COMPUTER AND INTERNET POLICY

Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Rules for Appropriate Use of Computers and Internet Resources
(Appropriate Use Policy)

Many computers at the DeBakey High School for Health Professions will allow you to connect through the Houston Independent School District wide area network to the World Wide Web and other Internet resources around the world. Use of these computer resources requires responsibility and maturity. In general, you are not to use these computer facilities to harm or offend others, do not harm the equipment, and do not use them to steal software or data for which you have not paid.

Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Do not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Do not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Do not snoop around in other people's files.
4. Do not use a computer to steal.
5. Do not use a computer to bear false witness (lie about someone).
6. Do not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
7. Do not use other people's computer resources without authorization.
8. Do no plagiarize other people's intellectual output.
9. Think about the consequences of the program or information you write.
10. Use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

Internet Guidelines

The Internet is not a single network; rather, it is thousands of individual networks, which have chosen to allow traffic to pass among them. The traffic sent out to the Internet may actually traverse several different networks before it reaches its destination. Therefore, users involved in this networking must be aware of the load placed on other participating networks.
It is essential for each user on the network to recognize his/her responsibility in having access to vast services, sites, systems, and people. The user is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing network services.
Students have a responsibility to other users of the network to be as knowledgeable as possible, and to have researched a subject before asking questions. Use of the networks is not to be considered a substitute for doing one's own research, but can be a valuable addition to one's research base.

As a user of the network, you may be allowed to access other networks (and the computer systems attached to those networks). Each network has its own set of policies and procedures. Actions, which are routinely allowed on one network, may be controlled, or even forbidden, on other networks. It is the user’s responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks. Remember, the fact that a user can perform a particular action does not imply that he/she should take that action.

The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct could include (but not be limited to):

• the placing of unlawful information on a system

• the use of abusive or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages

• the sending of messages that is likely to result in the loss of recipients' work or systems

• the sending of "chain letters" or broadcast" messages to lists or individuals, and any other types of use which would cause congestion of the networks or otherwise interfere with the work of others.

• bringing into the school setting, via the network, any obscene or objectionable material (which would not be allowed in printed form), or the use of school network facilities to access such material.

• knowingly placing a virus onto any computer. Remember, it is the user’s responsibility to scan any and all diskettes that are placed into a disk drive.

To the student:

My signature on the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Student/Parent Guide (prior to the table of contents) signifies that I have read the Rules for Appropriate Use of Computers and Internet Resources. I understand it, and I agree to follow the rules listed here. I understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, I may lose all computer and network privileges at DeBakey High School for Health Professions, and be subject to other school disciplinary and/or legal action. I will also be subject to review for exit from DHSHP.

To the Parent/Guardian:

My signature on the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Student/Parent Guide (prior to the table of contents) signifies that I have read the Rules for Appropriate Use of Computers and Internet Resources. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I realize that the DeBakey High School for Health Professions cannot restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold them responsible for material my child acquired from the network. I understand that my child’s behavior is his/her responsibility and, if necessary, any and all disciplinary and legal action will be taken to preserve the integrity, usefulness, and effectiveness of the networks provided. I have read these rules and discussed them with my child. We understand these rules and I give my approval for my child to have access to the electronic resources provided at DHSHP. I understand that the Houston Independent School District and the DeBakey High School for Health Professions are relieved of any and all liabilities that could result from any unauthorized use of the network by my child.