Computer Is a Device That Accepts Information

¶ … computer is a device that accepts information in the form of digitalized data and manipulates it for some result based on a program or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed. Used the right way, computers can be an enormous personal and business productivity tool for automating numerous routine tasks and increasing information storage, retrieval and exchange. Unfortunately, computers also facilitate and expand crime.

Computer crime pertains to any intentional or unintentional harm done to or with information and/or hardware that may result in losses of, or injury to, property, services, and people. Many crimes involving computers are no different from crimes without computers. Some examples include: Using a computer and peripherals for forgery or counterfeiting is the same crime as using an old-fashioned printing press with ink. Stealing a laptop computer with proprietary information is the same crime as stealing a briefcase that contains papers with proprietary information.

Using the Internet or online services to solicit sex is similar to other forms of solicitation of sex. Using computers can be another way to commit either larceny or fraud. However, there are three new major classes of criminal activity created by computers: unauthorized use of a computer, which might involve stealing a username and password, or might involve accessing the victim's computer via the Internet through a backdoor operated by a Trojan Horse program. A creating or releasing a malicious computer program (e.g., computer virus, worm, Trojan Horse).

A harassment and stalking in cyberspace. Bibliography Eder, Karen. Defining Computer Crime and Technology Misuse." Technology Studies in Education Research Portal. 23.