Rules for IT Facilities

The following rules are necessary if we are to ensure the integrity and security of the network and maintain a reasonable working environment in College. One inconsiderate user can stop everyone from being able to use the computers.

Any breach of these rules will mean immediate suspension of the users account and the incident reported, in the case of students, to the Dean; reinstatement of the account will only be considered after representation from the students’ personal tutor.

General Rules

  • Use of computer equipment and software owned by College or University is permitted for bona fide academic and College purposes only, and is bound by the University’s Computer Usage Rules and Etiquette.
  • Users must not intentionally or otherwise disrupt or interfere with the work of other users or staff.
  • All users must respect the provisions of the Copyright Laws.
  • All users must act within the Data Protection legislation.
  • Somerville College accepts no liability for any loss of data or consequential damage arising from use of its computer systems.
  • Somerville College reserves the right to monitor and restrict the use of ANY computer connected to the Colleges network. In some cases of dispute the College reserves the right to take copies of any hard disks connected to ANY computer involved, this is for your own protection as well as the Colleges. This includes personally owned computers.

Rules for College Computer Facilities Use

  • Smoking, drinking or eating is not permitted in any of the computer rooms.
  • Only the designated user of an account may use it. There are no shared accounts. You must not let other people know your password.
  • No changes whatsoever may be made to the software configuration of the computers.
  • “Logged in” workstations must not be left unattended – this is a security risk and antisocial.
  • All work must be backed up to removable disk at the end of each session. College makes NO commitment to preserve ANY user’s data on the hard disks or server. This includes personal configuration files and mail. You may NOT assume that any of your files will be in your account the next time that you log on. College computer equipment may not be used for commercial purposes.
  • No illegal activities may be carried out using the College equipment.
  • No material that may cause offence is to be accessed, viewed, stored or printed on the computer equipment, e.g. pornography.
  • No hardware or software may be used which compromises the security of the network or the privacy of users.
  • Do not move the computer units on the worktops. This can upset the cabling, potentially compromising the network or preventing a workstation from operating.
  • All users’ software must be removed from the local hard disks at the end of each session, e.g. your personal files must be removed from the C: drives.
  • No connections may be changed or made to any of the computer hardware without specific consent
  • The playing of games in College computer rooms is forbidden.
  • Users wishing to do work on the computers have priority over chat line users, Internet explorers etc.
  • It is forbidden to send mail to the system defined groups, e.g. #EVERYONE, #JUNIOR etc.
  • The sending of unsolicited junk mail is forbidden – e.g. chain letters.
  • There is no reserving of terminals. If someone’s personal belongings are crowded around an unattended terminal you should log them out and dump their stuff on the table. Do not complain if this happens and you lose your work!
  • Personal belongings must not be left in the computer room.
  • People wishing to use the scanner have priority on that machine provided that other stations are free.
  • The copying of licensed software from the system is forbidden.

Rules for Network Use

  • No equipment other than a single Ethernet card in a computer may be connected to the Ethernet socket.
  • Only a single registered Ethernet Card may be used.
  • The use of Wi-Fi hubs/switches, AirPort Extreme Base Stations and other hubs or switches are forbidden
  • Network connection sharing is forbidden
  • Members with computers in their rooms will be held personally responsible for the content of their computer and for any use to which their computer has been put.
  • If a member’s computer compromises the efficient running of the network it will be disconnected.
  • Member’s computers may not run games servers, mail, web or other form of server or file/resource service.
  • Members who share their computer resources are not recognised as System Administrators and may not act in that privileged position in respect of the University Security and Privacy Policy.
  • College will not recognise any obligations made to outside parties concerning the use of a computer attached to the College network.
  • Ethernet connectivity will be maintained whenever possible; however, College may need to take the Ethernet down at short notice and therefore cannot guarantee connectivity.
  • There is no College responsibility to maintain an Ethernet connection.
  • In the event of a breach of University or College rules the use of the Ethernet socket will be suspended until the matter is resolved.
  • Self updating antivirus software, with on-access scanning enabled, must be installed whilst you are connected to the college network. The college provides members with antivirus software, which you can download here.
  • You must make sure that your computer has the latest security patches installed.
  • If anyone feels that another user is unnecessarily troubling him or her, they should report the matter to the IT Systems Manager

In cases of dispute, the IT Manager’s decision will be final. These rules are correct at time of going to press; the College reserves the right to change these rules at any time.