FredNet Acceptable Use Policy

Why this agreement?

FredNet wishes to provide a safe virtual environment for the users of the network. We can only make it safe by establishing some rules of the road that we all abide by to make it safer. If everyone abides by the rules, we should have no incidents where people are hurt either emotionally or physically.

The Terms

Use of connected networks, including FredNet, WiscNet, Internet, and Internet2 must be consistent with the rules and acceptable use policies established for those networks by their providers. FredNet may not be used to provide Internet or UW-River Falls network access to anyone outside of the FredNet community for any purpose. The providing of DHCP, BOOTP, DNS and WINS network services from user computers is prohibited. Any user who attempts to circumvent or defeat the FredNet or University firewall or any other mechanism put in place by University to manage the network will be subject to immediate termination of service and possible disciplinary action.

FredNet network services and wiring may not be modified or extended by users for any purpose. This applies to all network wiring, hardware, and data jacks. Requests for the use of a hub/switch will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the FredNet administration.

Costs to repair physical damage to the FredNet hardware in the room or apartment (including wiring, data jack, conduit or box) will be assessed to the resident.

Users shall abide by all applicable copyright laws and licenses. The FredNet and/or University network may only be used for legal purposes and to access only those systems, software and data which the user is authorized to use. Sharing access to copyrighted software or other copyrighted materials (including MP3 files from copyrighted music media and digitized video from copyrighted motion pictures, etc.) is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the copyright holder.

All network-shared devices, drives and directories should be password protected to limit access to those who the user authorizes. FredNet Services limits the ability to share these resources with other FredNet users only. This is to minimize the potential effects of machines with poor security. Requests that demonstrate an academic need for wider visibility will be heard and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Any unauthorized attempt to access another computer, to disable or to interfere with operations on a computer or network whether on or off of campus is prohibited. Any reports received by the FredNet or University administration of unauthorized attempts to access other computers may result in the immediate disconnection of the suspected network connection until the matter has been resolved. Some examples of unauthorized attempts to access are password cracking programs, port scanning any computer that is not owned by the person doing the scanning, and gaining access or attempting to gain access to another computer without the owners' permission. Exploration of network tools and techniques is encouraged by those that take a tight security stance, but all techniques used must be used by the knowledge of the remote network or user.

Use of FredNet implies user's consent for FredNet administration or its agents to monitor activities/traffic via the user's data connection for the purpose of determining compliance with this agreement.

Commercial or for-profit use of FredNet or the University of Wisconsin networks is prohibited both by this agreement and the University's housing contract with its residents.

Each machine is given a host address/ip address to use on the network. This address is dynamic and should not be hard coded into any machines or network devices. The use of DHCP is required by all users regardless of operating system. This allows for quick dynamic changes of the network with minimal loss of service to the users. This address is registered in the University's DNS servers and should not be registered any where else on the Internet.

FredNet is a shared resource. Consequently, network uses or applications that use excessive bandwidth or otherwise inhibit or interfere with the use of the network by others are not permitted.

FredNet reserves the right to immediately disconnect any computer that is sending (or receiving) disruptive signals to the network as a whole, whether because of a defective cable, Ethernet card, other hardware or software problem, or recipient of network attack. It will be the user's responsibility to correct any such problem before the computer can be reconnected to FredNet.

FredNet reserves the right to immediately disconnect any computer temporarily for the purpose of network hardware, software, or security troubleshooting or to enforce the FredNet Acceptable Use Policy.

If you have a reason to believe that another user or group of users is interfering with your access to the network, you may report the problem to frednet@uwrf.edu and expect that the FredNet and University network administrators will investigate and if necessary take corrective action.

It is up to the user to make their computer and data safe from other users on the network and the internet, and the user will not hold the University of Wisconsin, UW-River Falls or FredNet liable for malicious acts by other network users. The user must understand that they are connecting to a global network with many different types of people and activities that can be malicious.

Enforcement

Minor infractions of this policy, when accidental, such as consuming excessive resources or overloading computer systems, are generally resolved informally by FredNet administration. This may be done through voice or e-mail, or in-person discussion and education.

Repeated minor infractions or misconduct which is more serious may result in the temporary or permanent loss of FredNet access privileges, or the modification of those privileges. More serious violations include, but are not limited to unauthorized use of computer resources, attempts to steal passwords or data, unauthorized use or distribution of copyrighted materials, repeated harassment or threatening behavior. In addition, offenders may be referred to their sponsoring advisor, department, or other appropriate University office for further action. If the user is a student, the matter may be referred to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action.

Any action that violates local, state, or federal laws may result in the immediate loss of FredNet computing privileges and will be referred to the appropriate University offices and/or law enforcement authorities.

In the case of disconnection because of suspected use violations, the user can expect that the FredNet administration will make every effort for a speedy resolution and resumption of service if appropriate. Further, the user whose FredNet access is disconnected permanently because of suspected use violations can expect to use the service the following academic year, unless otherwise specified by the sanction placed against them by the University.

Due to the ongoing changes in the technology industry, these FredNet Security Policies and Acceptable Use Guidelines may have to change during the school year. On any given day, the updated guidelines may be found at www.frednet.uwrf.edu . As part of this contract, you will be held responsible for adhering to the guidelines that are found on this site, as they may change without prior notice.