Connection Rules
Sections
University Rules
Use of any computer or system that is part of the University-wide network is subject to rules produced by the University IT Syndicate. Acceptance of these is a condition of you receiving your User ID at the beginning of your course. The University Computing Service have published advice on their proper interpretation.
College Rules
In addition, or to avoid possible confusion, the following rules relating to the use of college computers also apply:
- It is forbidden to make use of IP addresses, CRSids and associated computer resources not allocated specifically to you.
- All printing is recorded against a CRSid and will be the responsibility of the person to whom the CRSid is registered unless that CRSid has previously been reported as compromised.
- No person should attempt to access information unless they have permission to do so. It is specifically forbidden to use any form of network monitoring or packet capturing software without written permission from the Senior Tutor.
- No person shall use the Emmanuel College computer facilities to hold or process personal data except in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
- The storage, display or transmission of offensive material of any kind is forbidden.
- The use of copyright material without an appropriate licence is an offence punishable by a substantial fine or imprisonment. Copyright material includes software, music and films. See Abuse of copyright via the CUDN.
And, relating particularly to the use of personal computers connected in college rooms:
- Antivirus software must be installed and kept up to date (see advice).
- System software must be kept up to date.
- Personal Firewall software is recommended but, if used, must allow systems from within the University to ping your machine (instructions for Windows XP).
- The use of file-sharing software is forbidden without written permission from the Senior Tutor.
Network Monitoring Policy
- The College Computer Office monitors the performance of the college network both to ensure continuing good service and to assist in resolving connection problems.
- The University Computing Service continually monitors traffic at its connection to the Internet. Suspected abuse of the network, whether excessive levels of traffic, copyright infringement or any other breach of the rules, will be reported to the College Computer Office and Senior Tutor.
- The University Computing Service also runs regular checks on all computers connected to the network. These "friendly probes" are an attempt to identify vulnerable systems before they can be exploited. Owners of machines with recognised vulnerabilities will be informed and are expected to secure them within a specified time limit, or be disconnected from the network. If the risk to other users is sufficiently high then disconnection may be immediate.
Disciplinary Action
The Senior Tutor may at his or her discretion impose appropriate disciplinary action for any breach of these rules. This may include financial penalty and/or the removal of all rights to use the Emmanuel College computer facilities. Furthermore, cases of breach of Cambridge University Information Technology Syndicate Rules will be reported to the Director of the University Computing Service.