At each stage, from purchase to disposal of a computer, knowledge of the applicable laws is a helpful aid.
the laws which govern purchase, sale and possession of not only the hardware but alps the system and application software of computers. Apart from contractual obligations, this unit also discusses some of the more important legal aspects pertaining to computers like patents, copyright, etc. Tortuous liabilities arising from the use of computers is also discussed. Finally, this unit discusses the legislative and other initiatives taken by some countries to safeguard individual rights to privacy in the context of information storage and retrieval using computers.  The occasions when a computer user can benefit by knowledge of law applicable to the field of Computer and its applications abound: To mention a few : --- When you are buying or selling a computer, both hardware as well as software and also peripheral systems --- When you are using a Computer --- When you are trying to change over from manual to a computerized system or when you are trying to upgrade your existing computer system --- When you incur loss or damage as a result of the use of computer by others --- When you cause harm to others by your using computer when you want to do programs and patent them or secure copyright --- When you want to keep some parts of your technology of hardware or some aspects of your'software confidential --- When systems connected to or operated through computers go faulty and you suffer as a result of such faults --- When your privacy is affected by storage of information relating to you in computer --- When malpractices are committed in computer and you suffer damages as a result of such malpractices --- When you engage the services of a consultant or firm to provide you information services --- When your health is affected by the use of computer. Each country attempts to deal with computer related legal matters within the framework of the existing laws by reinterpreting the legal provisions.