Acceptable User of Computers, Network and Technology Policy

Introduction

PakLab, provides an array of computing resources to support the instructional, research and administrative functions of PakLab, including computing equipment, laptop computers distributed pursuant to PakLab's Academic Computing Initiative, networks (via wireless and wired access), internet access, computers, terminals, communications networks, printers, software, data files and other relating computing equipment ("Computing Resources"). Agreement and adherence to the following policies is a mandatory prerequisite of employment and your use of Computing Resources constitutes your agreement to be bound by the policies.

Since rapid change is inherent to computing and information networks, PakLab reserves the right to modify these policies at any time.   Although PakLab will make reasonable efforts to announce changes to policies, it is the user's personal responsibility to remain informed of the current policies by periodically checking this Handbook.

Uses of Computing Resources - General

Below, PakLab sets forth terms and conditions for the use of Computing Resources. Listings of specific acceptable and unacceptable uses are illustrative examples and are not meant to be exhaustive. PakLab is the sole and conclusive authority on questions relating to acceptable uses of its resources. If a question about use arises, the use should be considered "prohibited" until PakLab directs otherwise.

Acceptable Uses

Computing resources are available for use only by PakLab faculty, staff, students, administrators and other authorized users.  Moreover, use of such resources, other than laptop computers provided pursuant to the Academic Computing Initiative or personally owned computers, is restricted for tasks related to the educational, research and administrative objectives of PakLab and PakLab's mission.

Prohibited Uses

Computing Resources may be used only for purposes that are legal, ethical and consistent with PakLab's mission. The following activities areexamples of prohibited behaviors with respect to the use of Computing Resources:

  • Altering system software or hardware configurations, or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of computer resources.

  • Tampering with the anti-virus software installed on PakLab owned or provided devices or networks or failure to use updated anti-virus software when accessing a PakLab network.

  • Attempting to access or accessing another user's account, private files, or e-mail.

  • Attempting to access or accessing systems outside of PakLab without authorization.

  • Misrepresenting one's identity in electronic communication.

  • Infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others in computer programs or electronic information, including plagiarism and unauthorized use or reproduction in violation of patents, trademarks and copyrights and/or software and other licensing agreements. (See "Copyrighted Material" provision, infra)

  • Circumventing or attempting to circumvent software or hardware security systems.

  • Installing software (including games) on PakLab-provided computing equipment without obtaining authorization in advance. PakLab reserves the right to remove software that violates this policy without advance notice to the user.

  • Using computing resources to engage in conduct which intentionally interferes with others' use of shared computing resources. This includes consuming gratuitously large amounts of system resources (e.g. Internet bandwidth, disk space, CPU time) and exceeding time limits where they have been established in PakLab facilities such as microlabs and libraries.

  • Using computing and/or electronic mail resources for commercial or personal profit-making purposes or for solicitation or for activities which violate local, state or federal law.

  • Allowing or assisting unauthorized users to gain access to computing resources.

  • Failing to comply with all applicable laws concerning the transmission, receipt or monitoring of wireless and wired communications.

  • Intercepting or monitoring, or attempting to intercept or monitor, network communications or other communications not intended for that user's access without prior authorization.

  • Creating programs that secretly collect information about users.

  • Using computing resources, including electronic mail, to send nuisance messages such as chain letters, junk mail and profane, obscene, threatening, libelous or harassing messages.

  • Using PakLab's logos or insignias without written permission from the appropriate PakLab authority.

  • Displaying, posting, printing or sending material that is contrary to the mission or values of PakLab, including obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit or offensive material. The information distributed through PakLab's computing and networking facilities is a form of publishing and is subject to some of the same standards as other types of publications.

  • Intentionally or negligently distributing malicious software, such as computer worms, viruses or Trojan horses.

  • Engaging in acts of dishonesty.

Use of Computing Resources - Using PakLab's Networks and Internet Access with Personal Devices

PakLab makes networks and the Internet available to users via wired and wireless connections. PakLab does not guarantee the privacy of wireless transmissions, and does not guarantee that the WLAN will provide uninterrupted and/or error-free wireless communications.

Use of networks and Internet access is subject to the following additional terms and conditions.

Authorized users are permitted to connect their own computing devices to PakLab's network or Internet connection after contacting the Department of Information Technology to arrange such access. A user's computer hardware must meet certain specification prerequisites and may require that certain software be installed (particularly with respect to connection to a wireless network). These specifications are subject to change. PakLab does not guarantee that all computers, even those that meet the specification prerequisites, will be able to access WLAN (except the laptops provided to first-time full-time students). No device will be granted access to a network unless it has current anti-virus software properly installed.

Users are prohibited from accessing any portion of a network that they have not been authorized to access, and may not provide access to any network to anyone who does not have PakLab authorization for such access. Users are prohibited from circumventing or attempting to circumvent network security systems. Network privileges may be revoked temporarily or permanently at the discretion of PakLab for violation of the Computer and Network Use Policy.

Copyrighted Material

The use of Computing Resources in violation of international and federal copyright laws is strictly prohibited. These federal laws provide to the author of an original work, whether that work is a video, a sound recording, software, or printed material, the exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, publish, perform and display that work. Anyone other than the copyright holder is required to obtain the express permission of the copyright holder to use the work for any of these purposes.

One prohibited use of PakLab's computing resources is the use of the Internet to download and share copyrighted music and video in violation of copyright laws. In addition to violating PakLab policy and the law, file- sharing programs that permit these activities also may impair PakLab's broadband system because their use causes a strain on PakLab's broadband capabilities and other network resources. The downloading, or viewing of content for entertainment purposes is a violation of PakLab policy.

 

Web Pages

Consistent with the purposes for which PakLab's Computing Resources are intended, web pages may be created and posted only in support of the instructional, research and administrative objectives of PakLab. Web pages may not include any advertising, nor may they be used in support of any commercial or business activities. The content of web pages and their compliance with this policy is the sole responsibility of the author.

PakLab reserves the right to restrict the content of or remove web pages for violation of these or any PakLab policies, including for causing excessive traffic to PakLab's web servers.

 

Indemnification

Each user is responsible for his or her own activities in using PakLab's Computing Resources, and will indemnify and hold harmless PakLab from any liability to the user or any third party arising out of the use of the computing resources by the user or any loss of information existing or stored on PakLab's computing equipment or resources, including all files and electronic mail.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Unless otherwise specified, access to Computing Resources at PakLab will be through a control mechanism that provides for identification of authorized users. In addition, this mechanism will specify the location where authorized users can store or access data files. Users are expected to access only those resources that have been explicitly made available to them through this control mechanism. Users of computing resources are fully responsible for the protection of their user account including system ID codes and passwords.

  • Users must not share computer accounts, passwords or other types of authorization.

  • Users are afforded exclusive use of all data files, information files and messages stored in their accounts and may expect that their data files and e-mail will remain private. This, however, does not imply that users are necessarily the owners of these data.

  • PakLab may take all reasonable actions to ensure the integrity of its Computing Resources, including prevention of damage to data and equipment, irrespective of any asserted privacy interests.

The Department of Information Technology as the business unit that operates and manages Computing Resources at PakLab, has instituted commercially acceptable and reasonable internal mechanisms and controls to safeguard the privacy of data stored in our systems although no system is impenetrable to security breaches. These mechanisms require that specific privileges be given to personnel responsible for the maintenance of computer systems. These rights are afforded to ensure proper operation of the systems and will not be used as a method for accessing private information, except as necessary for maintenance of the systems or for investigation of policy violations, or as directed by appropriate legal.

Warranties and Disclaimers

Except as expressly provided herein, PakLab makes no warranties, either express or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness, design or condition of, or the quality of the material or workmanship in any Computer Resource, including portable computing device computers provided through PakLab's Academic Computing Initiative and software for which licenses are granted to users, and does not warrant that the functionality of Computing Resources will meet a user's specific requirements. PakLab expressly disclaims all warranties not stated herein. PakLab shall not be liable for any losses, injuries, damages, including incidental or consequential damages, claims, expenses (including legal expenses), lost profits, lost savings, including for loss of data, that is the result of the use, inability to use, interruption or error in any Computing Resource, including network and Internet service.

 

PakLab, through its networks, provides access to a large number of conferences, lists, bulletin boards, and Internet information services. These materials are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by PakLab. Therefore, PakLab takes no responsibility for the truth or accuracy of the content found within these information sources. Some of these sources may contain material that is offensive or objectionable to some users or would violate this policy if published by an authorized user. PakLab cannot protect individuals against the existence or receipt of material that may be offensive to them. Furthermore, those members of PakLab community who use e-mail or make information about themselves available on the Internet must recognize that PakLab cannot protect them from invasions of privacy and other possible dangers that could result from an individual user's distribution of personal information.