Ethics for the Information Age Chapter 1

Introduction to the Information Age

• Characterized by unprecedented access to information facilitated by low-cost computers and high-speed communication networks.
• Emerging technologies include smartphones, video streaming services, voice-activated assistants, drones, and self-driving cars.

Milestones in Computing

• Early calculators included tools like clay tablets, the abacus, and mathematical tables.
• Significant advancements were made with mechanical calculators in the 17th to 19th centuries, impacting industries such as insurance.
• The rise of new corporations in the Gilded Age necessitated reliable information, increasing calculator sales and leading to "deskilling" of bookkeeping roles.
• Cash registers developed in response to department store needs for accurate sales tracking, helping root out clerical fraud.

Advancement of Data Processing Technologies

• Punched cards were adopted by early institutions like the U.S. Bureau of the Census for data tabulation.
• The development of commercial computers began in the 1940s, with machines like UNIVAC predicting election outcomes.
• Programming languages evolved from machine language to higher-level languages like FORTRAN and COBOL, enabling broader applications.

Network Development

• Innovations in telecommunication began with the invention of the telegraph, which expanded to a vast network by the late 19th century.
• The telephone blurred public and private life boundaries, ushering in new social dynamics.
• Networking technology evolved significantly in the 20th century with ARPANET's inception leading to the development of the Internet.

The Role of Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing emerged as a service model, allowing remote access to computing resources.
• Key enablers include high-speed internet, virtualization, and massive data centers benefiting from economies of scale.
• Examples include Microsoft Office 365, AWS, and Google Cloud, providing flexible and scalable computing solutions.

Milestones in Information Storage and Retrieval

• The Greek alphabet marked the transition from oral to written culture, paving the way for more efficient communication.
• The codex and printing press revolutionized book storage and distribution, enhancing literacy and mass communication during significant historical events like the Reformation.
• Hypertext, graphical user interfaces, and the World Wide Web transformed how users interact with information digitally.

Search Engines and Cloud Storage

• Search engines revolutionized information retrieval, with Google indexing billions of web pages and employing algorithms like PageRank for efficiency.
• Cloud storage allows remote access to data across devices, with services like Dropbox and Google Drive offering convenient and scalable storage solutions.

Information Technology Issues

• The digitization of content has led to widespread issues with copyright infringement and illegal downloading.
• Cloud storage introduces concerns regarding data security and the ownership of information, particularly for financial transactions.### Loan Applications
• Credit history serves as the primary basis for loan approval, eliminating the need for personal interviews.
• Offers lower interest rates but with reduced flexibility in terms of repayment options.

Computers in Embedded Devices

• Questions arise about liability when embedded systems fail and cause harm to individuals.

Telecommuting

• Provides significant time savings and allows for more adaptable work schedules.
• Potential risk of teleworkers being overlooked for promotions compared to in-office employees.

Improved Global Communication Network

• Enhances companies' ability to market their products worldwide.
• Facilitates the outsourcing of jobs outside of the U.S.
• Raises ethical concerns regarding the working conditions in factories in developing nations for IT consumers.

Social Media

• Acts as a platform for promoting democratic ideas and civic engagement.
• Can also be utilized by authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and maintain control.

The Information Age

• Characterized by a rich history of information technology development, reflecting centuries of progress.
• Social conditions often inspire new technological advancements.
• The impact of technology adoption can lead to significant societal transformations.
• Computing professionals bear the responsibility of being mindful of their role in shaping future technology and its implications.

Explore the foundational concepts introduced in Chapter 1 of 'Ethics for the Information Age.' This chapter discusses the catalysts for change in computing, networking, and information storage, emphasizing the unprecedented access to information in the modern era. Dive into the milestones and issues that define our technological environment.