Helpful Guidelines

1. Copyrighted files

   File sharing programs like KaZaa, Bearshare, Gnutella, etc allow you to download all of the music you want. However the problem with this is that almost all of the files you download are illegal. They are copyrighted materials that you do not own the rights to use. Many of the programs also open a server on your computer, which shares any files that you have on your computer. Providing copyrighted materials to people who do not hold the rights to use them is illegal. There have been many lawsuits lately on the behalf of the copyright holders by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). They are tracking down people who are sharing files and taking them to court. We strongly recommend you do not use these programs. If you decide to use them and are identified by the RIAA as sharing files IT Network Engineering will contact you. This contact could eventually result in termination of service, University disciplinary action, and or federal legal charges.

2. Personal Firewall

   Firewalls are software (or hardware) that protect your computer from outside attack by limiting the ways another computer can connect to yours. This limitation allows you to specify how another computer can connect and thus limits the ways they can attack you. EMU has a firewall in place for all of ResNet, but your computer may still be vulnerable to other ResNet computers.

   IT strongly recommends that you install a personal firewall on your computer. WindowsXP, Linux, and Mac OS X come with firewalls built in. If you are using one of these operating systems we recommend you activate it. If you are not using one of these systems we recommend you download one of the free packages available on the web. Some examples are Zone Alarm, McAffee Personal Security center, and a few others. These products will take a little configuration, but they will make your computer much more secure, and in the long run make your life much easier.

3. Ad-Ware/Spyware removal program

   Spyware/Adware are little programs that get installed on your computer when you install programs that have them bundeled together. Things like KaZaa, Bonzai Buddy, etc are programs that install other programs that you aren't aware of. These programs can cause lots of pop-ups to open, redirect you to websites, or other things.

   IT recommends you install a spyware/adware blocker/removal tool. This will remove any spyware that gets installed on your computer. A great free application that does this is Ad-Aware by lavasoft. IT doesn't provide direct support for these programs, but they will keep your computer running healthier if you keep them updated and running.