Computer and Internet Use Policy

Computer Use Policy

The following rules apply to all computer labs on campus. Specific labs may have additional rules.

General Rules

• Equipment use in the lab is intended for class assignments only – use of computers is closely monitored for compliance with acceptable use standards
• Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Food and/or drinks (including water bottles) are not allowed in computer labs at any time
• Children (under 18) are not allowed to use computer equipment unless they are current American River College students
• Report problems with computers and/or printers to computer lab staff
• A valid login may be used for assigned purposes only – sharing access with others is not permitted
• All downloading and saving must be to removable media
• Playing games on college computers is prohibited except for class assignments
• When you're done, log off the computer but don't turn the computer off
• Directions from any lab assistant or instructor concerning equipment/facilities or student conduct must be followed in order to continue use of the facilities

Respect Those Around You

• Bring your own headphones for sound control.
• Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
• Keep noise to a minimum
• Use one workstation per person
• Keep backpacks out of the walkways
• Turn off or silence cell phones and pagers and answer phone calls outside of the lab

Software

• Software may not be copied from computers or network drives
• Installing software or games on computers is prohibited

Internet Use Policy

Internet access is limited to classroom assignments only.

The acceptable use standards concerning internet use must be followed where applicable. The following activities are not allowed:

• Transmitting unsolicited information, which contains profane language or panders to bigotry, sexism, or other forms of discrimination
• Using the internet to gain unauthorized access to any computer
• Engaging in personal attacks (writing bullying, intimidating, threatening, or harassing entries)
• Making threats (directed towards others or yourself) without expecting the recipients of those threats, the college, and the police to consider them real
• Transmitting information that contains obscene, indecent, lewd, or lascivious material or other material that explicitly or implicitly refers to sexual conduct. This includes displaying such material where other individuals could potentially view it
• Inappropriate mass mailing, which includes multiple mailing to news groups, mailing lists, or individuals

Attempts by students to obtain, manipulate, delete, or change the contents of another user's files, passwords, etc. are regarded as infractions of the California Computer Crime Penal Code. Attempts to "break" the operating system constitute a felony under this law.