UNIX Account Policies

Please note: It is against policy on all CS Department computer systems for anyone to use another person's account (even with his or her permission). Furthermore, excessive use of IRC or running BOTS is not allowed.

Who can have an account?

Accounts on the Computer Science Department unix server are available to:

Computer Science majors
Computer Science minors
Students taking certain Computer Science classes which require the use of UNIX
Students sponsored by a faculty member of the Computer Science department or by the system administrator
Staff sponsored by a faculty member of the Computer Science department or by the system administrator

Accounts issued to students majoring in Computer Science are automatically renewed as long as the student remains in the major. Account expirations are set just enough in the future so that a student can skip one semester and return to school without having the account disappear.

Accounts issued to other students require renewal.

Students who graduate from the Computer Science program have about a half year before the account expires. During that time they should arrange for an ISP and move any files they are interested in keeping.

How do I get an account?

To obtain an account, you must present a current SSU student ID to the system administrator. No accounts will be given out over the phone or by e-mail.

What can I use my account for?

You can use your account for anything you want, as long as it does not violate any laws or cause problems. The system administrator is empowered to take actions to stop you, should you choose to ignore this rule. For minor problems, staff will send you an e-mail message asking you to stop. For major problems, your account could be turned off; you can appeal any such actions to the CS Department faculty.

What actions are 'causing problems'?

All of the following are considered to be inapropriate actions:

Harrassing other computer users, here or elsewhere.
Interfering with the normal operation of our computers by software actions (damaging the Operating System, system cracking,etc.) or by physical action (rebooting machines without approval).
Interfering with other users by interrupting or impeding their use of the computer systems.
Using excessive amounts of diskspace.
Violating other users' privacy.
Illegal activity (cracking into remote sites, sending chain letters, sending email threats, etc.).
Harrassing SSU faculty, staff or students.

We will generally give you the benefit of the doubt, unless we feel you are intentionally causing problems. Extreme infractions can be dealt with by immediate account deactivation by the system administrator if he feels it warranted.

Asking staff questions or for help is not harrassing them. That's part of their job.

If you have any questions about user policies, send mail to the system administrator. The system administrator generally handles enforcement, while the CS deptartment faculty make policy.

Other behaviour may also qualify as causing problems. You will be notified if the system administrator feels you are causing a problem. If you feel you are being treated unfairly by the system administrator, then send mail to the department chair. explaining your position.

Can I get my quota increased?

There are physical limitations (hard disks don't have infinite space) so we run 'quotas'. If you need more disk space than you are currently allotted, you can usually get more if you give us a good reason.

[SSU Home Page] [SSU CS Department] [ CS Dept webmaster ] 09/15/01.