The University relies heavily upon these systems to meet operational, financial, educational and informational needs. It is essential that these systems be protected from misuse and unauthorized access. It is also essential that Appalachian's computers, computer systems, and computer networks, as well as the data they store and process, be operated and maintained in a secure environment and in a responsible manner. This policy applies to all University computer systems and refers to all hardware, data, software and communications networks associated with these computers. In addition to this computer policy, users of these computer systems are subject to applicable state and federal laws.
Computing resources are valuable, and their abuse can have a far-reaching negative impact.
Computer abuse affects everyone who uses computing facilities. The same morality and ethical behavior that applies in the non-computing environment applies in the computing environment. Computer Networks Computer networks include any local or wide area communications systems connecting computer systems as defined above. Network Backbone Network backbone consists of the primary communications media which connects small networks and individual terminals, microcomputers, workstations etc. Local Area Networking Media Local area networking media may consist of copper wire, fiber optic cable, thin or thick wire cable which is used to connect one terminal, microcomputer, workstation, etc. to another or to network interface equipment.