contact "Greg Johnson -aka CCGREG@UMCVMB.MISSOURI.EDU" University of Missouri-Rolla Computing Guidelines June 15, 1989 The computing facilities are provided in order to promote and support academic pursuits. Academic computing facilities are therefore to be used only for instruction and research activities. Listed here are certain responsibilities and the ethical behavior expected of you as a computer user. The guidelines presented here reflect U.S. Copyright Law, the Law of the State of Missouri, and additional specific rules imposed by UMR Computing Services. The Computer Center will try to keep current copies of the pertinent federal and state statutes on hand for your reference. U.S. Copyright Law and Software Licensing * All computer software is protected by the federal copyright law. * Most of the software available in university facilities is proprietary and is protected by legal licensing agreements in addition to the copyright law. * Special provision for copying may be granted by the copyright owner and will be specified within the software package, documentation, or license agreement. Inspect these provisions carefully before making any copies. * Under no circumstances should copyrighted software be distributed outside the university through any mechanism, electronic or otherwise. * You are responsible for being aware of the licensing restrictions for the software you use on any system. Lack of knowledge does not justify a violation of the law. * When in doubt, don't copy. Violation of copyright law or licensing agreements may result in university disciplinary action and/or may result in legal action. State of Missouri Law RSMo 569.094-569.099 A state law makes unauthorized access and interference with computer systems, computer data, and other computer users illegal. * Do not attempt to access any computer unless you are authorized. * Protect your passwords. You are responsible for unauthorized use of your userid as well as for refraining from using someone else's userid. * Accessing the private computer files of others, even if those files are unprotected, is illegal. * Do not endanger or interfere with the operation of any computer system. Additional UMR Rules Always apply normal standards of academic ethics and polite conduct to your use of computing services. * Respect the equipment and privacy of others. * Drinks, food, tobacco smoke, and chewing tobacco are not allowed in university computing facilities. * University computing facilities may not be used for personal profit. * Your computing activities should not interfere with the rights of other users. Examples of activities you should avoid: - tying up computer resources for game playing or trivial applications, - sending annoying or obscene messages to any other user, - using computing systems for personal activities that are not required for class of for research. - importing software of unknown function and quality. This is the primary mechanism for spreading viruses. * In order to receive user support from the Computer Center or vendors, you may be asked to produce the manuals, original diskettes, serial number, or other proof of proper software licensing. In addition, vendors normally do not allow users of questionable software to upgrade to a new version of the product. Disciplinary Action Misuse of university computing facilities will be reported to the Director of Computing Services. The Director can impose restrictions on the offender's computer access, report the incident to either the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs or the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs (whichever is appropriate). Please keep in mind that violation of U.S. or Missouri laws may result in legal action. Note: The Rolla statement is interesting in that it references Missouri Revised Statutes.