Don't download copyrighted material

Most music and movie files are protected under copyright law. If you choose to use file sharing programs/ftp servers such as Kazaa, Morpheus, Gnutella, LimeWire and many others, you run the risk of downloading and possibly distributing or copying materials illegally.

:: Alleged violations of copyright by ResNet users are forwarded to UC Davis by outside agencies.

:: The involved student will be contacted by Student Judicial Affairs.

:: If you are found responsible for a violation of copyright policy, you will be considered in violation of university policy and will go through the student conduct process.

Use your Password

Passwords are your personal computer keys and should be safeguarded just as you would safeguard your room key. If you don't use your passwords your computer, applications, and personal information become vulnerable to misuse or theft.

:: Always use passwords; don't use auto log-in for any network applications.

:: Don't share your passwords with anyone.

:: All students are eligible to have a university computer account, so there is no need to share your account with another student. University resources are not to be shared with non-students.

Don't Hog the Bandwidth

There is limited capacity for Internet traffic on the ResNet pipeline. If you impede this pipeline by playing online games or downloading network intensive applications, you prevent someone else from being able to connect to the network.

:: Wireless networks and hubs are neither allowed in residence halls nor campus apartments.

:: Internet access through ResNet is a shared resource.

:: ResNet is primarily intended for your academic work, e-mail and research.

:: Network bandwidth is not an unlimited resource.

Use Virus Protection Software

Everyone downloads files from the Internet or receives e-mail attachments. You have no way of knowing whether or not the material you receive has a computer virus, and the person who sent it may not know either.

:: Use current virus protection software that is set to update/run at least weekly.

:: Enable “live updates” for virus updates and Windows patches to ensure your computer has proper protection.

:: Open only those attachments you know are clean — don't open attachments from strangers.

:: Avoid getting an ETD (electronically transmitted disease) — use regularly updated virus protection software. This software is available without charge through MyUCDavis and is included with UC Davis Internet Tools available at the UC Davis Bookstore.

:: Consult the Information Technology Security website.

Don't leave it on

Having a high-speed connection is great… it's fast and you don't pay for extra time online. You may be tempted to leave your computer on all the time with the Internet browser active. Resist the temptation.

:: Leaving your computer connected to the network leaves your computer vulnerable to attacks against both your system and others on the network. If your system is used by anybody to launch an attack, you will be identified as the responsible party.

:: Turn your computer off when you are not using it. It's safer and conserves electricity.

:: Don't put your computer where others can use it without your knowledge or consent.

:: Do your best to physically secure your computer to guard against theft.

Play by the Rules

There are policies and procedures that govern computer use on campus. These policies deal with both emergency security and acceptable use of the network. The underlying principle is that all users should be good community members by knowing the rules, following them and practicing good judgement.

:: Users are responsible for adhering to all copyright laws, in particular the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

:: Residents are prohibited from running a private business on the university network or from within campus facilities.

:: Users are prohibited from establishing DHCP servers on ResNet.

:: Users are prohibited from "hacking" or conducting port scans of other accounts. 

Don't Be an E-mail Jerk

Your e-mail access is intended as a means of communicating on a one on one basis — it is not meant to be a mass marketing tool. E-mail should not be sent to strangers and should always be appropriate in nature. Students may be held accountable for inappropriate e-mail use if brought to the attention of a university official or the campus postmaster.

:: Don't send chain letters or bulk e-mails.

:: Don't send harassing e-mails.

:: Don't initiate or perpetuate SPAM.

:: Don't send an e-mail when you are angry. 

Be an Educated User

All students are responsible for knowing the policies and procedures that govern computer use. Any actions that compromise the safety or security of the network will be addressed and inappropriate use will be confronted.

:: Ignorance is no excuse for policy violations.

:: You are responsible for any misuse that happens from your e-mail account or connection.

:: If uncertain about the rules, ask before you act.

This page has been developed in conjunction with the University of California, Berkeley — Departments of Residential Computing and Marketing Services; text copyright UC Berkeley. More information on ResNet Etiquette is available at the UC Berkeley NetJerks site.