Jim Wells County Community Network

Public Access Computers & Internet Use Policies & Procedures

April 2003

SUMMARY

•  All users must complete a registration form.

•  No more than two (2) persons will be allowed to work together at one computer.

•  Computer orientation and training sessions will be scheduled at various locations in the county.

•  Computers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Registered users may sign up for one uninterrupted 1-hour session per day. If no one is waiting, you may continue to use the computer until another user arrives. You may sign up for additional 1-hour sessions if the computers are available.

•  The Network computers are intended for public use and searching of the Internet, and other types of searches, such as CD-ROM. Network computer users may not install personal software on any of the Network computers, and may not download or run any programs from the Internet, CD-ROM’s, or floppy disks. Do not alter or attach any personal equipment to the Network computers. Do not change the configuration of any of the software on the computers, or use the hardware in any manner that may cause damage. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THESE RULES, AND USER PRIVILEGES MAY BE SUSPENDED IF THESE RULES ARE VIOLATED.

•  Do not download any files or documents onto the hard drives of the Network computers. All files or documents must be downloaded onto the user’s floppy disk or CD-ROM.

•  The Network computers and host sites’ Internet connection may be used to access the user’s personal email services via the Internet, such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, etc.

•  Printing costs will be determined by each organization that hosts the public access computers, and may vary from site to site.

•  Network computer users are expected to be familiar with, and abide by, these Network policies and procedures for computer and Internet use. Misuse of the computers or the Internet may result in the suspension of your Network user privileges.

•  In offering use of the Internet, the Network or its host sites (see attached list) cannot control access to web sites. Furthermore, the Network has determined that the use of filters or other devices designed to restrict access to the Internet are not foolproof and are sometimes ineffective. Therefore, Internet users are hereby notified that they are responsible for which web sites they access. The Internet is a global network with a highly diverse user population, and Network computer users are allowed access at their own risk. The Network’s policies prohibit access to inappropriate materials by setting forth acceptable and unacceptable uses of the Internet. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for, and monitor, their children’s use of the Internet through the Network’s host sites.

•  It is not acceptable to use the Network and its host sites’ Internet connections for any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws, to transmit threatening, obscene or harassing materials, or to interfere with or disrupt other users, services or equipment

•  Network users may not represent themselves as another person.

•  It is assumed that resources and information available via the Internet are private to the individuals and organizations that own or hold rights to those resources and information, unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of those rights. It is therefore not acceptable for an individual to use the Network and its host sites’ Internet connections to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owner or holder of rights to those resources or information.

•  Malicious use is not acceptable. Use of the Network and its host sites’ Internet connections and any attached network in a manner that precludes or significantly hampers its use by others is not allowed.

•  Use of the Network and its host sites’ Internet connections for games is discouraged

•  Unsolicited advertising is not acceptable

•  The Network and its host sites’ Internet connections shall not be used to access pornographic materials.

•  Failure to comply with requests to discontinue any of these practices will result in immediate termination of the users Internet session and may result in suspension of Network computer and Internet user privileges.