Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy

Transcription

1 Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy Internet access is available to all team members of the Regional Office Education for Bond, Fayette, and Effingham Counties #3 (ROE) and its divisions. The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of professional value in the context of the work setting. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who much adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the network resources. A violation of any of these provisions will cause termination of you account and future access could be denied. Your signature on the attached contract is legally binding and indicates that you have read the terms and conditions carefully and understand the significance. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1. Internet supports research and education in and among academic institutions and professional organizations by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the professional objectives of ROE 3. Transmission of any material in violation of a United States of state regulation is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited. 2. The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in the document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as requited. The administration, faculty, and staff may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts. Teachers have the power to immediately deny a student internet access if he/she believes inappropriate use has happened. 3. You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following: Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.

2 *** Note that electronic mail ( ) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to and/or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities. Your use of the Internet should not disrupt the use of the network by other users (e.g. downloading huge files during prime time, and/or sending mass messages). All communications and information accessible via the network should not be assumed to be private property. 4. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the network you must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account. Do not give your password to any other individual. Attempts to login as any other user will result in cancellation of user privileges. Attempts to login as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with computer systems may be denied access to the network. 5. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy another user's data, network, or Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. 6. All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to ROE #3 and all its divisions. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, United States of America.

3 Software Installation Installation of unauthorized computer programs and software, including files downloaded and accessed on the Internet, can easily and quickly introduce serious, fast-spreading security vulnerabilities. Unauthorized software programs, even those seemingly provided by reputable vendors and trusted companies, can introduce viruses and Trojan programs that aid hackers attempts to illegally obtain sensitive, proprietary and confidential data. Protecting the organization s computers, systems, data and communications from unauthorized access and guarding against data loss is of paramount importance; adherence to the following Software Installation Policy serves a critical role in the process. Purpose This policy s purpose is to ensure every employee, contractor, temporary worker and volunteer understands, and agrees to abide by, specific guidelines for software, program and application installation and use on organization-provided computers, systems and networks. Scope The organization s Software Installation Policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary workers, volunteers and others that operate organization-owned computers, access organization-provided Internet services or access organization-provided electronic or instant messaging services. All use of the organization s user accounts, desktop computers, notebook PCs, servers, Internet and messaging services must conform to the guidelines presented in this policy. Approved Software Applications The organization s information technology department tests and approves the use of only specific software programs and applications, including updates and patches to existing installed applications. Only the information technology department will install approved software programs, applications and updates on all organization systems and for those users requiring those programs and applications. The installation and use of any unauthorized applications is prohibited. Employees and other users must obtain written departmental approval prior to requesting any unauthorized software or using any unapproved application on any organizationprovided equipment or systems. Acceptable Use The organization provides software programs and applications as a means of increasing productivity, enabling electronic communications and transacting business. Software programs and applications are provided as required to employees, contractors, temporary workers, volunteers and other authorized agents only for the performance and fulfillment of job responsibilities. Software programs and applications are neither provided nor supported for nonbusiness activities; the organization s software programs and applications are not to be used for personal activities.

4 Prohibited Software The organization s computer systems, networks and information technology services are provided as a means of fulfilling job tasks and responsibilities. The organization places a priority on ensuring all installed software and applications are properly tested and licensed. Users are prohibited from installing any software programs and applications (other than those expressly listed in the Approved Software Applications section), including software purchased for personal use. Under no circumstances are users to download, install, copy, access, execute or otherwise employ any of the following: Illegal software or programs. Unlicensed applications. Unapproved or unlicensed operating systems. Pirated software. Software purchased for personal or home use. Ownership The organization provides software applications and programs as productivity enhancement tools. All organization-provided software and licenses remain the organization s property. If requested, users must surrender in a timely manner software licenses, software disks, CD- ROMs and DVDs and other software and application materials provided by the organization and discontinue their use. Under no circumstances are users to make illegal copies of software, applications or programs. Violations and Penalties Violations of the Software Installation Policy could result in disciplinary action leading up to and including termination of employment and civil and/or criminal prosecution under federal and/or state laws.

5 Acknowledgment of Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy This form is used to acknowledge receipt of, and compliance with, the Regional Office of Education's Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy. Procedure Complete the following steps: 1. Read the Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy in its entirety. 2. Sign and date in the spaces provided. 3. Return this signed page to your immediate supervisor. A copy will be provided to you. Signature Your signature attests that you agree to the following terms: I. I have received and read a copy of the Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy and understand and agree to the same; II. I understand that violations of the Internet Acceptable Use and Software Installation Policy could result in termination of my employment and legal action against me. Employee Signature Employee Name Employee Title Date Employee Department/Location