Explanation of ResNet regulations.
Why are there so many regulations?
ResNet has its own regulations to ensure that it can deliver its services to its users, protecting them from other, badly-behaved users who could have a detrimental effect on the network. ResNet is connected to other networks, and each is governed by its own regulations. ResNet is a part of St Leonards School and Sixth Form College (the School) network, and so the School Regulations, code of conduct and guidelines for the use of computing facilities apply to ResNet.
What happens if I break the Regulations?
The possible penalties are explained clearly in The Acceptable Use Policy of the additional regulations for the use of ResNet facilities.
I think someone else is breaking the Regulations, what do I do?
You should report this to the appropriate person (For instance: House Staff, Form Tutor, Head of Year) as soon as possible, who will take appropriate action.
Why should I care about computer security?
Your computer and its data may be very important. For example, you could have a real problem if a computer virus destroyed your only copy of an essay you have been working on. Under ResNet's regulations, you can be held responsible for any abuse of the network that occurs using your computer or ResNet connection - even if someone else carried it out. For example, if anyone uses your computer to send abusive email you could be blamed. This could happen if they sit down and use your computer directly or break into it from anywhere else on ResNet or the Internet.
Can I use ResNet for playing games?
Yes, but only at a local level. Please bear in mind that the main purpose of ResNet is academic, and if your game-playing prevents others using ResNet for this purpose this is against the ResNet Regulations.
Can I run a Web server on my computer connected to ResNet?
No. This is not permitted.
What about other servers, like Mail, News or FTP?
No. This is not permitted.
Can I connect more than one computer to ResNet?
At present only one device per ResNet account holder is permitted. To ensure the security of the ResNet network we need to know which computers are connected to the network and who is responsible for them. All ResNet supplied devices are integrated into the network by ICT Services.
Copyrighted materials.
Unless otherwise stated, all software and other information found on computers is protected by copyright. Do not attempt to copy software or any other files unless it is specifically stated that they are in the public domain or the copyright notice specifies that they may be copied. Often copyright notices specify the conditions under which the software or on-line information may be copied - for example that it may be copied for use free of charge in educational institutions only, or that it is 'shareware', that is, you may use it for a short evaluation period but you must then pay a fee to the copyright holder if you want to continue using it.
Some of the software supplied by ResNet is site-licensed to the School. Obtaining this software through the School by or for anyone who is not a member of the School is in breach of copyright law and may be liable to prosecution. On surrender, all school provided software will be removed for you on departure from the School at no cost so that you laptop will be legal for use elsewhere.
Software is not the only copyrighted material you may come across. Music found on the Internet (normally as mp3 files) is often in breach of copyright rules. Making copies of, or receiving and distributing copyrighted materials to other people (eg by putting up a server or shared folder containing them) is also an offence and may be treated very seriously.
Computer Misuse.
Many computers on the Internet offer public services such as World Wide Web and anonymous ftp servers. However, the fact that you can connect to a computer does not automatically give you a right to use it. If you use or attempt to use a computer that you are not authorised to use, you are committing an offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are entitled to use a computer or not, assume that you are not.
Computer misuse is not limited to the traditional image of breaking into computers used by banks or the military. Example of computer misuse include:
- Distributing viruses to other computer users.
- Use of trojans or back-door programs to gain access to the computer of another ResNet user.
- Sending a 'mail-bomb' or other denial of service attack intended to disrupt a computer system.
- Accessing password protected drives without the owners expressed permission.
- Port scanning any system without the owners expressed permission.
If you suspect you have been a victim of such an attack please report the incident to the appropriate person (For instance: House Staff, Form Tutor, Head of Year).
What is port-scanning and why is it against the regulations?
Port scanning is a method of connecting to other networked computers to see what services (shared folders, web servers, etc) they are operating. For example, port scanning could be systematically scanning every computer on a network to see if it has shared folders, or scanning one individual computer to check for every possible service.
Unless you have been given written permission by the owner of the computer you must not port scan or otherwise attempt to access any services provided by that computer. Testing which services a computer offers is the first step an intruder uses as part of an attempt to break into a computer and gain control of it. Security-aware users, such as those with personal firewall software, will notice connection attempts and be suspicious because without their written permission, obtained in advance, you should have no reason to connect to their systems.
Therefore you must never port scan a computer unless you have been given permission to do so. Under no circumstances are you permitted to scan an entire network of ResNet users.
