Dan Remenyi

The computer age effectively began in 1950. In the 75 years since, both hardware and software have developed at a staggering pace, transforming computing from a niche field into a central pillar of modern life. What is truly remarkable is not just the technological evolution itself, but the way these innovations have woven themselves into the fabric of daily existence. In developed nations today, computer-based technology provides us with solutions for nearly every conceivable challenge or opportunity concerning work, health and leisure time. The range and depth of these applications are not just impressive; they are ever-increasing, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In recent years, however, computer technology in the form of AI has begun to address aspects of people's lives that have traditionally been reserved for only human interaction. We've seen the rise of digital therapy apps, virtual health assistants, and social robots designed to combat loneliness. One of the latest and perhaps most profound trends in this respect is the development of systems aimed at assisting with the grieving process, and the term digital mourning has been coined. These systems, sometimes called Griefbots, Legacybots, Deadbots, etc., or memory reservoirs, represent a new frontier in human-computer interaction. They function by creating a so-called digital replica of an individual, often using data from a deceased person's social media accounts, text messages, and other parts of their digital footprints. The goal is to provide a form of continued post-mortem connection, i.e. a voice from beyond the grave, a way for bereaved individuals to interact with a digital avatar of their departed loved one, with the purpose of helping to soften the profound impact of their loss. And the use of AI in this way is being referred to as Digital Immortality. Thus, Digital Immortality through the use of a Griefbot is a completely new frontier for AI technology which is based on the fact that an LLM can simulate a conversation on a wide range of subjects in a non-offensive way and with an appropriate data set produce an acceptable imitation of how an individual would think and react in such a conversation. This adventure into prosopopoeia 1] is a highly specialised application of AI for which there is not yet much awareness in the market. Although Griefbots are primarily designed to preserve and access memories in a post-mortem context, the same technology can also be adapted to assist individuals living with reduced cognitive capability such as dementia. In this case, the technology may be used with the help of appropriate professionals to support those whose cognitive abilities have declined due to illness, helping them to reconnect with their own memories and identity. In such a case the term Memorybot is more appropriate than Griefbot. This book delves into this complex and emerging technology. It explores the concept of Griefbots and the data they rely on, and the potential they hold for future development. But more importantly, the book will examine the significant opportunity and challenge these systems present. While they may offer a unique form of comfort, they also raise profound theoretical, practical, and ethical dilemmas. It will ask difficult questions about the nature of memory and identity in this digital age: What does it mean to have a digital copy of a person? How do these systems impact the natural human process of grief and acceptance? And what are the ethical lines that should be drawn when technology seeks to fill a void that has always been the domain of human relationships? This book is a guide through this new landscape, exploring both the promises and the perils. 1] A figure of speech in which an imagined, absent, or dead person or thing is represented as speaking.

There has always been some degree of controversy surrounding computers and computers have always been vulnerable. In the early days of computing there were cases of theft and criminal damage to new computer installations. Computers have been shot at and even bombed, causing extensive damage.Over the years there have been many attempts at computer fraud. One of the most celebrated was the so-called Salami Fraud where small amounts of money, which would be hardly noticed by any individual, were taken from a very large number of bank accounts, thus enriching the fraudsters. However, these were largely limited to corporate situations where the damage was contained. With the arrival of the personal computer and especially mobile devices such as laptops and smart phones the damage achievable by fraudsters and vandals and others wishing to inflict damage on elements of cyberspace has grown and a considerable number of people have had a lot of money swindled from them. In a similar vein computers are now also used as weapons to target other computers and electronic devices.The past 20 years has seen a massive escalation in the damage done in cyberspace and this has been accompanied by a growing concern about all aspects of Cyber Security. The ever increasing number of cyber attacks on individuals, organisations and national government agencies has reached epidemic proportions. It is not possible to know the exact extent of these attacks and the damage which they have done as no one wishes to advertise their vulnerability - even their past vulnerability. However, estimates suggest that the cost of these attacks have run into tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars. What is certain is that billions of dollars are being spent every year in order to improve cyber security.

One of the most interesting aspects of research methodology is that there is a constant flow of new ideas and thus new concepts and new terminology. This second edition is an attempt to keep up with such changes and thus 200 new entries have been added to the Dictionary. However, it is well known that no sooner than the ink is dry a new concept and new jargon appears.

Driven by good intentions and with a little help from an obscure Order of Monks in Italy, Professor Finn Kelly, Ireland's leading mediaevalist finds a way of making easy money for his favourite charity in Dublin. This involves him "discovering" a long lost manuscript which is reputed to be an early Oscar Wilde play. Finn is surgical in his execution of this caper, but he needs his friend's help who is not so meticulous. As Finn should have known, easy money always has consequences, and before long O'Connell College is shocked to the core by the murder of the College Bursar in his office. At the same time a mysterious man appears in Dublin inviting Professor Kelly to help promote US-Irish relations in Boston. Whilst on a consultancy assignment at the Vatican Finn meets Maria, the beautiful green eyed Director in charge of facilitating the stay of visiting academics.Then there is a burglary, the discovery of a body in the Grand Canal and the disappearance of a long standing friend. Finn Kelly realises that he is in imminent danger but the Garda SIochAna are not convinced these events are anything more than a string of coincidences. There is a double murder at University Church on St Stephen's Green. And when the Garda SIochAna finally become fully engaged it is Inspector Shamus Quinn who arranges a suitable trap which leads to a kind of justice.

Frequently not enough attention is given to producing a comprehensive business case or to producing an economic justification for an information systems investment. In fact many organizations are not clear as to what constitutes a sound business case and how to go about producing one. This Professional level book for the Computer Weekly Professional Series will show how to go about justification for I.T. spend. This book is designed for all those who are involved in the decision to invest in information systems. This book is especially relevant to senior business executives, senior financial managers and IT executives. Business consultants, computer and corporate advisors will also find the ideas and material addressed in this text of particular benefit as will anyone involved in corporate and strategic planning.In addition, senior students such as those working towards their MBAs will find this book of use.A business case is a statement or a series of statements that demonstrate the economic value of a particular intervention, a course of action or a specific investment. A business case is not simply a financial forecast of the hardware and software costs and the expected benefits. A business case for an information systems investment involves a comprehensive understanding of both the likely resources as well as the business drivers which will assist business managers improve their performance and thereby obtain a stream of benefits from the investment.In general there are approximately six steps in producing a business case for an information systems investment.1. Determine the high-level business outcomes that will be clearly and comprehensively expressed as a set of opportunities the organization can take advantage of, or problems that need to be rectified.2