Computer Systems Lab Account Policies

The Computer Systems Lab develops and maintains the research and instructional computing facilities for the Computer Sciences Department. The computing resources need to be used judiciously in order to meet the needs of the department's students, faculty, and staff. The policies given here seek to promote usage directly related to the department's missions and eliminate unrelated, illegal and abusive usage.

Please also see Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Information Technology Resources

If you have any questions regarding these policies, please send mail to lab@cs.wisc.edu or the CS Computing Facilities Committee (facil-com@cs.wisc.edu)

We would also appreciate feedback.

• Computer Systems Lab Documentation
  • 4 Computer Systems Lab Policies
    • 4.1 Computer Systems Lab Account Policies
      • 4.1.1 Policies on Account Use
      • 4.1.2 Licenses
      • 4.1.3 Loss of Access Reports
      • 4.1.4 Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Information Technology Resources

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4.1.1 Policies on Account Use

The Computer Sciences Department computers and facilities are covered by the Wisconsin Administrative Code (UWS 21.01):

It is the policy of the Board of Regents that the facilities of the university are to be used primarily for purposes of fulfilling the university's mission of teaching and research. University facilities are not available for unrestricted use for other purposes.

Outlined below are appropriate and inappropriate uses of the CS department facilities:

Appropriate Uses:

These include research, instruction, scholarly communication and administration involving UW-Madison faculty, staff and students. Any activities in support of the above are also allowed.

Inappropriate Uses:

These include commercial activities and activities of outside organizations unless they conform to the appropriate uses described above; Activities that interfere with the ability of other users to make effective use of the Department's facilities; Using the facilities for political and/or private purposes; Sending electronic mail to inappropriate mailing lists (see Dummy Faq Question for more information); Using the facilities to do homework assigned by other departments. Other guidelines for the use of the facilities are described below.

Authorized Use:

Only persons properly authorized may access the CSL facilities. Proper authorization is provided by CSL staff or their designate in the form of an account issued in the name of the authorized person. You may not permit other persons to access CSL computers via your account, including project partners, relatives, roommates and friends. You may not use your account if you are no longer registered in the course for which it was provided.

File Space:

Disk files not related to the department's missions and which consume large amount of space may be removed without warning by CSL staff. The continued presence of such files will be investigated by the CSL staff and may be used as grounds for suspension of your computer privileges.

Printer Usage:

Hard copy output devices are expensive to operate, and wasteful usage of such devices must be avoided. Distasteful or offensive displays and printouts are not permitted.

Privacy:

Users of the facilities should be aware that files stored on CSL computers are not completely private. Although users can take measures to keep their files private from other users, the system administrators and lab personnel have the authorization and ability to look at any files. Of course, such action is taken only when there is a need to do so. For more information please see UW-Madison Electronic Data Access Policy and Procedure .

Other Issues:

When a process is consuming excessive system resources or objectionably degrading system response it may be terminated, or its priority may be altered, without notice. The CSL computers are connected to several outside networks. Users are expected to abide by the rules of these networks. Using more than one terminal or workstation in an instructional lab when there are few free is not permitted. Physical abuse, mishandling and modification of CSL terminals, printers, workstations and other hardware is not permitted. You may not harass or threaten other users, attempt to steal passwords, student I.D.s, files, or other user/system information, attempt to crash, violate the integrity of, or adversely affect the activities of a computer system.

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4.1.2 Licenses

CSL systems are operated under license agreements with various vendors. These licenses bind users to respect the proprietary nature of the software. System software may not be copied to non-CSL sites. CSL requires that any person transporting software which he or she did not personally develop from a CSL computer to another site get prior approval from the Systems Lab.

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4.1.3 Loss of Access Reports

Those who violate CSL policies may lose their access authorization for a period of time commensurate with the infraction. Repeat offenders may be denied access indefinitely. Loss of CSL access authorization and accounts being disabled are always reported to the Lab Administrator and Facilities Manager. Second offenses are also reported to the Faculty Committee on Policy Abuse and may result in the indefinite loss of access authorization. The CSL is located in Room 2350 (608-262-2389). The Lab is open from 8:00am-noon and from 1:00pm-5:00pm, Monday through Friday. If you have questions on these policies, stop by, call or send e-mail to lab@cs.wisc.edu.

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4.1.4 Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Information Technology Resources

Users should also be aware of the UW-Madison Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Information Technology Resources .

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