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Guidelines to Help Prevent Abuse

These Guidelines were prepared in the mid-1990s, so the terminology is a little antiquated, but the content is still highly applicable.

The Computer and Software Use Regulations have now been adopted by the University, and apply to all staff, students and any other legitimate users of the computing, software and network facilities belonging to or provided by the University. They set out what the University considers to be "acceptable behaviour" in regard to use of its computing facilities, as well as the responsibilities of "authorised persons".

Please familiarise yourself with these Regulations, for two reasons:

  • they will help you and others to become "good citizens" in your use of the University's facilities; and
  • it will help you avoid the penalties for non-compliance

In addition to the Regulations, your attention is brought to the following guidelines, observance of which should help to ensure equity of access for all and compliance with the requirements of the Law.

1. COMPUTER HACKING
Computer hacking, or rather, that variety of it which involves attempts to gain access to someone else's computer account or data, is a crime under WA State and Commonwealth Law.

2. ELECTRONIC MAIL CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE
In order to improve the value of electronic mail (e-mail) the University has also adopted a Code of Good Practice.

3. ELECTRONIC NEWSGROUP NETIQUETTE

Users of electronic NewsGroups (bulletin boards) should also be aware that there are widely accepted codes of good practice associated with submitting items to these Groups, and the University encourages everyone at UWA to observe them (remember that your e-mail address appears on any posting you make, so you are an ambassador for UWA).

Reinforce the readers' perceptions of UWA as a University of high standing in the international academic community by being thoughtful in your postings. Information about "Netiquette" can be found here.

4. AARNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

As a member of the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet), this University has agreed to abide by AARNet's Access Policy. It behoves users of AARNet through UWA therefore to familiarise themselves with this policy, and to comply with it. This policy encompasses compliance also with the terms of use of any connected network, such as the Internet.

5. SOFTWARE COPYRIGHT

In addition to the Computer and Software Use Regulations now adopted by the University, all users of University computing facilities should also be aware of the provisions of the Copyright Act as they apply to computer software. Attention is drawn to the AVCC statement on Copyright and Computer Programs (1984).

Attention is particularly drawn to the following requirements:

  • no software may be copied except with the express permission of the copyright holder, or in order to make a single backup copy
  • software may not be adapted (including translation from one language to another) without the express permission of the copyright holder
  • you must not use any University facility to make illegal copies of any piece of software
  • you must not use any illegally obtained software on University computing facilities
  • if you are unsure of the origin of a piece of software, then do not use it
  • educational institutions and purposes are not exempt from the provisions of the Copyright Act.

6. SOFTWARE LICENCES

In addition to complying with copyright provisions, users of software must also abide by any licence terms associated with the acquisition of the software they are using. As indicated in the Regulations, it is the responsibility of each "authorised person" and each person responsible for acquiring software to ensure the terms of the licence agreements are observed.

Particular attention needs to be given if making copies of software on hard disks or on the disks of network servers (whence many potential users could access the software); if multiple users are expected, then a multi-user licence must be acquired; "site licences" can be invaluable, with many vendors allowing large or unlimited numbers of users at reasonable rates for educational users.

Some licences will also allow you to use the software at home or at work (but rarely both at the same time), and others allow private use by staff and students.

Each licence must be carefully read and understood, as each has different requirements.

7. SHAREWARE AND PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE
There is a growing quantity of software made available as Shareware, Freeware or Public Domain software. Some of this is of high quality, and all computer users should check this source for suitable software for their purposes. Some of it is completely free, and you may use it at will (but generally not resell it). But some is only distributed freely, with a small fee being required if you decide to use it. All University users are expected to honour such arrangements, and not abuse this marvellous source of ideas and products.

Check each piece of software you use to ensure you are complying with the terms set out for it. Do not assume it is free unless it specifically says so (in Australia all software is automatically copyrighted to the author, unless the author expressly waives that right).

8. LOCAL CONDITIONS OF USE

Authorised persons in charge of local facilities within Divisions, Faculties, Schools or Centres of the University are expected to specify clearly to their users any other conditions of use relating to the facilities under their control. This is particularly relevant to computer laboratories, especially those to which after-hours access is possible.

Conspicuous notices should be posted in such rooms drawing attention to the Regulations, to the Law on hacking and software copyright, to these guidelines, and to any special conditions of use in such rooms. This is considered the minimum necessary action - in some cases, it may be appropriate to have all users (staff and students alike) sign an undertaking to abide by the specific local terms of use. In any event, it behoves any user of such local facilities to become familiar with and to abide by any such special conditions.

9. ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AROUND THE UNIVERSITY
All University computer users are expected to report any violations of the Regulations, of these guidelines, of the Law, or of local conditions of use, in order to promote good citizenship among the University community. Use every opportunity to encourage knowledge of and compliance with these guidelines.
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