It is impossible to go through a day without once enjoying the benefits of technology. Everything from traffic lights, to our cars to this newspaper uses a computer. It seems we cannot live without them, yet sometimes it is difficult to live with them.
In the computer age, we have to worry about things that even 10 years ago were just a figment of our imaginations.
Identity theft, computer viruses and spyware have become part of our lexicon and our lives. Even our nation's political landscape is shaped, in part, by such issues as pornography and Internet filters for high school computers.
An international panel of scholars and technology professionals has gathered in Memphis this week to discuss some of these issues and present theories on how they affect society.
The panel is a part of the week-long Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century (EEI-21) Conference. EEI-21 was founded by former director of The University of Memphis University Libraries Lester J. Pourciau nine years ago and has held the conference every year since to discuss the rapidly changing world of information technology.
Anelle Huggins is the director of this year's conference. She said she hopes that the panel can learn from the variety of subjects.
"I think this will bring new insight into the ethical issues associated with the age of electronic information," she said. Another highlight of the conference is the abundance of cultures represented.
"Four continents are represented at the conference," Huggins said.
Rohit Marwaha of Stockton University of New Jersey will present "Identity Theft: A Rapidly Growing Crime and Threat to Our Society."
Kanneese Woods, an assistant professor for University Libraries at The U of M, will present her paper, "Going Wireless: Convenience vs. Security." This issue is especially relevant to college campuses, and there are several ways that The U of M is helping.
TigerLAN offers 24-hour server maintenance to protect against most viruses, but there are things that students can do to protect themselves.
Nick Day, a client services representative for TigerLAN, said the best thing you can do is be careful what documents you open.
"Don't open attachments from people you don't know," he said. He also suggested running several spyware blockers and anti-virus programs.
"Running one program is good," Day said. "But running two or three will take care of more problems."
Anyone can attend the final day of presentations. To attend, register at the Doubletree Hotel at 5069 Sanderlin Ave. today. The registration fee is $25 for students.
