Computer Misuse

The following is part of a notice prepared by Oxford University IT Services, see:-

Regulations Relating to the use of Information Technology Facilities

It applies to all computer used within our sub-department!

All use of the computing and network facilities in the Oxford University IT Services, as well as all other computing and network facilities throughout the University of Oxford and associated Colleges, is subject to certain rules. These rules concern what is considered to be unacceptable behaviour and misuse, as well as what may infringe license terms or may be otherwise illegal. Note that all use is permitted for bona fide purposes only, and is subject to proper authorisation (which may be provided either explicitly or implicitly - see below).

The University regards computer misuse as a serious matter which may warrant disciplinary (or even criminal) proceedings.

Explicit authorisation will, in the case of multi-user facilities, normally involve the assignment of a 'username' and password for the purpose in question. In the case of smaller-scale facilities, such as a departmental microcomputer system open to general use, less formal authorisation procedures will often be used.

Implicit authorisation can normally be assumed for services which are advertised by the University as being available without prior registration, for example some Library services or the University DNS, and some 'general-access' microcomputers. Any facility which is not controlled by the University is subject to regulations determined by the organisation concerned, so authorisation to use such facilities should not be assumed, even though they may be accessible from or connected to the University.

Misuse of computing and network facilities and unacceptable behaviour include'(but are not limited to)'the following:

• attempting to gain unauthorised access to a facility;
• using someone else's username;
• disregarding the privacy of other people's files;
• giving your password to someone else, or being otherwise careless with it;
• generating messages which appear to originate with someone else, or otherwise attempting to impersonate someone else;
• sending messages which are abusive or a nuisance or otherwise distressing;
• displaying offensive material in a public place;
• trying to interfere with someone else's use of the facilities;
• disregard for 'computer etiquette';
• sending chain email;
• being wasteful of resources;
• software piracy (including infringement of software licenses or copyright provisions);
• using the facilities for commercial gain without explicit authorisation;
• physically damaging or otherwise interfering with facilities.