User's+Guide

**User's Guide **

**Important rules and guidelines for the use of computers in our school **

**Internet Safety **
 * 1) I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parent's work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.
 * 2) I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
 * 3) I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.
 * 4) I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
 * 5) I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way makes me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.
 * 6)  I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of the day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

 For more information, go to Internet Safety and Appropriate Use

**Privacy and Security** To ensure student safety, students must sign an acceptable use policy that promises they will:
 * Never accesses inappropriate sites. Never use technology without the necessary training and permission.
 * Never use technology to harm or embarrass others.
 * <span style="color: #800080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Never use technology to violate another person’s privacy.
 * <span style="color: #800080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Never use technology for illegal purposes.
 * <span style="color: #800080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Never alter or damage software or system configurations.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> For more information, go to Privacy and Security.

<span style="color: red; display: block; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">**Software Piracy ** Software piracy is the unauthorized use of software. It includes the illegal duplication of copyrighted software or the installation of copyrighted software on more computers than authorized under terms of the software license agreement. (Encarta). Be sure you understand the licensing agreement for any and all software you are using. In general, you may expect the following: • When you purchase software, you are not purchasing the copyright for it, only the right to use it. • Most licensing agreements allow you to install the software on one computer and make one backup copy. • Use on additional machines will require an additional license. • The software used in the school is licensed only for the computers on which it is installed. You may not make copies for personal use. • If caught, you face a fine up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison, according to federal sentencing guidelines.

For more information, go to Copyright Concerns

<span style="color: #ff0000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">**<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt;">Plagiarism ** The following are examples of plagiarism:
 * to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
 * to use (another's production) without crediting the source
 * to commit literary theft
 * to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

Consequences of plagiarism: At the discretion of the teacher, students guilty of plagiarism may suffer any of the following: 1. Failure of the plagiarized assignment 2. Failure of the semester 3. Other disciplinary action (suspension, expulsion, etc.)

For more information, go to Copyright Concerns

<span style="color: #ff0000; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">**<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt;">Viruses and Spyware **


 * The best way to protect your computer and yourself from these programs is to use a virus and spyware removing software.
 * These programs can either be purchased or downloaded for free from reputable sites.
 * Both programs have their benefits, in either free or purchased; it is based on user preference.
 * Both programs are easy to install and use.
 * Another way to make sure your computer is covered for future infections is to have the most up to date information on the viruses and spyware programs.
 * Most antiviral software and anti-spyware programs have an automatic update option to insure that your computer is protected
 * It is wise to do a manual update every week due to the number of viruses and spyware programs created each week.

For more information, go to Computer Viruses and Spyware