Claremont High School Micro Computing Resources
Guidelines and Recommendations for Appropriate Computing Use
General Principles
Computing at CHS is guided primarily by two principles: accessibility
and courtesy. These two are intimately linked: users who take illicit
advantage of a low-security environment introduce an element of at
least inconvenience, and possibly actual danger, to other users.
Likewise, draconian security policies tend to foster mistrust and
ill-will between the makers of policy and those who must work with
or around it. Conversely, a community of users whose members have
respect for the privacy and needs of others can safely and comfortably
operate with only a minimal need for security, and an open and relaxed
computing environment tends to build a healthy sense of computing ethics
more effectively than authoritarian security policies. In spite of this,
there are some circumstances where some security is necessary,
especially in situations where expensive resources are at risk. We ask
users to try to understand the need for the occasional security measure,
and to direct comments, questions, or problems with any aspect of security
to the Systems Administrators or designated Student Coordinators hereafter
called the Claremont Computing Staff, or CCStaff .
We welcome your input in refining the various measures implemented by
CHS in our efforts to provide a reasonable level of security while
maintaining a high degree of availability.
Micro Computers
The computers in the micro computing labs and classrooms are equipped
with a standard set of the most commonly used applications at CHS.
Because disk space on the individual micros is limited, this set is fairly
small in size. We welcome suggestions for modification of the standard
application set on either type of micro. Meanwhile, we ask users not to
add other applications to the individual hard drives in the micro labs except
on a temporary basis, and to store such files only in spaces designated for
this purpose. We strongly urge users not to modify the system software
installed on the micros. The micros have been carefully configured to run
properly in the CHS computing environment, and may crash spectacularly
if altered. We welcome ideas for new ways to improve the systems, and
users should feel free to make suggestions to the CCStaff . Modifying the
systems without CCStaff approval, however, even in seemingly "innocent"
ways, can wreak unintended havoc on other users, and is one of the few
things we strictly prohibit. Inexperienced users rely on the micros working
in predictable and straightforward ways, and modifications that are useful
and convenient to a power user may be terribly confusing to a novice.
Privacy
On the micro computing file servers, files belonging to many users are
stored on a common disk or set of disks. This raises the issue of privacy
and of the security of personal files on such systems: users should be
aware that it is possible for one user to access files owned by another.
Though we try to provide mechanisms for insuring the integrity of private
files on these systems, no security system is perfect, and we make no
guarantees about the efficacy of any security measures. CCStaff also
reserves the right to inspect personal files in an emergency situation,
though we will make every effort to contact the owner of such files in
advance if at all possible, and to at least provide notice after the fact if
we are unable to do so. On a related note, files owned by other users
should be considered private regardless of the presence or absence of
security measures. Accessing another's files without explicit permission
is an invasion of privacy, can be considered a violation of the honor code,
and is another of the few things we strictly prohibit.
Electronic mail
The privacy of electronic mail is a related concern, and policies similar
to those regarding the privacy of files in general are in effect. To be
precise, electronic mail should always be considered private unless
explicitly noted otherwise. Electronic mail is almost always protected
by the file system so as to deny access to other users, and attempt to
circumvent this system are strictly prohibited. Users should also be
aware that any competent hacker can forge e-mail fairly easily, and
that electronic mail should therefore not be considered a secure medium
for confidential or sensitive information. Forging e-mail is perhaps
the most serious item on the Strictly Forbidden list, and is a severe
violation of the honor code. Despite its simplicity, forgery is often
traceable, and forgers will lose access to all campus computing resources
if apprehended. This is one of the few things for which we have zero tolerance.
Internet
The Internet is a global network linking academic, corporate, and
government computer systems around the world. It allows electronic
mail and other forms of communication to be transmitted extremely
rapidly across the country and overseas, and for users at one site to
connect to accounts at other sites thousands of miles away. The Internet
is a powerful and valuable resource. One danger of the Internet is that
since users can log in to remote accounts over the network, unauthorized
users can also attempt to break in to remote accounts. Attempting to do
so is not only a violation of the CHS Academic Honesty Policy, but may
be a felony under federal and state laws. The US government controls
the backbone of the Internet, and sites have lost net access completely
as a result of users attempting to break in to other sites. Even trying
to break into remote sites can get you suspended or arrested, and is
another of the few zero-tolerance violations we enforce. We're not
trying to scare anyone here, but the government takes this very
seriously, so we feel obliged to convey that fact to Internet users.
Usenet
We are connected via the Internet to a hierarchy of discussion forums,
called "newsgroups", which are collectively known as
Usenet. Usenet is a vast bulletin board system, which propagates
messages in hundreds of newsgroups to participant sites around the world.
Users are encouraged to explore Usenet, and to subscribe to any groups of
academic or personal interest. Usenet is a fairly loosely organized system
with no governing body, and is run by a set of use guidelines rather than
procedural regulations. This brings a great deal of flexibility, but also
carries with it a need for responsibility. Users are encouraged to read
REF 105 : Net Etiquette before posting to Usenet, as well
as the various newsgroups with information for new users. Usenet is a
global network and what you say there reflects on both you and on CHS;
think before you write.
Talk and Write
Some workstation clusters on campus are equipped with a utilities called
Talk and Write, which allows users to hold real-time
interactive conversations with other users on the Internet. Both
Talk and Write are primarily intended for social use
between friends, and should generally not be used for academic or other
more serious purposes. Both are also intrusive: when you send someone
a talk request, their work is interrupted as your request is displayed on
their screen. As a result, users are encouraged not to send talk requests
to others unless they have previously been contacted and have confirmed
that they will not mind the interruption. In general, when in doubt, send
an e-mail message asking the other person to talk to you; that way, if
they are busy, they can write back and let you know.
Printing
At present, users may print to any of the printers on campus for
school-related projects. Please note that we frown on the printing
of individual homework assignments without the expressed approval
of CHS faculty. While printing is free, use it responsibly: don't print
multiple copies of long documents, and try to do as much proofreading
on-screen as possible rather than printing out several drafts of a
project. Regardless of whether printing is free or not, students
should try to print work for assignments in advance if at all possible,
since if the printers are in heavy use, there can be long waits for them.
Computer Viruses
CHS uses a variety of techniques to prevent unwanted computer viruses
from "infecting" our systems. We have a remarkable history of quickly
catching and eradicating such infestations, and we welcome providing
advice and sharing techniques to help eliminate any problems that you
may have at home. There are numerous programs available in the public
domain that we are happy to share that can help protect your valuable
data. The CCStaff, at times, may ask that you take several minutes to
scan your disks if there is the possibility that there has been an infection.
We ask that you cheerfully assist in these preventative measures and use
the opportunity to learn about ways to protect your computer property.
Closing Comments
Because this document primarily talks about restrictions, it may
obscure the fact that our real goal here at Claremont High School
is to make computing easier, more accessible, and more open to
all users. No matter what the level of security at any site, there
will always be risks; our task is to try to find an acceptable level
of risk given the trustworthiness of most CHS users. We do want
you to know what we don't allow, though, so that you can make the
most effective use of the capabilities available to you, and not cause
problems for other users (intentional or otherwise). Treat your fellow
users and the CCStaff with respect and courtesy, and you should
generally find yourself treated the same in return and if you don't,
let us know so that we can improve the quality of our support.
Up to the CHS Web homepage
Last updated on April 04 1994 at 1:42
by
rmuir_NOSPAM@chs.cusd.claremont.edu