Peer-to-peer file sharing is a method of transferring files among computers via the Internet. While there can be legitimate uses of this technology, it is primarily utilized for illegally distributing copyrighted music, movies, and software.
Peer-to-peer file sharing is not illegal, unless the files shared are copyrighted and you don’t have permission of the copyright holder to share them. Our Guidelines for the Use of Computing Resources at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and University of Nebraska Executive Memorandum No. 16 both prohibit the use of electronic communications to violate the property rights of authors and copyright owners.
Your Internet access privileges can be disabled for several reasons:
- Long-term use of excessive bandwidth
- Unusual computer behavior that may be attributable to viruses or spyware
- Sending spam
- Peer-to-peer file sharing
- Violation of our Guidelines for the Use of Information Technology Resources at the University of Nebraska at Kearney
When ITS disables your network connection, you will receive a network message on your computer through our Network Access Control (NAC) device instructing you to contact the Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology at 865-8950. You can also contact the ITS Helpdesk at 865-8363 for additional information.
Contact the Office of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology at 865-8950. You will be required to meet with the Assistant Vice Chancellor to have your network access restored.
The first time your Internet access is disabled for p2p file sharing, you must meet with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology and you will be asked to remove the offending software and illegal files. When you do so, your Internet access will be restored. If your Internet access is disabled a second time, you will asked to allow the ITS Helpdesk to assist you in removing the p2p software before your network access is restored. Subsequent incidents will be referred to the Student Conduct Officer and network access is restored upon his/her request.
If you’re on our residence hall network, our Network Access Control device will inform you that it has found a p2p application on your computer. A partial list of the more common p2p applications follows:
- Ares
- BitTorrent
- Gnutella
- KaZaA
- Limewire
- Morpheus
Instructions for uninstalling p2p applications are found at this web site. In addition, the ITS Helpdesk, located in Otto Olsen 115, will provide assistance.
Office of Information Technology Services, 114 Otto Olsen Bldg, (308) 865-8950
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