Guidelines for all Users of Horbury School Network

Access to the school network will be provided for you to carry out recognised school work only, but only on the understanding that you agree to follow these guidelines. These guidelines apply to both pupils and staff.

Computer (file) storage areas will be treated as school property. ICT staff may look at files and communications to ensure that the system is being used responsibly. Users should not expect that their work and emails would always be private. You should also be aware that a member of the ICT staff can view your computer screen at any time from anywhere on the school network without you knowing about it.

• Users are responsible for good behaviour on the network just as they are in a classroom or a school corridor. General school rules apply.
• Eating, drinking, grooming, and the use of aerosol sprays are not considered to be suitable activities in any classroom. Near a computer they may cause serious damage and are strictly prohibited.
• Please do not spend too long sending/receiving email messages - someone else is usually waiting to use the computer. You should not waste valuable resource time sending trivial emails to another person in the school, or to anyone else for that matter.
• Important work files must be copied to your own floppy disk in case you accidentally damage them or delete them from the network server.
• If a "virus alert" occurs when transferring work files from a floppy disk please inform a member of the ICT staff immediately.
• Do not use another person's password. If doing shared work you must keep a copy of the work on your own floppy disk in case your partner is absent from school.
• Do not reveal your password to anyone. If you think someone has learned your password then change it immediately.
• Change your password at regular intervals; at least once a term and using a minimum of six characters.
• Do not trespass in others' folders, work or files.
• The unauthorised access or use of personal information, contrary to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, is not permitted.
• Intentional damage to computers, computer systems or computer networks, including unauthorised damage or interference to any files is not permitted and may be considered a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
• Programs must not be installed on a computer except by a qualified technician. Do not bring in programs on a floppy disk or download them from the Internet.
• Games must not be loaded, played or used on any computer unless used for authorised training or teaching purposes.
• The unauthorised copying of software, contrary to the provisions of the Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988, is not permitted.
• The installing, copying or transmitting of obscene material is not permitted and may be considered a criminal offence under the Obscene Publications Act 1959/1964.
• Computer equipment should not be taken off-site without formal authorisation.
• A computer should not be switched off during the school day unless it has completely locked up or is unlikely to be used again that day.
• Always make sure that you have completely logged off the computer before leaving it unattended.
• Please leave the computer and the surroundings as you find them.

Sanctions

1. Violations of the above rules will result in a temporary or permanent ban on your use of the school network.

2. Additional disciplinary action may be added in line with existing practice on inappropriate language or behaviour.

3. When applicable, police or local authorities may be involved.

   Adapted from IT Security & Privacy Guidelines for Users, Oxfordshire County Council © 1997