Computing Rules of the Road for Civil Engineering Grad Students

The UW-owned computer on your desk represents a large investment in hardware, software, and maintenance. The network the computer connects to contains millions of dollars of research data. Your faculty adviser provides the computer for instructional and research work, not for your recreation or to break University and Federal laws.

Applies to All Computers Additional Rules for CEE-Owned Computers
  • Don't tamper with the network.
    • Only Civil IT or CAE has the authority to grant you network access. No "do-it-yourselfing allowed." Examples: typing in network addresses yourself; adding network cards to CEE-owned computers.
      • Penalties for "do-it-yourselfing" include suspension of your CAE account and shutting the network off to the entire room.
    • Leave the network hardware (hubs, switches, routers, cables) alone. Don't add new items. Examples: routers you brought from home, items you found sitting in the hallway or a SWAP pile. If you need network equipment repaired or upgraded, contact Civil IT.
    • Don't move or route cables meant for laptops where the cables can get pinched, cut, roasted, or otherwise damaged. Examples: under desks, heavy furniture, against sharp edges, across radiators, under desks where winter slush may collect.
  • Secure the computer.
    • Log off the computer if you walk away from your desk. You can also press Control+Alt+Del then click Lock Workstation on CEE-owned machines.
    • NEVER post a written password at your desk, share your password, or login to your account then let someone else use the computer.
    • Backup research and important data every week, or store your files in your CAE-provided disk space.
  • Keep your computer updated.*
    • Install, run, and regularly update antivirus software. Symantec Antivirus is available free through the DoIT website.
    • Regularly update your computer's software to get the latest security patches. Examples: Windows - run Windows Update; Mac - run Mac updates; Microsoft Office - Office updates; browsers (such as Internet Explorer, Firefox).

    * UW security may kick your computer off the network if your computer does not comply with this rule.
  • Keep the box closed.
    • Never open the computer case of a CEE-owned computer. For repairs or upgrades, contact Civil IT.
  • Stay within the bounds of your computer account.  The computer has been setup for ease of maintenance and to comply with University rules. Don't tamper with any of the following:
    • The computer's operating system software. Examples: reloading or upgrading the operating system; loading any operating system not licensed to the UW, particularly foreign-language and illegal bootleg copies; changing to a different operating system such as Linux; loading a server operating system such as Windows Server 2003, loading FTP or web server software. If your computer needs the operating system reloaded, contact Civil IT.
    • Security settings for any user accounts on the computer, including your own. This includes changing the password of a computer account other than your own.
    • Security settings for the computer itself. Examples: turning off or making exceptions to the Windows firewall; sharing out the computer or hard drive; running filesharing software such as Kazaa. If you need to safely share data, or need to change the firewall settings, contact Civil IT.
    • Antivirus software. Examples: removing Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition and loading antivirus software you downloaded off the Internet.
    • Damaging data by erasing the hard drive.
    • Removing Novell or NAL (Novell Application Launcher) software.

Note: These campus computing policies also apply to you:

CAE Computer Use Guidelines:

http://www.cae.wisc.edu/site/public/?title=caepolicies

CoE Policy on Electronic Devices Connected to the UW-Madison College of Engineering Network:

http://www.engr.wisc.edu/computing/security.html

DoIT Information Technology Policies:

http://www.doit.wisc.edu/security/policies/appropriate_use.asp

DoIT Policy on Electronic Devices Connected to the UW-Madison Network:

http://www.doit.wisc.edu/security/policies/electronic_devices.asp