Computers In Society :: essays research papers fc

Computers have good and bad effects on society. This essay deals with both aspects of computers. This paper will deal with two articles that have been written about computers. One article deals with the positive side of computers and the other deals with the negative side of computers. Negative Effects of Computers Schengili-Roberts, Keith. "Holmolka Trial On BBS Raises Information Access Issues". Computer Paper, The. January 1994. pg. 12. This article deals with the fact that even though information on the Karla Holmolka-Teale trial has officially been banned by the Canadian government, it is still accessible to many Canadians. It is very easy to get a hold of this material. Anyone with a computer, modem, and some spare time could most likely get a hold of this information. The court transcripts, transcripts of the A Current Affair episode that was banned in Canada, and other articles from other publications banned in Canada are accessible from local BBSes, Internet, or by calling long distance to a BBS in the US or Europe. Also, Internet, a computer network of BBSes established all over the world, has various chat bases set up for people to discuss the information. People can also get the information by having it sent to them from friends or relatives living outside of Canada. While it is not illegal to have this information, it is illegal to have for the purpose of distribution. The reason that the above information was banned in Canada is so that Karla Holmolka-Teale's husband, Paul, is assured a fair trial. The lawyers, court, etc., were afraid that if the public found out about the court proceedings, they would make up their mind about Paul's innocence before he was given a trial and therefore, finding an un-biased jury would be next too impossible. Another problem with computers and modems is the distribution of X rated pictures and other pornographic material through the phone lines. Even though there are adult BBSes dealing strictly with this material, many other BBSes that do not restrict memberships to certain age groups have it available too. The children would then be able to receive this material by just lying about their age to the Sys-Op (System-Operators). This poses a problem for society and the government. It shows us that almost all information is accessible as long as you have a computer and a modem. It also tells us that information bans many times don't work and that there will almost always be an information leak.