These include large and small systems, communication networks and personal computers as well associated software, files, and data. Although computers affect how we communicate and interact with each other, computers do not change underlying societal values and established individual rights with respect to personal privacy and ownership of property. Computing facilities are also recognized as community resources. Each computer user, therefore, is expected to act responsibly in order to protect the rights of others and to use computing facilities appropriately.
Computers are tools intended to help people in their work, learning, and research efforts.
Like other tools, computing equipment and associated software, files, and data belong to someone, either to an individual, an organization, or the Institute and, as such, are private property. The nature of one's access to and use of Rensselaer's computing facilities is determined by an individual's relationship to the Institute. It is each computer user's responsibility to find out about particular conditions of use and to obtain required authorization in advance of any use. Using or attempting to use computing facilities without authorization is not acceptable behavior. Attempting to modify system hardware or software without the permission of the system administrator.