The Framingham State College computer and network services are a shared resource for the use of students, faculty, and staff. Since many people share the computing and network resources available at the College, everyone needs to be aware of the policies for using the system. Please familiarize yourself with the following information. Remember, everyone is expected to adhere to these acceptable use policies. They are intended to help make using computers a more pleasant experience for everyone.

Security

Be particularly careful of your password. Do not give your password to anyone or type your password when someone is watching. Once someone has your password it is possible to look in your directory and to use your username for malicious purposes. You are responsible for ALL activities that take place from your username.

Although FSC makes a reasonable effort to protect files stored on the server from being accessed by anyone other than authorized individuals, FSC cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any files stored on the Server.

FSC servers record information about each user session. That information is limited to the FSC username associated with the session, the login and logout dates and times, and the amount and kind of computer resources used during the session. This information is used only for the technical management of the system and is not used for any other purpose. The FSC staff strictly observes this privacy policy and strives to ensure that the systems are maintained to protect the privacy of each user's files.

When FSC has reasonable belief that system security has been compromised or has been used for unauthorized activities, FSC reserves the right to review the contents of all files stored on the system. Only in extraordinary circumstances would FSC staff review a user's files.

Remember that any files in public places and printouts are likely to be seen by others.

In applying for access to the FSC computer system, the applicant accepts the following conditions:

1) The username is not transferable. Its usage is to be confined to the person listed in this agreement.
2) Access to the FSC computer system is authorized for the sole purpose of performance of activities listed in this agreement. Any usage of FSC computer resources for other activities shall constitute grounds for immediate termination of access privileges.
3) Any attempt to interrupt or damage the operation of the FSC computer system through access granted by this username shall result in immediate termination of access as well as appropriate legal action.
4) Any attempt to acquire information stored on the STUDENT server other than that declared as public information stored by the permitted user shall constitute a violation of the laws of the Commonwealth regarding privacy of information and will be subject to legal action.
5) Use of profanity on the computers will cause immediate termination of all privileges.
6) FSC reserves the right to have access to all information stored in the computer for the purpose of reviewing information to assure compliance with this agreement, applicable state laws, and regulations of the Higher Education Coordinating Council.
7) The applicant will not install or play games or install other personal software on the C or network drives.
8) The applicant will unsubscribe from all LISTSERVs to which he or she is a subscriber at the end of each semester and before leaving on vacation.
9) The applicant is responsible for any computing activity carried out under his/her username.
10) Hosting an unauthorized music site shall result in immediate termination of access as well as appropriate legal action.

You can expect to lose your computer account, be disconnected from the network, and possibly have your actions referred to the appropriate authorities for such computer abuses as:

- Any unauthorized access of another person's computer account
- Using the STUDENT server to access any other computer system without authorization
- Deleting or copying files from another person's computer account
- Taking advantage of another user to gain access to his/her files
- Preventing someone from using his/her account by unauthorized access of the account and changing the password
- Sending offensive or threatening messages or repeated unsolicited mail
- Abusing the networks to which FSC belongs
- Using FSC resources for commercial or illegal activities
- Performing activities that interfere with the rights of others
- Distributing chain letters
- Printing obscene or other materials that can be construed as sexually harassing. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, and/or physical behavior of a sexual nature which has the effect of interfering with a person's academic, employment or other status, or of creating a sexually intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
- Downloading materials from Internet Explorer to the C drive
- Chatting outside of allowed hours (see Network Chatting) below
- Hosting an unauthorized music site

New student accounts will be set up for all students one week prior to the start of the semester and will normally remain active for the entire academic year (September - August). If for some reason a basic and/or e-mail account has not been set up for you, applications are available in HHG17 or at the Student Helpdesk. There is normally a 24 hour turnaround time for the creation of new accounts.

Next 4