Rules on Computing in the Department

The use of computers in the Department is governed by various Departmental Rules, approved by the Department Council, covering:

• General guidelines on acceptable use (all users should read at least this);
• Use of Electronic Mail;
• Network rules which apply to all systems attached to the Department's network.
• Production of Web pages and running a Web server;
• Restrictions on access to the Teaching System, eg during timetabled classes;

The Department's computer systems are also covered by the University's rules and by national rules and laws:

• University Information Strategy and Services Syndicate Rules (and useful guidelines from the Computing Service based on these);
• Rules governing the use of the University's Data Network (the CUDN);
• The use of the national network JANET.
• The Data Protection Act - contact the Department's Data Protection Officer (dpa-officer) for details of registering use in the Department.
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. Note in this context that the Department's arrangements for interception of communications are detailed here.
• Copyright Rules.
• Software Licensing and Licence Record Keeping.
• There are also Computing Service rules and guidelines on many of these topics as applied to their systems.

The Information Strategy and Services Syndicate has a disciplinary procedure; minor misuse of the Department's systems may also be punished by a system of fixed penalty fines.

Note that the University has a policy on "whistle-blowing" which you may find helpful if you become aware of someone else misusing our computer systems.