On Copyrights

This is a quick run down of interesting of copyright infringement cases that can happen to you and me:

1. If you have a shared folder that contains copyritghted materials such as MP3 etc, you are liable to a lawsuit. See Elektra v. Barker and also here
2. If you have rip your DVD to view it on your PC, PSP etc. You have violated copyright law. See Digital Millemium Copyright Act (DCMA)
3. If you destroy your hardisk because you are about to be busted, this will play against you since the court might assume that the evidence would go against you. See Spoilation of evidence

Other interesting cases:

1. Sony v. Universal – VCRs are OK for in-home “time-shifting” because they have a “substantial
   non-infringing use” and would have a small effect on the market.
2. Napster – Everything you do is illegal.
3. MGM v. Grokster – If evidence “shows statements or actions directed to promoting
   infringement,” but beyond mere knowledge or potential for infringement,
   then the producer of that device may be held liable for copyright
   infringement, e.g. Morpheus.

Everything you wanted to know on Copyrights, read the $1600 volumes: Nimmer on Copyrights
References: Ask-the-greek-law

Banning Laptops in classroom

As an educator myself, i realise the problems that laptops causes in classrooms.  Arstechnica is running a very interesting article on this.
To summarize:
1. You can never solve the laptop problem in classroom by turning off wifi
2. You cannot ban laptops because students may be using them to take down notes. Since i teach computer science subjects, it makes sense not to ban laptops.

What is more interesting are the comments from fellow teachers and students.
References: arstechnica, discuss