University Student Apartments -
High Speed Data Connection Use Information

High Speed DSL Connections - Policies

Reliable, high speed DSL Internet connections for University Student Apartment residents are provided by the University's Office of Information Technology (OIT). The data lines are direct connections to the campus network and the Internet, to enhance residents' living and academic experiences.

As with any University resource, the network connections are governed by University policy, including "acceptable use" policies for campus information resources and networks. Residents will be able to use the network for legal, non-commercial purposes, including personal home use. Uses that violate University policy, or federal and state laws and regulations are not allowed. For your guidance, the following list includes examples of inappropriate or illegal uses.

Copying and or transmitting copyrighted materials (software, music, movies, etc).
Using the network to harass or threaten others.
Using another person's usernames or passwords.
Using the connection for malicious purposes, including hacking, launching "Denial of Service" attacks, etc.
Running server software (i.e. Web server, file server, DHCP server) on personal machines connected in Student Housing.
Running commercial websites for profit. Sending unsolicited commercial email (UCE or spam).

Peer-to-peer File Sharing

Peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted materials is illegal. Federal law and University policy prohibit sharing copyrighted music, movies, software, games and other media using applications like Gnutella, Kazaa and others. The media industry monitors each instance of sharing of copyrighted files and can determine the University Internet (IP) address that is being used. The University receives a notice from the media company. The law requires the University to respond to such notices by "immediately removing or blocking access to infringing material and insuring that users refrain from using or sharing copyrighted materials in the future." This is done by turning off the network connection or disabling the resident's University network ID (uNID). The Information Security Office then contacts the resident to instruct them regarding the requirements of the law and to document their agreement to those requirements before reinstating the network connection.

Network Traffic Limits

University housing network connections are there for your personal and educational use. However, the network is not an unlimited resource. To ensure that everyone has access to the Internet, outbound off-campus use will be limited to two gigabytes a day. If this limit is exceeded, the network connection will be disabled for 24 hours. Network access will be restored 24 hours after it was disabled. On-campus bandwidth is not restricted.

Virus distribution

Computer viruses, worms and spyware are spread through downloading files using peer-to-peer programs. Viruses and spyware can also be contracted through e-mail, installation of unsafe software from the Internet, and from not keeping your operating system current and patched. There is a very real danger that your computer may be infected through downloaded files. If infected, your computer poses a real threat to your fellow residents, campus users and other networked devices. Further, if your hard drive is corrupted enough, it could crash. It can be difficult and expensive to clean or rebuild your machine, and other computers infected by your computer. Finally, if your computer is infected and scanning, your network connection will be disconnected. You will be instructed on the process for removing the virus from your computer. Once you have disinfected your computer, you must contact the Campus Help Desk (581-4000) to have your network connection re-enabled. The University offers free anti-virus software to enrolled students and at a minimal charge to staff and faculty. Keep yours up-to-date by going to the Software Licensing website at www.software.utah.edu and clicking on the Student or Faculty/Staff Store. Choose the McAfee anti-virus product that is correct for your operating system.

Multiple Networked Devices

Each apartment's modem has a single Ethernet port for either a direct link into your PC or an uplink into a hub-type device. You are free to purchase a hub or switch from your local electronics store to add additional ports for a second computer, printer, etc.

Wireless Access Points

Unsecured wireless access points are a prime way for hackers to get into the campus network. If you must have a wireless network in your apartment, please configure your access point so that it only allows known computers to use it. This should be a configurable option on most access points that allows connections by the unique network MAC address. Encryption between the access point and the computer should be turned on so that hackers can't "see" the traffic; this should be an option called WPA or WEP on most access points. You'll need to work with your wireless router vendor for support in setting up and configuring your device. The Campus Help Desk does not support individual access points on the campus network.

Campus Network Interruptions

The University's campus network services may be interrupted for several reasons. These include, but are not limited to, malfunctions, maintenance, and upgrades or as required to protect network resources in
the event of malfunctions or misuse. It may not be possible for you to receive advance notification of any such interruption of service per Section 3.18 of the Resident Handbook. OIT and Student Apartments are
not liable for any delay in or failure to perform the services caused by circumstances beyond their control such as those due to other companies or organizations, acts of God, or which could not have been reasonably
foreseen, or any other cause which similarly impedes the providing of service.

Maintaining your Computer System

Residents are responsible for maintaining their computer systems. If a resident's computer system requires technical assistance due to problematic operating system, system software or virus related issues,
it is the resident's responsibility to correct these problems. Computer repair services are available through the University Bookstore or through local vendors.