Chemistry Department Networked Computer Policy

The following policies regulate the use of computers connected to the Chemistry Department network. Questions or concerns about these policies should be addressed to Computer and Electronic Services (the Electronics Shop) located in 136 Smith Hall (612-624-7007). You can also visit or email Bruce Moe (moe@chem.umn.edu) for further clarification. The purpose of these policies is to improve security and productivity.

1. Group computer liaison: The Electronics Shop has asked each group to name a person to be the group computer liaison (GCL). We will train the GCL's to provide a secure and productive computer environment for each group. Principal Investigators must inform the Electronics Shop of any changes in their group's GCL.
2. Software Updates: Updates or patches to programs and operating systems are common and need to be performed in a timely fashion upon their release. GCL's should look for new updates for their computer's software at least once a week and, if found, should install these patches immediately.
3. Antivirus Software: The University has a site license for Symantec antivirus. Obtain a copy at http://www1.umn.edu/adcs/software/security/. We will teach GCL's how to install and update this software on their group computers. All computers with supported operating systems used on the departmental network must have this software installed and regular updates must be performed. Computer systems should be scanned for viruses at least once/month.
4. Physical and Access Security: Labs and offices containing computers should be locked when unattended. The Electronics Shop will work with GCL's to install appropriate protection software. This software will safeguard the computer it is installed on plus the rest of the departmentally networked computers. GCL's will be responsible to forward password security procedures to the rest of their group.
5. Backup: All of the data that is important to you, your group or the department needs to be backed up. We recommend this be performed daily if possible. A backup should be taken off site at least once a month in the event your lab or office becomes compromised in some way. Central Computing Operations will do backups for a fee at: http://www1.umn.edu/cco/netbackup/. Obtain the approval of your supervisor or PI before signing up for this fee-based service. The Electronics Shop will train GCL's to understand the backup options so that they can select the most appropriate one for their group. Upon request the Electronics Shop will also train GCL's how to install and use backup software.
6. University wide policies: We encourage you to follow safe computing practices and abide by centrally created policies regarding computers on campus. These policies can be viewed at: http://www1.umn.edu/oit/policies/index.html. Periodic training sessions will be provided to teach GCL's these safe practices. GCL's should then spread this knowledge to others in their group.
7. System Users: People who are allowed access to computers on the Chemistry Department network are required to follow the acceptable use polcy set by the University. You can view this policy at: http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/groups/ppd/documents/policy/Acceptable_Use.cfm

(This policy includes statements on the illegal downloading of copyrighted materials such as music and movies using P2P software. The system administrator should limit the user level of others accessing their systems to the lowest possible level; they should not be allowed to operate at an administrator or root level.)

8. Initial and on-going training of GCL's will be provided at no cost. All other Electronic Shop services will be billed at their current rate.
9. In the rare and unexpected case that a group does not work constructively with the Electronics Shop, typically through the GCL, on issues affecting security, access to the departmental network may be denied.