Question 1: Microsoft updates and Performance monitor:
Microsoft updates its software products either using hot fixes or the Microsoft update service. Hot fixes are updates sent as executable file that is downloaded onto the computer and installed by the user. They are used for Microsoft software that use Hotfix.exe as the updater e.g. Windows NT 4.0. The Microsoft updates service updates Microsoft products by downloading live updates from the internet after scanning the computer. These kinds of updates are usually bug fixes and additional features to improve system performance and security. Hot fixes are released to fix specific problems and they come as executable files, while the Microsoft update service downloads streaming updates from the internet, and automatically installs on to the computer. The latest Microsoft products now use the update service since it is more user friendly and also because updates are released in high frequency compared to hot fixes.
Performance monitor is an operating system feature in Windows operating system that allows users and administrators to monitor the system performance either in real time or by tracking and auditing system logs. A good example is the use of performance monitor by network administrators to monitor network usage in a large organization. This is done by analyzing and monitoring network traffic in and out of the various workstations in the organization, and the intensity of use of a particular network resource such as a printer connection or file server.
Question 2: User Accounts and Groups:
System configuration using the User Account Policy (UAC) is usually done by system administrators to allow them assign least privileges to other user accounts. This is done to ensure that standard and guest account users only access objects they have access to. In this process administrators turn on the Administrator approval mode, the account control mode, and change the elevation prompt behavior. When the Admin approval mode is on, both the administrator and guest user accounts will be prompted anytime they attempt to perform an administrative function. When account control is on, all the users of the system will be prompted when they attempt to perform administrative tasks. Administrators can change elevation prompt behavior to allow privileged accounts to perform elevated actions. These privileges prevent the system from asking for consent or credentials every time full administrative rights are required to perform an action e.g. move a file from one partition to the next. However, this feature should only be used in constrained environments.
Ethics Question 1: Globalization and the Fair Trade Agreement:
Organizations have become dependent on computers to interconnect workers and teams working on similar projects in different locations, product marketing, advertising, and information sharing with others in different geographical regions all over the world. Computers also aid in tracking of schedules and information streaming to and from multiple sources. Despite the advantages, computers have also impacted the work environment negatively through increased stress to learn new technologies, communication break down due to the use of electronic communication such as email and messaging in the professional context, inefficiency due to use of social media during work hours, and information privacy issues.
The Fair Trade Agreement allows countries that have signed the pact the chance to move their business operations from one country to another. Due to this, companies usually opt to move their business operations and activities to countries where workforce is cheap and monitor these companies using information systems. For example, the Coca Cola Company monitors all its subsidiaries through the use of computer information systems infrastructure. Technology giant, Apple Inc. also moved their manufacturing activities to China under the fair trade agreement to access cheap labor.
Ethics Question 2:
Newspapers provide a way for society to receive daily information and news. Traditional print newspapers can be archived and their information passed down through generations. However, technology advancements have digitalized newspapers leading to the loss of history. Reading newspapers also allowed people to interact and talk about stories that shocked, surprised or upset them. In this age of mobile devices, information access has become an individual affair, with information sharing mostly being done online through social media and other forums. However, the change can be deemed positive since online newspapers provide updated news items as news events unfold. Digitalization of the newspaper also saves on paper which means trees will be conserved in line with the United Nations doctrines on environmental conservation.
References
"Alternative Ways To Update Windows Without Using Microsoft Windows Update." iTechticscom. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. <http://www.itechtics.com/update-windows-without-windows-update/>.
Guide for Installing and Deploying Updates for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003. (n.d.). Guide for Installing and Deploying Updates for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003. Retrieved November 22, 2013, from http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc700814.aspx
How to install multiple Windows updates or hotfixes with only one reboot. (n.d.). How to install multiple Windows updates or hotfixes with only one reboot. Retrieved November 22, 2013, from http://support.microsoft.com/kb/296861
The Disadvantages of Computers in the Workforce. (n.d.). Small Business. Retrieved November 22, 2013, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/disadvantages-computers-workforce-10004.html
"Windows Performance Monitor." Windows Performance Monitor. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2013. <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749249.aspx>.
