Computer Usage
This document covers the set of rules that are relevant to all computer access in the school.
They are valid for ALL users of the system.
Please Note: All zip and exe files are now deleted regularly. Image files are checked on a regular basis to ensure un-authorised images are not stored. People who have un-authorised files and images will be disciplined in accordance with this policy. All bmp/bitmap files will be regularly converted to jpeg/jpg files to save space in your My Documents folder.
Chelmer Valley High School loans you an account on the computer system(s)
The School reserves the right(s) to:
• View any/all of the contents of your account
• View/access all of your transactions across the network
• View your e-mail
• Remove your access to the account
• It is NOT your personal/private account
• You are NOT invisible
• The School can and will prosecute illegal actions
Network Access and Passwords
• I will never give my password to anyone, even my best friend. If I think someone has obtained my password, I will report this to my teacher immediately and change it.
• I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Chelmer Valley High School network or to any other computer system found on the Internet. I will not attempt to logon using another person’s username and password, or to access another person’s files.
• I will only use the network for school work and homework. My teacher and network manager may check the content of my files.
Internet
• I understand that my teacher and the Internet service provider will monitor the sites I have visited and may check the content of any email, or other message that I have sent.
• I will not use the Internet to view inappropriate material (such as racist or pornographic sites). If I am unsure if a site is suitable, I will ask a member of staff before attempting to access the site.
• I understand that information on the Internet may not always be reliable and sources may need checking.
• I will not take information from the Internet and pass it off as my own work.
• I will always use email in a responsible and appropriate manner
• I will only send and respond to e-mails from people I know, or that a teacher has approved
• I will not send or respond to nasty, suggestive or rude e-mails or messages via bulletin boards.
• I will always be myself and will not pretend to be anyone or anything I am not
• I never send anyone my picture, or that of another person without permission from my teacher/parent/guardian
• I am not allowed to send large volume e-mails (Spamming)
• I will never tell anyone I meet on the Internet my home address, my telephone number or my school’s name, unless my teacher specifically gives me permission
• I will never arrange to meet anyone in person without first agreeing it with my parents/teacher/guardian and get them to come along to the first meeting
• I am not allowed to use an Internet chat room on the school network
• I will inform the teacher of any misuse of the Internet, or email that comes to my attention
Illegal actions are covered by the following acts:
The Data Protection Act (1988)
The Computer Misuse Act (1990)
• Unauthorised access (e.g. using another user’s username and password)
• “Hacking”, “introduction of viruses”
• Unauthorised modification of the contents of a computer (installing software in your account)
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) Copyright (computer programs) regulations (1992)
It is an offence to:
• Copy software unless allowed by license
• Download copyright materials (which may include MP3’s)
• Link to a site that contains material used without permission
Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998)
Obscene Publications Act (1959)
• It is an offence to sell, hire or lend material that is obscene
• This includes publishing or downloading pornographic or other offensive material from the web
Telecommunications Act (1984)
• It is an offence to transmit messages over telecommunications systems (including computer networks) of an obscene, slanderous, threatening or annoying nature
• This INCLUDES the contents of e-mail
Theft Act (1968)
The following are ILLEGAL
• Hacking
• Intentional introduction of viruses
• Giving someone unauthorised access (which includes giving away your password): It is NOT your account to lend to others. Actions of another whilst using your account are YOUR responsibility.
• Downloading/storing material that is obscene Downloading illegal copies of software
• Sending messages of an obscene, slanderous, threatening nature
• Installation of unlicensed software
These explanations are intended to be a guide as to how the acts relate to your use of the computing or network facilities and are not a legal interpretation of those acts.
Disciplinary Action Procedures
• Verbal Warning
• Formal written warning (recorded for future reference) to the user and his/her parents/guardians
• Withdrawal of user account
Damage to equipment: Any purposeful or wilful damage (be this at a physical or software level) to or theft of equipment will be charged for at the current rate. Theft of equipment of any kind takes money away from that available to improve facilities within the school.
It is in your own interest, and the interest of other students within the school, that the computer equipment is treated with utmost respect. Damage to or theft of equipment will cause hassle to you and to others.
I have read this policy and agree to follow it. I understand that disciplinary action may be taken and my Internet access may be removed if I misuse e-mail, or the Internet and my parents/guardian will be informed.
