UIS Computer and Network Use Guidelines for Summer Programs and Conference Residents

University Information Services (UIS) provides high-speed network connections for all people living in residence halls and apartment complexes. When you connect to the residential network you are joining a shared resource. Your actions or inactions can affect all of the other people using the network.

In order to protect this shared resource for all residents, UIS asks that you obey the following guidelines when using a computer on the network.

Computer Security Configuration Guidelines

When you connect a computer to the network, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is configured to resist infiltration by computer viruses, malicious programs, and hackers. Following these guidelines closely should protect you from most common security problems:

• Keep Your Operating System Updated with Critical Patches: Many viruses and hackers exploit security holes in operating systems like Windows and Mac OS X. Microsoft and Apple regularly release security patches to fix these problems. Run Windows Update or Mac OS System Update regularly to download and install these. If you use Windows, consider setting Windows Update to download and install patches automatically.
  
• Install and Configure Anti-virus Software for Daily Updates: This is your best bet for catching viruses or worms that can infect your computer and use it to attack the network. If you don't already have an anti-virus program, you will need to purchase one. Once installed, set the program to check for new virus definitions every day.
  
  The Georgetown University Bookstore in the Leavey Center sells Norton AntiVirus. This and other anti-virus products are also available at computer stores, office suppliers, and online retailers.
  
• Set Strong Passwords on All Local Computer Accounts: Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS X are designed to allow several people to have individual accounts on the computer. If any of these accounts have weak or blank passwords, viruses or intruders can log in and infect the machine. Strong passwords are at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of letters, number, and punctuation. These are much harder for would-be intruders to force their way through.
  
• Do Not Run Server Software on Your Computer: Even though server applications like the Windows IIS Web Server or SQL server are included in standard operating systems, they are mainly intended for use in secure environments. If they aren't configured properly, they can leave your computer open to attack by viruses or hackers. If you are intentionally running any server applications on your computer, please disable them when you are connected to the network.

For more information about these and other security configuration practices, please see "How to Protect Your Computer: Guidelines for Students."

UIS Actions in Response to Violations

When UIS identifies a computer on the network that has been infected or otherwise compromised by a virus or other malicious program, the network port may be deactivated immediately and without prior notification to the user. If a user connects the compromised computer to other network jacks before the compromise is resolved, these ports may also be deactivated immediately and without prior notification to the user. The computer owner must demonstrate that the compromise has been resolved to the satisfaction of the Information Security Office before any of the network ports will be reactivated.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

The university network can also be adversely affected when you use it improperly. All residents are expected to follow these guidelines when using the network:

• Do not use personal routers or wireless access points. Connect only desktop or laptop computers to university network jacks. Networking hardware and components such as hubs, routers, or wireless access points are prohibited. Details...

• Do not run server applications on computers connected to residence hall networks.
• The use of file-sharing programs is strongly discouraged. Unauthorized exchange of copyrighted materials is prohibited.
• Network bandwidth in residence halls is a shared resource. Residents are prohibited from using excessive amounts of bandwidth.

In addition to these guidelines, all residents are expected to abide by the "Georgetown University Computer Systems Acceptable Use Policy."

UIS Actions in Response to Violations

When UIS identifies a computer on the network engaging in illegal or other unauthorized activity, the network port may be deactivated immediately and without prior notification to the user. If a user connects the offending computer to other network jacks, these ports may also be deactivated immediately and without prior notification to the user. The computer owner must discuss the situation with and resolve it to the satisfaction of the Information Security Office, other UIS officials, or other university officials assigned to handle the incident before any of the network ports will be reactivated.