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Code of Conduct
for Users of Computers at Lancaster University
The University has a set of Rules and a security policy governing
the use of electronic information systems. In addition, the University's
Information Systems Committee has issued the following Code of
Good Conduct and Practice. This has been compiled with the use
of computer laboratories in mind, but much will also apply in
general terms to the use of computers in offices. These guidelines
do not constitute a set of rules, but are an indication of expected
behaviour and good practice when using the computing facilities.
1. What you may use the University's Computer Equipment for
- Computers are provided for academic purposes or for University
business. There is no objection to your making reasonable use
for personal purposes such as electronic mail or preparing CVs,
providing you observe the following code.
- Don't waste materials, or waste time on the computers to the
detriment of others.
- Don't send offensive, or unsolicited junk, or nuisance
mail. Also remember mail might accidentally reach somebody for
whom it was not intended.
- Your use must be lawful, honest and decent, and must have regard
to the rights and sensitivities of other people. This means that
any use that is obscene or with the intent of annoying or offending
somebody else is forbidden.
- Don't use University computers for commercial gain.
- The law requires that you don't hold any information in electronic
form about living persons unless you are registered to do so.
2. Respect Computer Laboratories
- Please treat computer equipment with respect - it is there for
your benefit.
- Please be considerate of other computer users - avoid excessive
noise or other nuisance.
- No eating, drinking or smoking in laboratories.
- Don't run your own software on University PCs or load software
on to the computers' hard discs unless you have explicit permission
to do so.
- Don't delete, disable or tamper with any software provided by
the University.
- Don't tamper with the hardware or any network or power connections.
3. Using the Network
- Never attempt to gain access to an account (username or
filestore) on another computer unless you have been given permission
to do so. If you do you are breaking the law.
- Don't connect your own equipment to the network except in approved
locations provided for that purpose.
4. Look After Your Usernames and Passwords
- All students and staff are entitled to register to use the PC
network and the Unix service. When you register you will receive
a username and password.
- It's your responsibility to keep your username secure.
Never allow anyone else access to it.
- Keep your password secret; don't use your name, your partner's
name, your car registration or anything else that someone might
guess. If you have to write it down, disguise it. Change your
password regularly. If you think someone might have watched you
typing it in, change it immediately.
- It's safer to use a different password for every computer username
allocated to you.
- Don't leave a logged-in session unattended, even for a moment.
- Make sure you log out when you finish using the computer.
- Never use anyone else's account, with or without their
permission.
5. Look After Your Equipment
It's your responsibility to keep equipment under your
control free from viruses or anything else with the potential
of causing damage.
The University has a licence to use virus protection software.
You can obtain a copy free of charge for your own computer; contact
the ISS Service Desk.
6. Look After Your Data
You, not the University, are ultimately responsible for
the security of your data. If you hold important data on a multi-access
computer, you should not rely entirely on the University's back-up
procedures. Wherever possible, keep an independent copy of your
data.
Power, disc and system failures usually take effect without warning.
Think about the consequences before you use the computers. The
following good practice is recommended:
- Save your files at frequent intervals.
- Keep your own multiple back-up copies of anything that is important
- if using a PC, on other discs. Set the write protect
tab on the target disc after copying. Discs are cheap - use plenty!
- Read the messages displayed at log-in; this facility is intended
to warn you of any imminent service interruptions.
It is sometimes possible to retrieve files that have been deleted
accidentally, but you shouldn't rely on this feature. A charge
may be levied in respect of ISS staff time used in retrieving
files.
When you leave the University your usernames and filestore will
be deleted. Any usernames provided for use on a particular course
will be deleted at the end of the course. It is your responsibility
to take a copy of anything you need before you finish.
7. Observe Copyright Restrictions
Don't copy any software without permission. You should assume
software is copyright unless you know otherwise.
Don't copy any data without permission. This includes copying text or graphics
(whether using a scanner or by typing it in) and also includes the downloading
or uploading of copyrighted images, sound & music and multimedia works.
The usual exceptions to copyright arrangements which allow you to photocopy
parts of an article or book do not apply to the use of computers.
8. Rules and Discipline
You are bound by the University's
Rules for Use of Electronic Information Systems .
You will have received a copy when you joined
the University. You should ensure you are familiar with these
Rules. You can obtain another copy from the ISS Service Desk in the Learning Zone.
The Security Policy for Electronic Information Systems is also
available from ISS.
If you break the Rules:
- Your permission to use University computers may be withdrawn.
- You are also liable to disciplinary action under University procedures.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly you have the right
of appeal to the University Dean or Deputy Dean (if a student)
or the University Secretary (if not a student).
Go to Electronic Information Systems
Security Policy page
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