1. How can you tell if your computer is safe?

Ensuring the safety of my computer is paramount in an era dominated by digital connectivity. Several indicators can help assess the security of my computer:

a. Antivirus Software: Regularly updated antivirus software is fundamental to computer safety. It guards against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. A trustworthy antivirus program not only detects but also removes malicious software, enhancing the system’s overall safety.

b. Firewall Protection: Activating and maintaining a robust firewall is crucial. Firewalls are a barrier between the computer and potential external threats, monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic. Ensuring the firewall is active provides an added defense against unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

c. Regular System Updates: Keeping the operating system, software, and applications up-to-date is vital for computer security. Software developers frequently release updates that address vulnerabilities and enhance security features. Regularly installing these updates ensures that my computer is equipped with the latest security patches.

2. Describe three ways that computers have made the world safer and less safe.

Safer:

a. Communication and Emergency Response: Computers have significantly improved communication and emergency response systems. People can quickly disseminate information during emergencies through instant messaging, emails, and social media, facilitating efficient response efforts. This has proven crucial in natural disasters, public safety incidents, and health crises.

b. Medical Advancements: Computers have revolutionized medicine, contributing to safer and more accurate diagnoses and treatments. Medical imaging technologies, data analysis, and electronic health records enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to deliver precise and timely care, ultimately improving patient safety.

c. Transportation Safety: Computers play a pivotal role in enhancing transportation safety. Advanced systems in vehicles, air traffic control, and public transportation employ computer technology for navigation, traffic management, and safety monitoring. This has led to significant advancements in reducing accidents and improving overall transportation safety.

Less Safe:

a. Cybersecurity Threats: The interconnected nature of the digital world has given rise to cybersecurity threats. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft pose significant risks to individuals and organizations. The increasing complexity of cyber threats challenges the traditional notions of safety in the digital realm.

b. Privacy Concerns: Computers have made the world less safe regarding privacy. The collection and utilization of vast amounts of personal data by technology companies and governments raise concerns about surveillance, data misuse, and the potential for privacy infringements. Striking a balance between technological advancements and individual privacy remains a complex challenge.

c. Weaponization of Technology: The use of computer technology in warfare and cyber warfare introduces new dimensions of safety concerns. Nation-states and malicious actors can leverage technology for offensive purposes, including developing cyber weapons raising ethical and safety considerations on a global scale.

In navigating the digital landscape, it becomes imperative to harness the positive aspects of computer technology while actively addressing the challenges to ensure a safer and more secure world.