ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata XIII)

Day 13
June 15, 2010

What I did today:

• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted in installing all-in-1 PC 
• Fetch and Deliver Peripherals
• Assisted in production of Media team
• Get PC Specifications
• Clerical Duties
• Industrial Chores
• Wrapped PC and Peripherals

Today was one of my special days. You want to know why? Because, it's my birthday!

Well, this birthday was not even ordinary nor very extravagant, it was just explicitly exciting and engaging. First off, I slept late but I woke up very early. Next, the "train" event. If Japan is to Bullet Train, then Philippines is Light Railway Transit (LRT) / Metro Railway Transit (MRT). For most Filipinos, these are the ways that they can hop into any place faster and hopefully safer. Now back to the "train" event. I went to the station just in time for the next train to arrive. But looking to my mobile phone, It was still too early. For the first time in history, I was so frustrated that I am very early! Nevertheless, I just waited for the next train, anyway the time is rush hour so I will not have any problems waiting for the next one. And Alas, a BETTER train arrived, and I got a prized seat at the middle.  

I thought I will go through the day without anyone knowing it's my day. Unfortunately, because of Social Media Networks and "Tsismis" here and there, They had blown my cover and I had to admit that its my birthday. Way to go!

With regards to my work, I was having a good time performing my duties and getting along with my officemates. But on the other hand, I was sad that i need to leave days later because I am not a regular employee. I had developed some good working relationships with them but unfortunately, some good things never last.

It feels like a normal day, but the impact of social media such as Facebook and others created less beeps and more pops and more posts in the digital world. I was happy though that I get to reconnect to my friends and to my loved ones. I was really hoping that they did not forget me, and it was true enough. I love you guys!

"Maraming Salamat sa lahat ng bumati at naki-saya, binuhay niyo ang katawang lupa ko! God bless!"

13 days down, only 1 more to go. 

ALL IN ONE DAY: The series (Kabanata XII)

Day 12

June 10, 2010

What I did today:

• Round-checked on all LCD Monitors
• Handled and queued Technical Support Calls
• Assisted in installing network printer
• Assisted in deploying PC
• Assist in production of Media team
• Set-upped PC
• Formatted PC
• Installed Software
• Clerical Duties
• Industrial Chores
• Wrapped Peripherals
• Installed Peripherals

What-a-day! I was still exhausted about everything that transpired. I want to sleep, and to rest. But I don't want to disappoint whoever my readers are. My unknown group of followers, Ah! what a dream! But, I am still working at everything and may be someday, I would be able to host my own site. DREAMS! 

The routine was very similar, I had to check this, set-up this, do this, or go to this area. Well, what I am experiencing is the same routine I will be doing months later. I remembered one of my mentors said that these activities are the same activities that I will be doing in case I am hired. I also have a slight feeling that this is actually a training ground for their prospective employee/s. Well, whether my feeling is true or not, I am really proud that I get to engage with the real world and experience what is to be an I.T personnel.

Today, I had more time doing our thesis, and indeed glad because they are not strict about it. I even had good laughs and some sharing with my mentors as well of my supervisor. However, something like a "reality check" happened in the late afternoon. I do not know what really happened but after I returned, "they" had suddenly realized their errors. 

Yes, it's true. It's not really good when you're pushed to the boundaries. But I know "they" learned their lesson.

The rain fell hard this afternoon, and that caused us eating at a nearby fast food chain. 

12 down, 2 to go.

Is Hacking a Computer Crime?

June 9, 2010

       This question is very controversial for there are ethical implications of the act itself. It had also been a favorite topic between bloggers and members of forums. Now, the question if the act was ethical depends upon how it was done. The question if the act was legal depends if it is authorized or not. The question if the act is a criminal activity depends if it is under the provision of a law.

HACKING IN THE PHILIPPINES

        This issue has also reached our shorelines and on the past few months, we have heard over the news that government websites are hacked by an unknown group of hackers that attempted to alter or destroy the data housed in these websites. It was also heard that there is a huge possibility of an electronic “Hello Garci” that can happen in the election. Another issue was if the PCOS machine can be hacked, and potential results can be manipulated according to one’s will. These issues alarmed several agencies and groups which are really concerned about the integrity of the elections. The good thing is, there is a provision in the law that guards integrity of all information stored in the internet, likewise the Republic Act 8792 or the E-Commerce Law. It was signed by former president Joseph E. Estrada on June 14, 2000. It took effect last June 19, 2000.

ABOUT HACKING AND CRIME

        From my point of view, Hacking is a double-edged sword, which is beneficial in some way, but is hazardously dangerous as well. First, we must define some terms. As the e-commerce law defined hacking, “it refers to unauthorized access into or interference in a computer system/server or information and communication system; or any access in order to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy using a computer or other similar information and communication devices, without the knowledge and consent of the owner of the computer or information and communications system, including the introduction of computer viruses and the like, resulting in the corruption, destruction, alteration, theft or loss of electronic data messages or electronic documents.” Crime on the other hand, is a specific act committed in violation of the law. As we analyze these two terms, Hacking can be considered as a crime if and only if, first, it is under the law and second, it is done without the consent of the owner. So, the bottom line is: Hacking without the consent of the owner is considered as a crime.

WHAT WAITS FOR LOSERS?

In the end, what waits for violators of the law is also stated in RA 8792; “ shall be punished by a minimum fine of One Hundred Thousand pesos (P 100,000.00) and a maximum commensurate to the damage incurred and a mandatory imprisonment of six (6) months to three (3) years.” In short, crime pays, big time.

GOOD INTENTIONS = CRIME?

However, there are certain circumstances that even if the intentions of the hacker was good, in fact he did not alter anything or delete any important information, but he was not given permission by the owner or any person in charge to do so; Then, the act was still a crime. This was the scenario I browsed in one forum. (http://msforums.ph) 

"THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS"

Yes, what he did was ethical. In addition, he was willing to offer his services to the company. However, if we analyze carefully what is stated in the E-commerce law, if hacking was done without permission or without legal consent, it is considered a violation of the law and appropriate legal actions should be taken. On the lighter side, if the owner dismisses the claims or waives what just happened, the violator will not be punished.

FINALE

One sad thing here is, not all people knew this law and authorities often ignore it. In addition, this law is not strictly imposed in the Philippines, and many violators go unpunished.

I just hope that eventually, the Philippine Government will be more than willing in implementing more laws against these computer crimes as we embrace more of newer technologies around us.