IT Guide

The following information pertains to appropriate usage of the UNH Network.

Acceptable Use for Information Technology (IT) Resources at UNH

IT resources include, but are not limited to, telephones, voice mail applications, computer networks, and electronic mail applications, which are owned or operated by the University. Use of University IT resources, even when carried out on a privately owned computer that is not managed or maintained by the University, is governed by policy. Please see http://www.unh.edu/cis/aup.html for the complete version of the University’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Prohibited Use

Engaging in any of the following prohibited activities could result in penalties including temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of some or all IT privileges:

• Use that impedes, interferes with, impairs, or otherwise causes harm to the activities of others.
• Use that is inconsistent with the University’s non-profit status.
• Harassing or threatening use.
• Use that damages the integrity of University or other IT Resources.
• Attempts to defeat system security.
• Unauthorized access or use.
• Connecting Networking equipment to the Campus Network and/or operating Network services software on a computer attached to the Network.
• Concealing your identity when using IT resources or masquerading as or impersonating others or otherwise using a false identity.
• Distributing computer hoaxes and viruses.
• Unauthorized removal of University-owned or administered data or equipment.
• Use in violation of civil or criminal law at the federal, state, or local levels. Examples of such uses are distributing illegal obscenity; receiving, transmitting, or possessing child pornography; infringing copyrights; and making bomb threats.

Notes on Copyright Infringement

You should be aware that copyright law governs (among other activities) the copying, display, and use of software and other works in digital form (text, sound, images, and other multimedia). The law permits use of copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder for limited “fair use.” Educational use must meet the normal fair use guidelines. The University maintains procedures for compliance with the sections of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that deal with online copyright infringement liability limitation.

• According to UNH student focus groups, the practice of illegally downloading and/or sharing copyrighted music and movies often starts at home. Please know that the RIAA will continue to actively search out evidence of copyright violations within college and university networks, including UNH.
• The University of New Hampshire (UNH) cannot protect its students from copyright complaints. The University’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) prohibits UNH students, faculty, and staff from using UNH IT resources for illegally activity, including the illegal downloading and/or sharing of copyrighted music and movies. Violation of the AUP will result in UNH network access restriction. The AUP is available for viewing at http://www.unh.edu/cis/aup.html.
• In fall 2007 & spring 2008 combined, over 1000 UNH students were notified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for illegally downloading and/or sharing copyrighted music. Many have paid settlement fees, while others were subpoenaed to appear in court.
• Nationwide, college students have received early settlement, or pre-litigation letters from the RIAA for illegally downloading and/or sharing copyrighted music. The letters offer to settle a claim against students at a “discounted” fee before a lawsuit is filed against them. Many students have settled those claims for $3000, while others went to court and were sued for up to $750 per song.
• Many of these students were accused of unlawfully sharing copyrighted music by the use of programs such as Limewire, DC++, Bearshare, Warez, Morpheus, BitTorrent and iMesh.