppy drive. You'll use the floppy drive to boot your system from a special Linux diskette you create.