This Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory’s (NLD’s) computer usage policy outlines the guidelines for properly using its computers and the University of Rhode Island’s (URI’s) network and internet.
This policy aims to avoid inappropriate, illegal, and unauthorized use of NLD’s computing equipment and information technology and to avoid jeopardizing the NLD’s reputation and security.
These guidelines apply to all graduate and undergraduate students working in the NLD and other individuals like collaborators, interns, and those who have access to the NLD’s network and computing facilities.
Proper Computer, Email, and Internet Usage
All NLD personnel are expected to use computer devices, the internet, and URI’s computer networks to work on their research-project- and coursework-related tasks. They use the email system and social media only for NLD-related purposes.
All NLD computer users are expected to:
- Use secure passwords and keep their user ID information private.
- Not give their computer login information to others or grant them unauthorized access to the NLD’s computer system.
Abuse of Policy and Inappropriate Computer Usage
The laboratory personnel should not use the NLD’s computers to:
- Install or use unlicensed or pirated software.
- Download or upload illegal files or spread illegally copyrighted materials.
- Send confidential information to unauthorized user accounts.
- Invade others’ privacy, corporate accounts, and email communication.
- Visit unsafe websites that can crash the system or spread a virus in the URI’s network.
- Engage in hacking activities, steal personal or financial information, mine cryptocurrencies, buy/sell illegal goods.
- Turn off the computer’s firewalls or antivirus programs without a system administrator or a manager’s permission.
Monitoring
The URI has the right to monitor regularly all electronic communication channels that happen on URI computing devices. These include email accounts and other forms of communication and data sharing that occur on URI computers.
NLD personnel should not assume that the communication on these devices is exclusively private and should not transmit private messages or personal data.
Security
NLD personnel should not give their authorized access information to users without proper authorization. They shouldn’t try to obtain other colleagues’ password information, hack into other networks, or engage in other activities that jeopardize the NLD’s system security.
Consequences for Being Non-Compliant
NLD personnel who violate this computer usage policy will face disciplinary action.
A warning will follow minor violations. However, depending on the severity of the violation, the research associates/students can face termination of their employment/expulsion from URI and other legal actions.
Examples of severe violations are:
- The usage of computer devices to engage in any illegal activity, which includes but is not limited to the installation and use of unlicensed or pirated software.
- Activities that spread malware like viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
- Spreading discriminatory, offensive, or harassing messages. There’s a zero-tolerance policy on any harassing and discriminatory communication associated with the NLD.
Guidelines for the Lab Workstations
To prevent the misuse of illegal and unlicensed software in the NLD:
- Each computer/workstation should be used by only one researcher or student at a time, who may or may not be granted administrator access by the lab director.
- The student should report any changes to the installed software packages on the NDL workstations to the laboratory director.
How to Obtain Access to the Bulk-Licenses
To get access to the URI’s enterprise licenses or bulk licenses, the NDL member should consult Mr. Alfred Speredelozzi, the ECC (Engineering Computer Center) manager, or Jim Byrnes, the MCISE (Mechanical Industrial and Systems Engineering) department technician, see Contacts section. URI also provides common software licenses widely used in NDL research projects, e.g., MATLAB, Wolfram Mathematica, Microsoft 365; see the links provided by the ECC for more details. Also, some commonly used software packages regarding finite element analysis and engineering graphing are licensed to the Mechanical Engineering department.
Wolfram Alpha Pro Educator Version (Register using URI email address for free access to the wolfram alpha advanced functionalities)
MS Office 365 (Log in with URI account for free access)
What if the Needed Software is not Included in the Bulk-License Pool?
If the software is not included in any above-mentioned sources, please consult professor David Chelidze or the MCISE department chair. Their and other important contacts are:
Dr. David Chelidze — Professor and Director of Nonlinear Dynamics Laboratory
Dr. Carl-Ernst Rousseau — Professor and Department Chair
Alfred Speredelozzi — ECC Computing Services Manager
James Byrnes — Technician, MCISE
