OVERVIEW

The Alabama Research and Educational Network (AREN) is a statewide network administered by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority (ASA). The purpose of this policy is to provide a definition for acceptable use by authorized users of AREN and to indicate recommended action if the policy is violated.

In those cases when information is transmitted across regional networks or Internet, AREN users are advised that acceptable use policies of those networks apply and may limit access.

ASA PRIMARY GOALS

The Alabama Supercomputer Authority has been established to:

• enhance university research in Alabama;
• attract and support high technology industry;
• expand knowledge and use of computational science.

AREN ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

All use of AREN must be consistent with AREN's primary goals.

AREN is for the use of individuals legitimately affiliated with member organizations, to facilitate the exchange of information consistent with the academic, educational and research purposes of it's member organizations.

It is not acceptable to use AREN for illegal purposes.

It is not acceptable to use AREN to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials.

Access to INTERNET is provided through a AREN statewide contract with a regional network provider. The contract allows AREN to grant access to INTERNET to any governmental, educational, and industrial entity through AREN. Charges may be assessed by AREN to facilitate network connectivity. Reselling of the INTERNET connectivity and services is prohibited.

It is not acceptable to use AREN to interfere with or disrupt network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, disruption by unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms or viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network.

VIOLATION OF POLICY

All organizations authorized to access AREN are responsible for informing their users of this acceptable use policy. All uses of AREN are required to follow the acceptable use guidelines, both in letter and spirit.

AREN reserves the right to monitor and review all traffic on AREN for potential violations of this policy that are not promptly remedied by individuals and member institutions may result in termination of access to AREN.

Final authority for the determination of violation of the AREN Acceptable Use Policy and subsequent penalty rests with the ASA Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of member representatives to contact ASA, in writing, regarding questions of interpretation. Until such issues are resolved, questionable use should be considered "not acceptable".