Case Study #3

In a multiprogramming and time-sharing environment, several users share the system simultaneously. This situation can result in various security problems. Name at least two of these problems. Can we ensure the same degree of security in a time-share machine as we have in a dedicated machine? Explain your answer.

Internet Cafe CB

A multiprogramming and time-sharing environment is a type of setting where several users share the system simultaneously and a great example of this kind of setting is in Internet Café. First of all most of the Internet Cafés are of time-sharing environment setting because it is frequently requires a single hardware usage from different computers/users, an example for this hardware is the printer, I do believe mostly the printer is placed close to the cashier or Internet Café Clerk or to a computer that is not frequently used by other users. All you have to do in your own unit is to place the file in the shared folder and that’s it. The Clerk can access your file and print it from his/her own computer. Amazing it is, but here lies a very huge and disturbing threat.

It was said that a file was placed in the shared folder and thus it also appeared in the Clerk’s computer thus he/she was able to print it, but what about the other users of the computer in the Internet Café?

Yes, of course your files can also be seen in their own computers! Too disturbing and truth is probably there are more security threats that expose us from the usage of this time-sharing environment setting. 

1. There is no file safe from being copied, edited, duplicated and deleted and the use of certain hardware like printer whether authorized or unauthorized.

• Other users are able to do this since mostly time-sharing environment setting do not need verification or authorization in what to do about the files that has been shared by other users.

2. The computer resources are not properly utilized and might even end up in “deadlock” mode.

• “Deadlock” is defined as a moment in time sharing environments when two or more users are having resources and are just waiting for each other, in this case neither users would be able to make progress in their program, no matter how many time slots they were allocated.

 

Faronics Deep Freeze Logo

Why can we say that dedicated machines are much more secure than time-sharing ones? Yes, it is true that there are programs designed to protect those who are only temporarily using the computers the Faronic’s Deep Freeze tool, a program specifically designed to erase or much more to reset the disks back to its original state thus deleting the files that were temporarily placed in the computer by means of rebooting. A very important tool indeed not only does it erase unwanted left-outs of your personal data but also deletes viruses that may have infected your computer while the Deep Freeze is still enabled, BUT when a computer is subjected to a time-sharing environment this kind of security tool becomes useless because the moment a file is shared there is no stopping who may be able to look, edit, copy and delete the said information/data because the tool requires a reboot and I believe it takes only a matter of second for those unauthorized users to alter with your data. I also strongly believe that the people who are only to edit or alter your data are those authorized by yourself thus a dedicated machine does the job in securing your files to yourself with out being copied by others, you can also assure that the means of copying your data can only be done by a portable storage device or at your exact workplace.

Well the best way to secure data is to narrow-down the ways in how others may be able access your file, in this circumstances choosing a dedicated machine is the best choice.

Case Study #2

"Put forward a theory about how professionals might use a hand held computer in their work."

My theories in how this following 

professions and professionals may be able 

to use a hand held computer in their work.

First    :         A delivery person for a courier service.

 

 

First of all a courier service or a delivery person is most likely to commit in this one and only rule: FOLLOW THE SCHEDULE STRICTLY. Yes, the courier service is considered to be one of the most if not busiest companies there is. Receiving, transporting and delivering packages from around the world and to persons from all walks of life is the day to day routine of a courier service company; they live on what others make them deliver. So it is very clear that in this nature of work, mistakes and discrepancies should be kept to the minimum as possible, but humans tend to commit mistakes so therefor a device can be used to assist the courier service or delivery persons. The handheld devices can help aide the personnel in different ways. 

 

The addresses can be kept in the handheld device for easily editing and saving. In this way the mistakes of interchanging deliveries is kept to the minimum. Also the handheld devices can be equipped with GPS or the Global Positioning System; by this a delivery person can pinpoint the exact address of the receiver not to mention the multiple ways in how to get there. The GPS doesn’t only benefit the actual delivery personnel but also for the employers use. He can use the GPS system to track each and every personal given the handheld device. By giving handheld devices to the delivery personnel it also makes the information going as fast as possible by this future mistakes are avoided and emergency situations are immediately informed to the proper persons.
 

 

Second     :       A Newspaper Reporter: 

 

The job as a newspaper reporter requires a person to be updated as always as possible. The connection between the correspondent and office should always be open since there is no telling what will happen where. Not to mention those newspaper reporters or current event correspondents for a broader term are likely to be on the site and prefer portable devices that will help them greatly as possible. 

Dr. Hwang Woo Suk, cloning scientist, talks to reporters.

Hand held devices are greatly utilized in this kind of works, not only recommended for its portability, hand held devices support document editing programs so that the correspondents don’t need to be in there formal office just to start typing anything, thus saving time. Also some hand held devices are mounted with cameras, utilizing this feature could turn the tides and makes the job easier, now the newspaper reporter will be able to take pictures right on the scene a clear manifestation of taking two jobs for a single person. Internet service is provided also to hand held devices for a much quicker response about the event especially in news where we all know that speed is the essence of giving the mass population everything they need to now. Hand held devices also may be equipped with GPS or Global Position System, a system which divine purpose is to provide the exact location of a place and how to get there. Most likely, we should also not forget that grammar and spelling check should be acknowledge there for a hand held device may be installed with dictionary or grammar programs to help aide the newspaper reporter.