Guidelines for DPMMS computer users

This document describes what constitutes acceptable use of the DPMMS computers and network. It also describes the rights and responsibilities of users with respect to privacy. The document is deliberately brief, in the hope that it will be read: links are given to further details.

Conditions of use

It is a condition of use of the DPMMS computer services that users abide by the guidelines described here.

All users of DPMMS computer services agree to observe the current Rules and conditions relating to network use of the University Computing Service.

The Personnel Division of the University Offices also offers guidance on the acceptable use of computer facilites by University staff.

In general, users should act sensibly, being aware that

  • the computers are intended for bona fide academic work
  • a limited and reasonable amount of use for personal purposes is acceptable
  • users should be vigilant in maintaining network security, such as by choosing appropriate passwords and keeping them secret
  • any attempt to hack or to breach security constitutes misuse
  • the transfer and/or storage of illegal or offensive material is not permitted and might result in legal action
  • users are responsible for ensuring that laptops, where connected to the departmental network, conform to all guidelines for proper use

Privacy

Information held on DPMMS machines is regarded as prima facie confidential unless it is obviously intended for unrestricted dissemination. In general, no-one should attempt to access confidential information, even if it is easy to do so (such as when a file is unprotected).

At the same time, users should be aware that it is not possible to fully safeguard the privacy of material stored by users on DPMMS machines, and its protection is the user's responsibility. This applies in particular to personal data, for which users are responsible under the Data Protection Act.

The University offers advice for staff and students about their rights and responsibilities regarding data protection.

It is important that users are aware that UK legislation allows the interception of network traffic without consent for purposes such as recording evidence of transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance, detecting crime or unauthorized use, and ensuring the efficient operation of University communications systems.

Those responsible for the management of the DPMMS system may, in the course of their duties, need to bypass normal protection mechanisms in order to access user files or jobs, either to trace a system problem, or to monitor possible system abuse.

The system passwords are known to the Departmental Computer Officers and to the Chairman of the Computer Committee.

Logged data

As well as the logs made of traffic on the departmental web site, as described in the privacy policy referred to on our home page, some internal information, of the following kinds, is also routinely logged for system administration and bug tracking purposes:

  • login and logout times and places
  • incoming and outgoing mail messages (including sender/receiver/time but not subject/content)
  • POP/IMAP requests for remote mail access

Outgoing web requests are not logged by DPMMS but might be logged by the University Cache.