ACM - Penn College Chapter

Join ACM

ACM is a critically acclaimed national organization, that has their hands in all the cutting edge technology of the day. By joining the PCT ACM Student Cha pter you too are taking a step forward in the industry and adding a valuable asset to your portfolio, as well as the many skills gained by joining the organiz ation. Members are given many oppurtunities not available to the general college community. By joining up with ACM you will be supplementing your education as well as affiliating yourself with the leading organization dealing with computing machinery!

Though a student membership in the national chapter of ACM does cost money, entrance to our student chapter is entirely free! All active members regardless of national membership or not, will recieve all the benefits our chapter has to offer. However, to have a voting seat in the chapter you must be an active me mber in the national ACM chapter. We reimburse half of any member's national dues, so long as they are a contributing member to our chapter! Once enrolled in the national chapter you then not only have access to our local resources, but the national resources as well (which contains hundreds of papers, documents, a nd interactive lessons)! More information on national membership can be found HERE

If your field involves any sortof of computing machinery, or even if you just have an interest in any aspect of it, ACM is the right place for you!

Joining is as easy as just showing up to one of the weekly meetings (Thursday's 3:30p.m. - ATHS E208), or e-mailing one o f the executive officers!

ACM offers services to the college community. One of these services is use of our server! Here are some of the advantages of using the ACM server:

Personal Shell account on the ACM Server

Access to services hosted on the ACM Server

If you would like to take advantage of these services you must agree to the following documents below:

ACM Acceptable Use Policy

                                                    Article II: Purpose

                                A. To promote a greater use of Free and Open Source technologies, and philosophies by Penn College students and staff.

                                B. To promote further understanding and use of Linux and other Unix based systems, development, and concepts

                    - Blatantly ripped from ACM's Constitution

cout << Hello World!

Hello, howdy, and welcome to the ACM Club server's acceptable use policy. This document has been created to inform you, the ACM member of the practices and actions that are acceptable (and unacceptable) on ACM's server. As this server has been built, maintained, and tucked into bed at night by the hardworking folks of the ACM server team, and as the writer of this document is a huge fan of blatantly ripping off ideas from other open source projects, the server will follow the (slightly modified) 2 Rules from the documentation of the Perl language:

            1. The server team is always by definition right about how the server and it's users should behave. This means they have final veto power on anything and everything involving the server (with the exception of any activities that tread on college policy or federal/state/local law).

            2. The server team is allowed to change it's mind about any matter at a later date, regardless of whether they previously invoked Rule 1.

            Got that? The server team is always right, even when they were wrong.

These two rules supersede anything else stated in this document. Anything written after these two laws is merely a clarification and is subject to change at any time without warning (including this statement that you are reading right this very instant!). That being said, the general spirit of the server team will always be one of benevolence oligarchy, where those with the power of life and death on the server (ie those members of the server team with sudoer accounts) will work tirelessly for the benefit of all.

So what's the deal here?

Members of the club may use the server for school related and most personal purposes. Access to and use of the server must comply with all federal/state/local laws as well as all college and ACM regulations (even ones you don't like). Misuse of the server will can result in a variety of sanctions which are completely up to the server team including temporary server bans, permanent server bans, revocation of ACM membership, us calling you foul names, and, in the case of any law-breaking, possible criminal charges. By logging into the server, you agree to fully comply with this Acceptable Use Policy.

Members are responsible for all activities involving their login account. This includes but is not limited to any and all files in one's home or public_html folder, anything stored in an associated database or revision control repository, any network traffic sent to or from one's processes, any messages sent from one's email account, and any other activity that originates from the users account. Therefore, it is probably an exceptionally bad idea to give your account information to anyone else, unless you would like the server team to introduce you to a large board with a nail in it.

This server is a resource that is shared by all members of ACM. Any activity which causes denial of service to admins or other users is hereby decreed to be 'bad' and may result in any of the sanctions mentioned above.

What kind of privacy can I expect?

            Users should not assume or expect any right of privacy with respect to the College�s IT resources. Although the College does not seek to monitor the communication of its employees or students, system administrators may access or examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, that have been corrupted or damaged, or that may threaten the integrity of the College�s computer systems. In addition, files, e-mail, access logs, and any other electronic records may be subject to search under court order.

            - Blatantly ripped from Penn College's AUP

We of the ACM server team feel that users of this server should have a reasonable right to privacy. Notice that a 'reasonable' right does not equal an 'unlimited' right to privacy. The group will not harbor anyone using the server for nefarious purposes (hacking, cracking, scanning, you know the drill), no violation of intellectual property laws will be allowed (store your mp3's, moviez, warez, and pr0n somewhere else), and no activities will be tolerated that have the potential to sully the group's (hopefully) good name.

There are certain circumstances under which an administrator will need to peruse a user's files. Specifically, if there is a question about a user utilizing the server in an appropriate manner or if there is a performance issue being caused by a program run by or a file stored by a user. In this case, a user has a right to be informed that their files have been accessed (unless the server team has a specific reason not to inform that user, such as by court injunction or college demand, do remember that all college policy supersedes anything stated here). The user will receive an email stating when their files were accessed, who accessed them, what specifically was accessed, and why they were accessed. A note will be made on the server log of the event and, most likely, the user will be contacted by the server team directly to discuss the whole situation.

Users of the system can expect their files to be regularly accessed by a series of automated scripts designed to inform the server team of any possible problems. These scripts are designed to tell the server team only what they need to know in order to keep the server running in top form.

These same principles apply to network traffic to and from the server. We will be monitoring for things such as bit torrent, the many myriad file sharing protocols, excessive ftp traffic, and any other odd traffic coming to and from the server. PLEASE NOTE THAT INSTALLING A TOR ENDPOINT OR CLIENT SERVER IS SPECIFICALLY BANNED. The reason for this is that anything and everything can come out of a tor endpoint and only God himself knows where this type of traffic originates. Since God currently isn't on the server team, this would leave the group open to possible issues due to the currently dubious legal standing of tor endpoints and we do not want to deal with the ramifications of such a system. The client side portion of the system is banned for similar reasons.

How do I avoid receiving 400,000 nasty emails from the server team in the space of 12 seconds?

Since several things have been mentioned as being explicitly banned, here is a list of specific activities which will most likely have dire consequences:

1. Breaking the server - Intentionally breaking the server without permission of the entire server team will at the very least earn you a temporary ban. The server team is rather overworked and does not like getting phone calls at 2:00 am telling them that the server is broken. Accidentally breaking something on the server will be a judgment call, it depends on how foolish the error was. If you accidentally break the server by finding an error in the installation we will most likely actually be rather happy with you, provided you send us a discrete email to inform us as to what is not functioning correctly. Emailing everyone on the server telling them of a way to break the server and cause havoc does not qualify as a 'discrete email.'

2. Doing something that causes the server team to receive nasty emails from Jim Cunningham, Doctor Gilmore, or the FBI - You are not the one. The server team does not care what sort of 1337 skills you may think you have. Using the server to break into other machines will easily earn you a permanent ban, as well as a visit from the FBI. None of us enjoy having to appear in court (especially since a few of us have been there more times than is comfortable). Also, in the eyes of the server team Ethical Hacking == Cracking. If you feel the need, feel free to participate in such activities on someone else's equipment, but not ours.

3. Installing banned software - On the club's website, there is a page with a listing of all software that has been specifically banned from installation onto the server. For example, one piece of software which has been banned from inception has been tor. Usually, a piece of software is banned because it has no legitimate use in this particular environment, it has been known to cause the server team problems, it is known to use too many resources, it has the potential to cause the club legal problems (such as in the case of tor). This list is generally not arbitrary and will usually have specific reasons listed for why a software package is banned. The server's monitoring scripts may scan for names or md5's of these banned programs (or they may not). ##remind me to put irc bots on this page

4. Storing pornography or material that violates intellectual property laws - We have no desire to go up to bat against the RIAA/MPAA for you. If we find any of these materials we will immediately remove them and most likely ban you. Also, we will most likely have to inform the college and Penn College police. Such activities are already covered by the college's AUP and by other sections of this AUP. Don't do it, it's just foolish.

Wow, you guys are really uptight.

We really really really wish that this document was unnecessary. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Please keep in mind that the members of the server team work exceptionally hard to make this resource available to you. We try to keep the server as well as the club an interesting place to learn and hang out. If you have any ideas as to how to make this resource better for yourself, for us, or for the other users please feel free to contact anyone on the server team or to schedule time in our committee meetings (providing of course that we are meeting in committee!). Also, if there are any services or software packages that you would like to see on the server or anything you would like to see changed please contact us and we can most likely fix the situation. Apt-cache search <package name or search string> is a great way to find software that we can easily install that would suit your needs (whatever they may be). If you are having a problem connecting to the server or using any of the available resources, join the irc channel or email/call a member of the server team and they will most likely be more than willing to spend time with you to try and mitigate the problem. We hope this document has been informative and invite comments on how to make it better.

I agree

ITS Acceptable Use Policy

                                The Penn College Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) promotes the efficient, ethical, and lawful use of Penn College's information technology resources. The College's computing systems, networks, and associated facilities are intended to support the College's mission and to enhance the educational environment. Any use of these resources deemed inconsistent with the mission and purpose of the College will be considered a violation of this policy.

Scope

This policy applies to anyone who uses the College's information technology (IT) resources. The resources covered by this policy include, but are not limited to: computer hardware and software, telephone and data networks, and electronically stored data. Use of these resources includes access from off campus and on campus, as well as access from privately owned PCs and laptops.

[top of page]

Rights and Responsibilities

Employees and students may use College-owned IT resources for instructional, research, or administrative purposes. Access to and use of the Penn College IT resources and the Internet shall comply with federal laws, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the rules and regulations of the College. Misuse of these resources may result in criminal charges. By using Penn College's IT resources, all users agree to the rules, regulations, and guidelines contained in this Acceptable Use Policy.

Computers and networks provide access to resources on- and off-campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a revocable privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. This AUP is intended to supplement College Policy and does not release users from compliance with any existing policies that address ethical issues such as harassment, academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.

The College's computers and networks are shared resources, for use by all employees and students. Any activity that inhibits or interferes with the use of these resources by others is not permitted. The College will ensure reasonable use by monitoring access logs, traffic data, and network utilization.

Users are responsible for all activities to and from their network accounts. Users must take every precaution to protect logins and passwords. Under no circumstances should a user allow someone else to share a network or e-mail account.

Users should not assume or expect any right of privacy with respect to the College's IT resources. Although the College does not seek to monitor the communication of its employees or students, system administrators may access or examine files or accounts that are suspected of unauthorized use or misuse, that have been corrupted or damaged, or that may threaten the integrity of the College's computer systems. In addition, files, e-mail, access logs, and any other electronic records may be subject to search under court order.

[top of page]

Prohibited Use of Information Technology Resources

It is a violation of this policy to:

    1) Intentionally and without authorization, access, modify, damage, destroy, copy, disclose, or take possession of all or part of any computer, computer system, network, software, data file, program, or database. This includes:

       1.

          Gaining access by willfully exceeding the limits of authorization
       2.

          Attempting (even if unsuccessful) to gain unauthorized access through fraudulent means
       3.

          Gaining access by using another person's name, password, access codes, or personal identification
       4. Attempting (even if unsuccessful) to gain unauthorized access by circumventing system security, uncovering security loopholes, or guessing passwords/access codes

    2) Give or publish a password, identifying code, personal identification number or other confidential information about a computer, computer system, network or e-mail account, or database

    3) Install any software on computer systems in the computer labs, unless authorized by a member of the lab staff or a faculty member

    4) Transfer copyrighted materials to or from any system, or via the College network, without the express consent of the owner of the copyrighted material. (See section entitled �File Sharing and Copyright Infringement.�)

    5) Provide outside access to College-developed or commercially-obtained network resources

    6) Use any College IT resource for commercial, political, or illegal purposes, or for harassment of any kind

    7) Display obscene, lewd, or otherwise offensive images or text

    8) Intentionally or negligently use computing resources in such a manner as to cause congestion and performance degradation of the network

[top of page]

Provisions for Private Computers Connected to the College Network

The following apply to anyone connecting a private computer to the College network via the College Housing network (ResNet), wireless LAN connection, dial-up network connection, or a regular network connection in an office.

    1) The owner of the computer is responsible for the behavior of all users on the computer, and all network traffic to and from the computer, whether or not the owner knowingly generates the traffic.

    2) A private computer connected to the network may not be used to provide network access for anyone who is not authorized to use the College systems. The private computer may not be used as a router or bridge between the College network and external networks, such as those of an Internet Service Provider.

    3) Should the ITS staff have any reason to believe that a private computer connected to the College network is using the resources inappropriately, network traffic to and from that computer will be monitored. If justified, the system will be disconnected from the network, and action taken with the appropriate authorities.

    4) Any residential student, with an authorized network account, may use the in-room RESNET connection for scholarly purposes, for official College business, and for personal use, so long as the usage: (1) does not violate any law or this policy, (2) does not involve extraordinarily high utilization of College resources or substantially interfere with the performance of the College network, and (3) does not result in commercial gain or profit.

    5) Due to the possibility of a breach in the College's computer network security, students are not permitted to connect a computer to ResNet and an external Internet Service Provider AT THE SAME TIME. Students who prefer to use an external ISP must notify ITS prior to connecting to the external ISP network.

    6) Users are responsible for the security and integrity of their systems. In cases where a computer is "hacked into," it is recommended that the system be either shut down or be removed from the campus network as soon as possible to localize any potential damage and to stop the attack from spreading.  If you suspect electronic intrusion or hacking of your system and would like assistance, contact ITS (x7329) immediately.

    7) The following types of servers should never be connected to the College network: DNS, DHCP, BOOTP, WINS, or any other server that manages network addresses.

[top of page]

Electronic Mail

The College e-mail system is not a private secure communications medium. As such, e-mail users cannot expect privacy. By using the College e-mail system, each user acknowledges:

    1) The use of electronic mail is a privilege not a right. E-mail is for college communication, research, or campus business. Transmitting certain types of communications is expressly forbidden. This includes messages containing chain letters, pyramids, urban legends, and alarming hoaxes; vulgar, obscene or sexually explicit language; threatening or offensive content; derogatory, defamatory, sexual, or other harassment; and discriminatory communication of any kind. As with other information technology resources, the use of e-mail for commercial or political purposes is strictly prohibited.

    2) Under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, tampering with e-mail, interfering with the delivery of e-mail, and using e-mail for criminal purposes may be felony offenses, requiring the disclosure of messages to law enforcement or other third parties without notification.

    3) E-mail messages should be transmitted only to those individuals who have a need to receive them. Distribution lists should be constructed and used carefully. E-mail distribution lists should be kept current and updated regularly. Inappropriate mass mailing is forbidden. This includes multiple mailings to newsgroups, mailing lists, or individuals (e.g. "spamming," "flooding," or "bombing").

    4) All users of the College e-mail system waive any right to privacy in e-mail messages and consent to the access and disclosure of e-mail messages by authorized College personnel. Accordingly, the College reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of e-mail messages on a need-to-know basis. Users should recognize that under some circumstances, as a result of investigations, subpoenas, or lawsuits, the College might be required by law to disclose the contents of e-mail communications.

[top of page]

File Sharing and Copyright Infringement

Federal copyright law applies to all forms of information, including electronic communications. Members of the College community should be aware that copyright infringement includes the unauthorized copying, displaying, and/or distributing of copyrighted material. All such works, including those available electronically, should be considered protected by copyright law unless specifically stated otherwise.

Penn College complies with all provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Any use of the Penn College network, e-mail system, or Web site to transfer copyrighted material including, but not limited to, software, text, images, audio, and video is strictly prohibited. Therefore, the use of popular file sharing programs such as KaZaA, Morpheus, iMesh, etc. is, in most cases, a violation of College policy and federal law.

Anyone using College IT resources to commit acts of copyright infringement will be subject to the College's due process. Acts of piracy are violations of state and federal laws, and as such, may result in criminal charges. Suspected infringement of the DMCA should be reported to the College's DMCA Agent at extension 8036.

[top of page]

Reporting Violations of IT Acceptable Use Regulations

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy should be reported immediately to the Chief Technology Officer, Student and Administrative Services Center, Room 2072 (extension 8036). The College will make every effort to maintain confidentiality to the extent possible consistent with other obligations.

[top of page]

Disciplinary Action

Violations of these regulations will result in the appropriate disciplinary action, which may include loss of computing privileges, suspension, termination, or expulsion from the College, and legal action.

Pennsylvania Law

It is a violation of Pennsylvania law to access, alter, or damage any computer system, network, software or database, or any part thereof, with the intent to interrupt the normal functioning of an organization. It is also unlawful to knowingly and without authorization, disclose a password to any computer system, network, or to gain unauthorized access to a computer or to interfere with the operation of a computer, network, or to alter, without authorization, any computer software. Violations of these sections of the law are punishable with up to $15,000 fine and seven years imprisonment. Disclosing a password to a computer system, network, etc., knowingly and without authorization, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.

[top of page]

Indemnification/Liability Statement

Pennsylvania College of Technology makes absolutely no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, for the Internet services it provides. The College will not be responsible for any damages suffered by users including, but not limited to, any loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, user errors, or service interruptions.

The College is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet services, including e-mail. Users assume responsibility for any damages suffered as a result of information obtained through these sources.

The user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Pennsylvania College of Technology, the Board of Directors, and College employees from and against any claim, lawsuit, cause of action, damage judgment, loss, expense, or liability resulting from any claim, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or related to the use of the college's hardware, software, and network facilities. This indemnity shall include, without limitation, those claims based on trademark or service mark infringement, trade name infringement, copyright infringement, defamation, unlawful discrimination or harassment, rights of publicity, and invasion of privacy.

I agree

Penn College's ACM Club helps students become more involved on campus and around the community. The members come together weekly to discuss topics and deliver computer science news to each other. In addition to the weekly meetings, we hold bi-weekly LAN parties and once a semester we sponser a BYOC Lan Party. The ACM club meets every Thursday at 3:30pm in ATHS E208. PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO FALL BYOC THIS YEAR. We are planning now for the spring BYOC, and plan to make it the best yet.