User's Conduct

Copyright Law

The Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of copies of copyrighted material. UNAUTHORIZED COPYING IS PROHIBITED! The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement and can be prosecuted or held liable for monetary damages.

Criminal Statutes

Electronics Communications Privacy Act (18 USC sec. 2510) prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems affecting interstate commerce; the exceptions to this rule permit access by employees of a communications service in certain circumstances, or where consent has been given. Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 (18 USC sec. 1030), it is a crime to access computers used by the federal government or by financial institutions without authorization. Under Rhode Island law, stealing electronically processed or stored data may constitute the crime of larceny.

User's Conduct

Individuals who use the Koffler Technology Center must conduct themselves in a professional manner and handle the equipment with reasonable care. Access to the computers is for Bryant University related business only, including class assignments and class related projects.
  1. The use of unauthorized (pirated) copies of software on Bryant University computers and unauthorized duplication of software is prohibited.
  2. Files, user names, and computer output are to be considered personal property. Users should not examine or use someone else's user name without explicit permission from the owner. Attempts to circumvent the protective mechanisms in the computer system or network will be considered violations of the right to privacy.
  3. Users shall not deliberately attempt to degrade system performance or capability. Loopholes in the system or knowledge of special passwords shall not be used to damage the system, take resources from another user, or violate privacy. The introduction of any disruptive program is a most serious offense and any violation will be vigorously pursued.
  4. Users shall not misuse the scanner or other document production equipment. In particular, it is a violation of state law to falsify or alter grade transcript reports.
  5. No material that may be considered obscene, offensive, or harassing will be entered into the computer or sent through the electronic mail system.
  6. University rules concerning dishonesty and plagiarism apply to use of the computer.
  7. Users shall not bring food or drinks into any computer facility.

Personal Computing Security

  1. Personal computing users are responsible for the security of their data, software, and equipment.
  2. Data developed by personal computing should be conttrolled by user departments as are other documents with respect to confidentiality.
  3. Sensitive information should be kept off the hard disk of a personal computer if it is used by many people.
  4. Personal computing users are responsible for backing up their data regularly. It is recommended that backups be done nightly and weekly.
  5. If the equipment is considered "public" or has many users, all documents should be stored on floppy disks. Only application software should reside on the hard disk.
  6. Equipment will not be removed from the office area without prior approval of the owner of the equipment.
  7. Personal computing users will not place or use games, shareware, privately-owned or public domain software on the University's computing equipment unless approved by user management and IT.
  8. Personal computing equipment may not be used by temporary staff for personal purposes.
  9. Use of personal computing equipment by non-University personnel, excluding temporary employees, consultants and student workers, is prohibited.
  10. All staff using personal computing equipment located in a public area should lock their mouse and keyboard in their desk to avoid theft or unauthorized use.

JvNCnet Acceptable Use Policy

  1. All use of JvNCnet must be consistent with JvNCnet's primary goals.
  2. It is not acceptable to use JvNCnet for illegal purposes.
  3. It is not acceptable to use JvNCnet to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials.
  4. It is not acceptable to use JvNCnet so as to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.
  5. It is assumed that information and resources accessible via JvNCnet are private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to those resources and information unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holder of rights. It is therefore not acceptable for an individual to use JvNCnet to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owners or holders of rights to those resources or information.


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