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January 1997
Conditions of Use
NOTICE TO ALL USERS: Users of the University's computing
facilities, including University-supported electronic mail, are
on notice, and by using these facilities agree, that no representation
has been made to them as to the privacy of any communication or
data stored on or sent through these facilities; that the University
has reserved the rights set forth below and in the Boston University
Information Security Policy and Policy on Computing Ethics; and
that the use of these facilities is restricted to University-authorized
purposes.
The use of the University's computing facilities in connection with
University activities and de minimis personal use is a privilege
extended to various members of the University community; it is not
a right. Users of the University's computing facilities are required
to comply with, and by using such facilities agree that they are
on notice of and agree to comply with, be subject to, and grant
the University the right to implement, the Boston University Information
Security Policy, the Policy on Computing Ethics and these Conditions
of Use. Users also agree to comply with applicable federal, state,
and local laws and to refrain from engaging in any activity that
is inconsistent with the University's tax-exempt status or that
would subject the University to liability. The University reserves
the right to amend these Conditions and Policies at any time without
prior notice and to take such further actions as may be necessary
or appropriate to comply with applicable federal, state, and local
laws.
To protect the integrity of the University's computing facilities
and its users against unauthorized or improper use of those facilities,
and to investigate possible use of those facilities in violation
of or in aid of violation of University rules and policies, Boston
University reserves the right, without notice, to limit or restrict
any individual's use, and to inspect, copy, remove or otherwise
alter any data, file, or system resource which may undermine the
authorized use of any computing facility or which is used in violation
of University rules or policies. Boston University also reserves
the right periodically to examine any system and any other rights
necessary to protect its computing facilities.
The University disclaims responsibility for loss of data or interference
with files resulting from its efforts to maintain the privacy and
security of those computing facilities or from system malfunction
or any other cause. As used herein and in the Policy on Computing
Ethics below, the term "computing facility" means, refers
to, and includes any and all forms of computer-related equipment,
tools, and intellectual property, including computer systems, personal
computers, computer networks, and all forms of software, firmware,
operating software, and application software, which are owned or
leased by the University or are under the University's possession,
custody, or control.
Policy on Computing Ethics
Thousands of users share the computing facilities at Boston
University. These facilities must be used responsibly by everyone,
since misuse by even a few individuals has the potential to disrupt
University business or the work of others. You are therefore required
to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the University's
computing facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
1. You must use only those computer resources which you have been
authorized to use by the University. The unauthorized use of computer
resources, as well as the providing of false or misleading information
for the purpose of obtaining access to computing facilities, is
prohibited and may be regarded as a criminal act and treated accordingly
by the University. You must not use University computing facilities
to gain unauthorized access to computing facilities of other institutions,
organizations, or individuals.
2. You may not authorize anyone to use your computer accounts for
any reason. You are responsible for all use of your accounts. You
must take all reasonable precautions, including password maintenance
and file protection measures, to prevent use of your account by
unauthorized persons. You must not, for example, share your password
with anyone else, and you should change your password regularly.
3. You must use the University's computer resources only for the
University-related purposes for which they were authorized. As with
all University equipment, use of the computer facilities, including
the Campus Network, for private or commercial purposes is prohibited,
except as expressly authorized. You must not use the University's
computer resources for any unlawful purpose, such as the installation
or distribution of fraudulently or illegally obtained software.
Use of external networks connected to the University's networks
must comply with the policies of acceptable use promulgated by the
organizations responsible for those networks.
4. You must not access, alter, copy, move or remove information,
proprietary software or other files (including programs, members
of subroutine libraries, data, and electronic mail) without prior
authorization from the appropriate University data trustee, security
officer, or other responsible party. You must not copy, distribute,
display, or disclose third-party proprietary software without prior
authorization from the licensor. Proprietary software must not be
installed on systems not properly licensed for its use.
5. You must not use any computing facility irresponsibly or in a
way that might needlessly interfere with the work of others. This
includes transmitting or making accessible offensive, annoying,
or harassing material, or materials such as chain letters, unauthorized
mass mailings, or unsolicited advertising; intentionally, recklessly,
or negligently damaging any system, material, or information not
belonging to you; intentionally intercepting electronic communications
or otherwise violating the privacy of information not belonging
to or intended for you; intentionally misusing system resources
or making it possible for others to do so; or loading software or
data from untrustworthy sources, such as freeware, onto administrative
systems.
6. You are encouraged to report any violation of these guidelines
by another individual and any information relating to a flaw in
or bypass of computing facility security to Information Technology,
University Information Systems, or the Office of Internal Audit.
The unauthorized or improper use of Boston University's computer
facilities, including the failure to comply with the above guidelines,
constitutes a violation of University policy and will subject the
violator to disciplinary and/or legal action by the University,
and, in some cases, criminal prosecution. In addition, the University
may require restitution for any use of service which is in violation
of these guidelines. Any questions about this policy or of the applicability
of this policy to a particular situation should be referred to Information
Technology, University Information Systems, or the Office of Internal
Audit.
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