Acceptable Use of Information Systems at PIDS

General Principles
Access to computer systems and networks owned or operated by PIDS imposes certain responsibilities and obligations and is granted subject to PIDS policies, and local, and national laws. Acceptable use always is ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, ownership of information, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Guidelines
In making acceptable use of resources you must:

1) Use resources only for authorized purposes.

2) Protect your userid and system from unauthorized use. You are responsible for all activities on your userid or that originate from your system.

3) Access only information that is your own, that is publicly available, or to which you have been given authorized access.

4) Use only legal versions of copyrighted software in compliance with vendor license requirements.

5) Be considerate in your use of shared resources. Refrain from monopolizing systems, overloading networks, degrading services, or wasting computer time, connect time, disk space, printer paper, manuals, or other resources.

In making acceptable use of resources you must NOT:

1) Use another person's system, userid, password, files, or data without permission.

2) Use computer programs to decode passwords or access control information.

3) Attempt to circumvent or subvert security measures.

4) Engage in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files.

5) Use PIDS systems for criminal, commercial, or partisan political purposes, such as using electronic mail to circulate advertising for products or for political candidates.

6) Make or use illegal copies of copyrighted software, store such copies on PIDS systems, or transmit them over PIDS networks.

7) Use mail or messaging services to harass or intimidate another person, for example, by broadcasting unsolicited messages, by sending unwanted mail, or by using someone else's name or userid.

8) Waste computing resources, for example, by intentionally placing a program in an endless loop, printing excessive amounts of paper, or sending chain letters.

9) Use the PIDS' systems or networks for personal gain; for example, by selling access to your userid or to PIDS systems or networks, or by performing work for profit with PIDS resources in a manner not authorized by the Institute. 10) Engage in any other activity that does not comply with the General Principles presented above.

Enforcement
The PIDS considers any violation of acceptable use principles or guidelines to be a serious offense and reserves the right to copy and examine any files or information resident on Institute systems allegedly related to unacceptable use, and to protect its network from systems and events that threaten or degrade operations. Violators are subject to disciplinary action as prescribed in the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations. Offenders also may be prosecuted under laws.

Information Disclaimer Individuals using computer systems owned by PIDS do so subject to applicable laws and Institute policies. PIDS disclaims any responsibility and/or warranties for information and materials residing on non-PIDS systems or available over publicly accessible networks. Such materials do not necessarily reflect the attitudes, opinions, or values of the PIDS, its officials, and staff.