[Here is the Lehigh Univeristy's computer policy. It is available via gopher. Try: gopher gopher.CC.Lehigh.EDU 70 then select "Policy on Lehigh's Coputer Usage." - cmk] ======================= Policies on the Use of Computer Systems and Facilities Lehigh University Computing Center August, 1992 The following policy contains the governing philosophy for regulating the use of Lehigh University's computing facilities and resources. Access to the University's computing facilities and resources is a privilege granted solely to Lehigh faculty, staff, and registered students. Exceptions apply to those individuals outside the University who pay to use computer applications which are unavailable locally and to those individuals outside the University who utilize services that have been made publicly available through Lehigh. All users of the computing facilities must act responsibly and maintain the integrity of these resources. The University reserves the right to limit, restrict or extend computing privileges and access to its resources. Those who do not abide by the policies listed below should expect at least suspension of computer privileges and possible referral to the University Committee on Discipline. Offenders may also be subject to criminal prosecution under federal or state law, and should expect the Computing Center to pursue such action. As an example, under Pennsylvania law, it is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and imprisonment up to seven years for any person to access, alter or damage any computer system, network, software or database, or any part thereof, with the intent to interrupt the normal functioning of an organization (18 Pa.C.S. 3933(a)(1)). Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc., knowingly and without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years, as is intentional and unauthorized access to a computer, interference with the operation of a computer or network, or alteration of computer software (18 Pa.C.S. 3933(a)(2) and (3)). The Computing Center should be notified about violations of computer laws and policies, as well as about potential loopholes in the security of its computer systems and networks. The user community is expected to cooperate with the Computing Center in its operation of computer systems and networks as well as in the investigation of misuse or abuse. Should the security of a computer system be threatened, user files may be examined under the direction of the Computing Center Director. Policies The Computing Center's policies include, but are not limited to, the list below. 1. You must not use a computer ID that was not assigned to you by LUCC, unless multiple access has been authorized for the ID by LUCC. You may not try in any way to obtain a password for another's computer ID. You may not attempt to disguise the identity of the account or machine you are using. 2. You must not use the Computing Center's network resources to gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to remote computers. 3. You must not deliberately perform an act which will seriously impact the operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks. This includes, but is not limited to, tampering with components of a local area network (LAN) or the high-speed backbone network, otherwise blocking communication lines, or interfering with the operational readiness of a computer. 4. You must not attempt to modify in any way a program diskette which the Computing Center supplies for any type of use at its sites. 5. You must not run or install on any of the Center's computer systems, or give to another, a program which could result in the eventual damage to a file or computer system and/or the reproduction of itself. This is directed towards, but not limited to, the classes of programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms. 6. You must not attempt to circumvent data protection schemes or uncover security loopholes. 7. You must abide by the terms of all software licensing agreements and copyright laws. In particular, you must not make copies of copyrighted software, unless the Computing Center has a site license specifically allowing the copying of that software. Furthermore, you must not copy site-licensed software for distribution to persons other than Lehigh faculty, staff, and students, nor may you copy site-licensed software for use at locations not covered under the terms of the license agreement. 8. You must not deliberately perform acts which are wasteful of computing resources or which unfairly monopolize resources to the exclusion of others. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or chain letters, creating unnecessary multiple jobs or processes, obtaining unnecessary output, or printing or creating unnecessary network traffic. Printing multiple copies of any documents including resumes, thesis, and dissertations is also prohibited. 9. The following type of information or software cannot be placed on any university-owned computer system: ~ That which infringes upon the rights of another person. ~ That which is abusive, profane, or sexually offensive to the average person. ~ That which consists of information which may injure someone else and/or lead to a lawsuit or criminal charges. Examples of these are: pirated software, destructive software, pornographic materials, or libelous statements. ~ That which consists of any advertisements for commercial enterprises. 10. You must not harass others by sending annoying, threatening, libelous, or sexually, racially, or religiously offensive messages. 11. You must not attempt to monitor another user's data communications, nor may you read, copy, change, or delete another user's files or software, without permission of the owner. 12. You must not use any of the Center's microcomputers, workstations, or networks for other than a Lehigh University course, research project, departmental activity, or personal communications. These resources must not be used for personal or financial gain unless a Personal, External Educational, or Industrial account (which are all billable) is used. 13. You must not play games using any of the Center's computers or networks, unless for instructional purposes as specifically assigned by a professor. 14. Any network traffic exiting the University is subject to the acceptable use policies of the network through which it flows (PREPnet, NSFNET, etc.), as well as to the policies listed here. In general, commercial use of external networks is prohibited. Copies of acceptable use policies for a number of networks are available from the Computing Center. The above policies supplement the University Code of Conduct, which covers such acts as theft of computer services (including copyrighted computer programs), theft or mutilation of Lehigh property such as equipment, and the unacknowledged or unauthorized appropriation of another's computer program, or the results of that program, in whole or in part, for a computer-related exercise or assignment. Software developers should refer to the "Procedure on Software Disclosure and Development" regarding title rights; this procedure can be found in Appendix A-10 of the "Lehigh Research Manual". In general, the University has the title rights to software developed under a University account (see Addendum). This may also apply to Personal and External Educational accounts where the computer usage is related to University-funded activities. Addendum The categories below define approved uses of accounts on the Computing Center's research and academic computer systems. University - to be used by Lehigh University faculty, staff and students for course work, course development, research, communication and departmental activities (including community service). Usage in this category is non-billable. Personal - to be used by Lehigh University faculty or staff members in conjunction with a consulting project or students for non-course related, personal projects. Usage in this category is billable. External Educational - to be used by other schools, colleges, tax- exempt organizations and governmental units. Usage in this category is billable. Industrial - to be used by an external, non-tax exempt organization or by any non-university individual for personal or financial gain. Usage in this category is billable.