Computing Facilities Rules of Use

The cooperation of users is essential to the continued security and smooth operation of the department Computing Facilities. The rules that follow are designed to help keep these facilities operating safely for all users. Those who violate these rules may have their computer access removed at the discretion of the Computing Facilities Manager, be referred to the appropriate University entity for investigation/discipline, or have their case investigated by law enforcement personnel.

1. A computer account issued to you is for your own use only. You are the only person allowed to use the account. This means your spouse can't use it, your siblings can't use it, your mother can't use it, your friends can't use it. No one but you can use it.
2. Do not tell anyone else your account's password. If you suspect that someone does know it, then use the passwd command to change it. Be careful not to type in your password when someone is watching you. It is a good practice to change your password periodically.
3. Do not attempt to guess someone else's password.
4. Choose a password that is difficult to guess. Here are some poor choices for a password: any part of your name, your student ID number, the name of anyone close to you, your username.
5. Do not copy, delete, or modify any file you do not own without the owner's permission.
6. Do not use anyone else's account. Exception: you may logoff an account that has been left logged on (if you do this, send that user an email from your account informing him or her what was done).
7. Make sure you log out of your account before you leave.
8. Do not do anything which will intentionally inhibit or interfere with other users.
9. Do not use the facilities to attempt to gain illegal or unauthorized access to other computers.
10. Do not attempt to subvert or bypass the operating system's access control. Do not attempt to obtain super-user access unless you have been explicitly granted such access by the computing facilities manager.
11. Do not run multiple copies of licensed software (such as Mentor), since this unfairly deprives others of their opportunity to "check out" a license and use the software.
12. Do not move, relocate, reboot, or turn off any computer equipment. If you need assistance, contact a qualified member of the staff or faculty. Do not damage the equipment in any way.
13. DO report problems by sending mail to the CFS Staff.
14. DO read the bulletins that are routinely made available via the ECE weekly newsletter (CFS section), and via the departmental web server.

Wilkinson Lab Rules of Use

The Wilkinson Cluster lab rules listed below apply in addition to the general ECEnet rules stated above.

1. Do not bring food or drink into the lab.
2. The lab doors must remain closed and locked, except when someone is entering or leaving. This is for your own protection and for the protection of the equipment in the room.
3. Do not prop the doors open.
4. Do not abuse or damage the equipment in any way.
5. Do not move, relocate, reboot, or turn off any computer equipment. If you need assistance, contact the CFS Staff.
6. Do not lock any of the workstation displays (using xlock or the like). If you need to leave the room, log out.
7. The Wilkinson printer (laser1) may only be used for printing ECE classwork-related jobs. It may not be used for another department's classes, nor for personal use.

Computer Privacy Policy

The computing facilities support staff, by the nature of their jobs, have root / administrator level access and thus can read and alter any file on any of the computers they manage. The staff reserves the right to read and alter any file on the system for the following reasons: to ensure the overall security of the computers and the network, to ensure smooth operation of the facilities, at the request of the file's/account's owner, or for a reason consequential to the aforementioned. The staff also has automated programs which may periodically scan certain files. In all cases, the staff will not repeat or reveal anything read in such a manner, unless to law enforcement or VP-level university officials.

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Copyright © 2003 Northwestern University § All rights reserved § Tue Nov 4 16:57:08 CST 2003