A "Code of Ethics" are a set of principles of right conduct.

Ethics define what a person SHOULD do while laws define what a person MUST do.

At a minimum a person:

• should act honorably, honestly, justly, responsibly, and legally
• should not use a computer to harm others
• should not interfere with other people's computer work
• should not snoop around in other people's computer files
• should not use a computer to steal
• should not use a computer to bear false witness
• should not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid
• should not use other people's computer resources with out authorization or proper compensation
• should not appropriate other people's intellectual output
• should think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing
• should always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for you fellow humans