Computer Lab Rules

  1. General

    All computer users (staff, students, and others) are expected to be responsible for their own behaviour on the computer system, including the Internet, just as they are anywhere else in the college. Users are reminded that their actions can represent the entire college community. This includes materials they choose to access, language they use, ideas they express, and other actions which they take.

  2. Uncertainty

    If you are unsure of what to do, for instance in the case of an error message, a web site offer, a strange e-mail, a hardware malfunction, etc., ask a lab supervisor. It is better to wait and ask, than to take an action which will endanger yourself, the computer, or the network.

  3. Administrative

  4. Inappropriate Content

    Controversial content (e.g. pornography) is not appropriate in an academic setting. Users should expect that their browsing history will be recorded, and might be examined by system administrators. For more details, see the ICT Policy and sections below on Web and E-Mail Usage.

  5. Account Usage

    Each user must have his or her own account. Accounts are not to be shared. This is for accountability and security. You must log out when you leave.

    Users should not access other people's files unless permission has been given by the file's owner.

    Programs (e.g. Yahoo Chat) may NOT be downloaded and installed from the internet. If you are unsure whether a web page is downloading a program, please ask a lab supervisor. This is for security and uniform lab maintenance.

    Personal program files may NOT be installed. This is for licensing and security reasons.

    Personal work files, such as documents, may be brought into the lab, but must be scanned for viruses prior to use, to prevent system infection. Ask a lab supervisor for details.

    Hacking (attempting to gain unauthorized access to secured content, violate system policies and/or permissions, virus creation or propagation, etc.) is prohibited.

  6. Web Usage

    Computer users browsing the World Wide Web are expected to avoid offensive materials. Should any user encounter any such material accidentally, they should report the circumstances immediately to an instructor.

    Users should expect that their browsing history will be recorded, and might be examined by system administrators.

    Users should note that the internet is available to all kinds of people, and that there are many scams and otherwise illegal or immoral activities on the internet. They should be just as cautious of information on the internet as they would be of information heard in the street from someone they don't know.

    Bandwidth is a limited resource. When throughput is slow, you may be asked to cease high-bandwidth activity (e.g. music downloading).

  7. E-Mail Usage

    Computer users should realize that, in their on-line communications, their actions may be interpreted to represent the college community. Therefore, users should not to use any rude language, or communicate any offensive ideas.

    Users should again note that the internet is available to all kinds of people, and there are many scams and otherwise illegal activity perpetrated through e-mail. E-mail from unknown persons should be received very cautiously. You are cautioned against giving out your personal information (such as name, phone, address).

    It is forbidden to forward chain letters/e-mails. These are defined as any e-mail which states that it should be forwarded to others. These especially include warnings of viruses, worms, security warnings, etc. Such warnings will be sent by system administrators only.

  8. Rules & Updates

    These rules may be updated from time to time. Updates will be posted in the computer lab and on the web site. Users are responsible for being familiar with all rules, including new rules.

  9. Common Sense

    Again, you are responsible for your own behaviour on the computer system. The above rules are not exhaustive, and even if a particular action is not listed above as prohibited, you must use your common sense - if it will reflect poorly on you or the college, if it will disturb others, or if it might damage computers or the network, do not do it.

Violation of any of the above rules may be cause for:
• ejection from the lab
• suspension of computer privileges
• reporting to the college administration
• monetary reimbursement for damages


See also:


Update History:
15-Feb-2007 SIDA/VSO Group -
see ICT Policy for participant roster
Clarification & Revision
14-Feb-2007Albert LingelbachRe-formulation from source documents
Kleruu Teachers CollegeSource Document
Morogoro Teachers CollegeOriginal Document