My.ResNET

• ResNET Home

About

• ResNET Overview
• Acceptable Use
• Service Guidelines

Connecting

• Registration
• Min. Requirements
• Ethernet
  • All Computers
• Wireless
  • Mac OS X
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
• ResNET Labs
• Video Game Systems

Downloads

• McAfee VirusScan
  • Win XP/Vista
  • Mac OS X

Help

• Help FAQ
• Internet 101
• Disabling Filesharing

Student Resources

• UWW Homepage
• Residence Life
• WINS
• UWW E-Mail System
• Student Affairs
• Desire 2 Learn
• UWW Library Catalog
• ROAD
• Campus Directory

Disable File Sharing

Statement About Peer to Peer Applications

Over the last few years a number of "peer to peer" applications have been developed that allow users to participate in a file sharing "community". These programs allow users to search the network for files that may interest them, and to bring those files to their own computers. This downloading generally is not a problem for ResNET although it puts users at risk if they are found to possess copyrighted materials they have not legally obtained.

Many of these programs automatically share files from the user's computer to other users worldwide if the user does not take specific actions to prevent this. The traffic this generates can easily cause problems for other users of ResNET. Users can also find themselves in legal trouble with copyright holders or may have their internet disabled for violation the ResNET acceptable use policy. Therefore, all ResNET users should disable sharing if they decide to use any peer to peer applications.

Federal law requires that the University take action when notified that someone on its network is distributing copyrighted materials. If you are using one of these applications you should consider removing it from your system. If you choose not to remove the application, you should ensure that your system is set to prevent the application from acting as a provider of unlicensed material to other users.

Another thing to be aware of is users who use these programs are receptive to viruses and spyware software. It is recommended that users of these programs have anti-virus software installed on their machine and keep it up to date. Anti-virus products offer a free way to automatically update the software to detect new viruses. Also, users should avoid installing any applications that ask your permission to install while you are using another application. These programs are considered spyware and record what you do on your machine. They also have the ability to spread viruses.

For more information please contact us via E-mail or by calling 472-3233.

^ Top