Computing Resources Acceptable Use Policy

Within these castle walls be forged Mavens of Computer Science ...

— Merlin, The Coder

Statement of Policy

This policy sets forth the rules for using computing resources on  Coder Merlin™ .

Purpose

Access to computing resources is a privilege, not a right, and is granted with restrictions and responsibilities for use. This rule sets forth the rules for using computing resources on  Coder Merlin™ .

Scope

These rules apply to all users of  Coder Merlin™  computing resources and all computing accounts on  Coder Merlin™  infrastructure.

Rules

Account Sharing

Sharing your  Coder Merlin™  account information, or that of any other account is prohibited. You are responsible for all activity conducted with your  Coder Merlin™  or any other account which you use.  Coder Merlin™  account information must not be given to anyone else. Improper safeguarding of your credentials that results in unauthorized use of your  Coder Merlin™  will not be tolerated.

Resources

Use of computing resources must be in accordance with  Coder Merlin™  policies and codes of conduct. Files controlled by individual users are considered private. The ability to read, alter, or copy a file does not imply permission to do so.  Coder Merlin™  reserves the right to access and/or remove any files in violation of  Coder Merlin™  policies. The ability to connect to or make use of other systems through the network does not imply the right to do so unless properly authorized by the owners of these systems. To do so without proper authorization will result in disciplinary and/or legal action.

Special Duties

People with security access privileges to confidential data and/or data management systems shall not use those privileges for anything other than fulfillment of official duties. Use of those privileges for any other purpose will result in disciplinary and/or legal action.

Electronic Communication

Do not create or send unsolicited mass communications to people using the  Coder Merlin™  network or computing systems.

Electronic communications are not confidential and subject to disclosure in accordance with law and court procedures.  Coder Merlin™  reserves the right to access such communications information if  Coder Merlin™  suspects or is advised of possible breaches of security, harassment, or other violations of other  Coder Merlin™  policies, rules, regulations, directives, or law. Once a message has been sent, control over it is lost. It may be forwarded to others or displayed on other systems without the author's knowledge or consent. Never say anything in a communication that wouldn't be said publicly. Abusive or insensitive language, in public or in private, is an inappropriate use of computing resources. And, use of electronic means to send or post fraudulent, harassing, obscene, indecent, profane, intimidating, or unlawful is prohibited.

Intellectual Property Rights

Respect intellectual property rights. Do not access or copy software or data belonging to others without prior written authorization. Unauthorized duplication of copyrighted information, data and/or software is a direct infringement of the federal copyright law. Doing so subjects one to criminal prosecution or civil liability.

Commercial Use

Commercial use is prohibited. Computing accounts are provided for non-commercial, academic use only. Accounts found being used for commercial and/or personal gain will be disabled, potentially without warning. Electronic advertising using  Coder Merlin™  computing resources is strictly prohibited.

Shared Resource

Do not negatively impact computing resources. Users share many resources including disk space, CPU cycles, batch queues, login sessions, software licenses, etc. Resources also include, but are not limited to, computing facilities, accounts,  Coder Merlin™  computing equipment, and network systems and connections. Do not monopolize these resources, especially for non-academic purposes.  Coder Merlin™  services are provided for academic work.  Coder Merlin™  reserves the right to limit the use of computing resources.

Harmful Software

Act responsibly and practice due diligence to prevent the spread of computer viruses. Have anti-virus software installed on your computer and keep your Virus Definition File up to date. Perform appropriate security updates for your specific hardware operating system in a timely fashion.  Coder Merlin™  reserves the right to remove infected or vulnerable computers from the network as well as block malware/spyware infected websites.

You may not use nmap or similar tools to scan or analyze other hosts on the internet unless such use has been previously authorized, in writing, by the controlling authority of the host and  Coder Merlin™  has the authorization on record.

You may not execute Dos or DDoS attacks unless such use has been previously authorized, in writing, by the controlling authority of the host and  Coder Merlin™  has the authorization on record.

You may not store illegal content in your account.

Enforcement

Illegal activity will be reported to law enforcement.