Staff and students at Østfold College (Høgskolen i Østfold), HIOF have access to computer equipment which they can use for practical work in courses they teach or attends. The equipment includes computers, printers, storage units, the local network and software, in addition to national and international communication channels.

HIOF regards the use of this equipment as a privilege, not a right. Equipment and legal users will be protected through restrictions aimed at users who abuse this privilege.

This document describes the general principles which HIOF expects users to follow when using the college's electronic data processing equipment. All questions regarding interpretation of these principles can be directed to the IT-staff at HIOF.

In addition, there are supplementary rules which apply to specific conditions. Users must follow the specific rules given in the course catalog, on the notice board or by e-mail.

Proper use of computer equipment
The computer equipment at HIOF can only be used in activities related to teaching, research and studies. The equipment can not be used for commercial purposes or for activities wich are not related to work done at HIOF.

Privacy, security and identification
Staff and students at HIOF will be registered as users of the computer system and recieve user account with passwords. It is the registered user's responibility to make sure that unauthorised use of accounts and passwords does not occur. Gaining unauthorised access to computer resourses by using another person's accounts is strictly prohibited. Access to other user's data, software and storage area is also strictly prohibited, without explicit permission from that user. Students should be able to show legal identification in the form of a valid student matriculation card whenever they are using college computer equipment. Users are not allowed to operate anonymously, or to use a false name or pseudonym when using electronic mail or other communication services.

Abuse of computer equipment
Acess to computers and communication resources is limited. All users are responsible for ensuring that resources are beeing used effectively, ethically and legally.

The use of computer resources for educational purposes has top priority. The use of resources for games and other private activities must stop immediately when resources are needed.

The communication systems at HIOF gives access to a world wide information network. You have right to say or write whatever you like to whoever you like, but HIOF is not obligated to offer equipment to do so. Everything that is sent via the college must be identified with a name and a reference to the college, and you are personally responsible for ensuring that the content of all your correspondence is not offensive and/or libellous. The use off computer equipment that involves ressources outside the college should be limited, and the equipment must not be used for personal leisure actvities. Access to international communication ressources is a privilege, and users at the college should not abuse the trust they are shown.

Using computers with integrity
Computers with software are complex, students are not allowed to make changes without explicit permission from the staff. It is absolutely prohibited to dismantle equipment, remove parts, insert new parts, change computer and/or program configurations, or remove equipment from its location. Everybody should be observant and help prevent theft by following the rules applying to access to buildings and the use of equipment.

Ownership
All users must observe the restrictions pending on software and/or data. These restrictions are due to copyright laws, licence agreements and other agreements. Unauthorised copying of software and data is not allowed. HIOF has ownership rights over all software and computer equipment developed by students using the college's data resources and/or the college network.

Disciplinary action
When a breach or suspicion of breach of the above principles is discovered, disciplinary action will be instigated. When the college, through the authority of the leader of the IT system mananger finds it necessary, disciplinary action will be taken in co-operation with the department involved. Warnings will be given in connection with minor infractions. In cases of repeated or serious breaches, user access will be restricted. In the most serious cases, students can be banned from using the college's computer rooms. HIOF, through the authority of the system manager, reserve the right, without advance warning, to control, inspect, change or remove any data file or system resource which undermines authorised use of the computer equipment. Any attempt to prevent the system manager's access to system resources will be considered as unauthorised use. The college disclaims any responsibility for any losses incurred as a consequence of work aimed at maintaining the integrity of the system. Any serious breach of security agreement or abuse will be reported to the police. This also applies to abuse which indicts the college economically or in terms of responsibility.

Norwegian law
All use of computer resources must comply with Norwegian law.

Supplementary rules

• The exchange of chain letters using the college network is not allowed.
• The retrieval, storage and distrubution of information in conflict with Norwegian law is not allowed.
• Electronic mail is a tool for communication between people. Electronic mail which is sent to large groups should not be used as a channel for discussion or other exchanges of opinion.
• Users are requested to orient themselves about college activities by frequently reading electronic mail and college information pages. A lot of important information will be distributed in electronic form only.
• The computer equipment and network at HIOF should not be used for political purposes, with the exception of normal student political activity.
• The college rules for publication on the world wide web must be followed.
• IRC boots are not allowed on the HIOF's equipment.
• Port scanning must not be done without a written agreement.
• E-mail may only be relayed through the college official e-mail server.
• You are not allowed to set up wireless access points on campus. This  includes Ad-Hoc (Peer-to-Peer) networks on your PC/Mac.
  

Declaration

Rules for the use of Key cards

1. The card is for personal use only.
2. The PIN code is private and is not to be announced to others.
3.  Report immediately to the student reception in case of loss of card.
4.  Individuals without a valid key card have no access.
5.  If you allow trespassers to enter you will be held responsible for his or her acts.