Introduction to Computing Regulations These regulations are an extract from the University Regulations governing the use of University Computing Facilities. They have been made available here so that Computing Users can become familiar with University Computing policies. Students in particular should note that these regulations do NOT allow anyone to reveal passwords, to share Computer accounts, or to attempt any unauthorized access to data or facilities. The relavent University Regulation is: R23.4(1) USE OF UNIVERSITY COMPUTER FACILITIES which was approved by Council on 3 December, 1990.   Definitions 1. In these regulations unless the contrary intention appears: "computer facilities" refers to all networking services, computer equipment and software owned, leased or used under licence by the University, computer facilities maintained by other bodies but available for use through an agreement or agreements with the University, and all other Information Technology Services wherever situated where access is by means of services provided by the University; "computer user" means any member of the Council, graduate, diplomate, enrolled student or member of staff of the University using the computer facilities and any other person duly authorised by the Director of the University Information Technology Services as a user of the University computer facilities from time to time provided that such person has undertaken to comply with University regulations and policy in respect of the use of its computer facilities.   Charges for Computer Services 2. Subject to paragraph 3 the computing facilities at the University are provided free of charge for computer users in support of the programs of the University. 3. Should the University decide to levy charges for use of particular computer facilities, each computer user of such facilities shall pay such charges according to the schedules issued by the University. Any implementation of or changes to these schedules shall be notified at least 90 days before they are to take effect by notice on computer in the information notices of the day which are transmitted upon logging in.   Computer Access 4. (1) Unless otherwise determined by the Director of the University Information Technology Services or the Director's nominee a computer user shall obtain a computer account which is to be used solely for purposes authorised by that computer user's head of department, and shall be responsible for the proper use of such computer account, including following the recommended procedure for password protection. (2) The computer number and password allocated to a computer user must not be divulged to any other person. (3) Where access to computer facilities including the library catalogue and personal computers is provided without an account number or password, the other provisions of this regulation still apply to the use of such computer facilities. (4) Computer users are responsible for ensuring that computer facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner.   Computing Policy Restrictions 5. No person shall: (1) use any other person's computer account (even with the owner's permission) unless it is a special group account authorised by the Computer Centre or the appropriate department head. (2) attempt to discover any other computer user's password. (3) copy, disclose or transfer any of the computer software provided by the University without the written permission of the Computer Centre or appropriate department head. (4) use any University computer facilities to violate the terms of any software license agreement or copyright provisions. (5) copy, rename, change, examine or delete files or information belonging to another computer user or to the Computer Centre without the owner's permission. (6) deliberately use computing facilities to harass other computer users (for example by sending obscene, abusive, fraudulent, threatening or repetitive messages) or interfere with their work. (7) attempt to modify system facilities, obtain extra resources without proper authorisation, degrade the performance of any system or attempt to subvert the restrictions associated with any computer system, computer account, network service or microcomputer software protection. (8) tamper with terminals, microcomputers or any other associated equipment. (9) misuse any networks or computing facilities at other sites connected to the networks. (10) collect or discard any computer output without the owner's permission. (11) smoke, eat or drink near terminals, microcomputers or other computer equipment. 6. A computer user shall not without the written permission of the Director of the University Information Technology Services or the Director's nominee use computer facilities for or on behalf of any party for the purpose of profit-making or commercial activity.   Liability 7. The University provides computer facilities without any express or implied guarantees as to the accuracy of computational results and output and shall not be liable for any consequences arising from the inaccuracy of any information generated through the use of computer facilities. 8. The University shall not be responsible for the loss of any information or software stored in the computer facilities. Although standard back-up procedures will be in operation on central computer facilities, the computer user is responsible for the maintenance of duplicates of any information or software belonging to the computer user.   Connection of Hardware to Networking Facilities 9. Computing hardware may be connected to the University's networking facilities only after approval by the Director of the University Information Technology Services.   Withdrawal of Facilities 10. The University reserves the right to withdraw the availability of any computer facilities without notice and without penalty notwithstanding the terms of any agreement concerning use of the computer facilities.   Upgrading of Facilities 11. The University reserves the right to upgrade any of its computer facilities as required in the manner determined by its officers. Upgrades requiring substantial operational changes will be notified by the Director of the University Computing Services at least 30 days before they are to take effect by notice on computer in the information notices of the day which are transmitted upon logging in.   Copying of Computer Software 12. The unauthorised copying of computer software by any computer user is strictly prohibited. 13. Unauthorised copying of computer software constitutes misconduct which may give rise to disciplinary action under the University's disciplinary statutes and regulations (in the case of students) and appropriate disciplinary action in the case of other persons. 14. Where copying of computer software amounts to plagiarism it constitutes misconduct which may give rise to disciplinary action under the University's disciplinary statutes and regulations (in the case of students) and appropriate disciplinary action in the case of other persons. 15. The use of University equipment (including equipment obtained other than through University funding) or University facilities for the making of unauthorised copies of software constitutes misconduct which may give rise to disciplinary action under the University's disciplinary statutes and regulations (in the case of students) and appropriate disciplinary action in the case of other persons.   Right to Monitor 16. The University reserves the right to examine all computer files and to monitor all computer usage to ensure compliance with these regulations and to maintain a secure efficient and effective computing environment.   Breach of Regulations 17. (1) A computer user's access privileges may be suspended by the Director of the University Information Technology Services immediately upon the discovery of a possible breach by the computer user of these regulations. Such suspension shall continue until completion of a confidential inquiry lasting not more than two weeks by the Computing Policy Committee to determine whether a breach of these regulations has occurred. (2) Should any computer user breach any conditions of use of computer facilities then the Director of the University Information Technology Services may withdraw access by the computer user to those facilities and refer such breach to the Computing Policy Committee for referral to the Vice-Chancellor for such disciplinary action as may be required. (3) The Computer Centre staff or supervising department head will judge an offence as either major or minor. A first minor offence will normally be dealt with by the Computer Centre staff or supervising department head and may involve withdrawal of computer access privileges for a period of up to one month. (4) Appeals relating to minor offences may be made to the Computing Policy Committee. Additional offences will be regarded as major offences. Major offences will be dealt with by the Computing Policy Committee. Appeals relating to major offences may be made to the Computing Policy Committee.   Powers not to be in Derogation 18. The powers conferred by these regulations shall be in addition to and not in substitution for any powers which may be conferred by any other statute or regulation of the University.