Residential Computing

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the data capacity of a network pathway. Because bandwidth is a resource shared by all users, Residential Computing applies a weekly bandwidth limit for everyone on our network (for both wired and wireless connections).

If you live in the residence halls or single-student apartments, you are allotted a total of 20 gigabytes per week (including both uploads and downloads). Families living in University Village are allowed a total of 30 gigabytes per week (the week begins Monday at 12:01am).

This policy is in place to ensure Internet connectivity remains fast and reliable for all our customers. While using the Internet - either uploading or downloading data - you are using bandwidth to transfer this data. Abusing bandwidth refers to an individual taking up a excessively large share of the network's data capacity. When students on the residence hall network are streaming an inordinate amount of music and movie files, such as on Netflix or Hulu, the speed of the network may decrease for everyone.

When bandwidth use rises, so do bandwidth costs, and increased costs can lead to higher housing contract fees. Many people exceed bandwidth quotas using protocols like BitTorrent, which continues to upload to other users and use bandwidth long after you have finished downloading your files. While BitTorrent does have legitimate uses, it is commonly used to illegally download copyrighted material. Copyright violation is against the law and has resulted in students being forced to pay thousands of dollars as a result of legal action on behalf of the copyright holder.

Below are some examples of common online activities to show how much data can fit into 20 gigabytes of bandwidth:

For more in-depth information about ResComp's bandwidth policy, enforcement, and tips, please visit our Resources page, and check out our Bandwidth FAQ.

File Sharing & Copyright

The University takes copyright protection very seriously, and is obligated to comply with federal laws governing copyright, namely the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). Many scholars and artists rely on these regulations to protect their intellectual property.

Peer-to-peer file sharing applications are commonly used to share copyrighted material such as music, movies, software, and games. If you share copyrighted material without permission, you are breaking the law and could be subject to legal consequences. While ResComp does not monitor the content of residents' uploads and downloads, the entertainment industry actively looks for users who engage in the unlawful sharing of copyrighted material.

Residential Computing wants you to have an enjoyable and worry-free experience on the Internet. We're on your side! Please use legal alternatives to illegal downloading and do not violate copyright laws. There are many services to choose from, including Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon, or Pandora.

Please review our Appropriate Use Policy and be aware of our enforcement procedures.

Enforcement Procedures

If you have any questions or concerns regarding copyright enforcement, please email copyright@rescomp.berkeley.edu.

Minimum Security Requirements

Every device connected to the campus network, regardless of its operating system, must meet the University's computer security standards to avoid being blocked from the network. ResComp provides a free "Be Secure" software package to residents that makes it easy to meet these requirements, and RCCs are always available to help secure your computer.

Please review the security requirements below and keep in mind they are continually enforced in order to prevent network and data vulnerabilities.

1. Install antivirus software that updates virus definitions regularly

   The first security requirement is to have antivirus software. Antivirus software detects and eliminates malicious code from your computer. It protects your documents and media by keeping viruses from spreading between your computer and others. The Be Secure software package includes Symantec Endpoint Protection to meet this requirement. If you already have an antivirus program, you may opt out of installing Symantec.

2. Set a strong administrator password for your computer

   Some computers have blank passwords by default, giving hackers an easy way to compromise your device or access your data. Setting a strong administrator account password closes this common security hole. Be Secure will assist Windows users in setting up a password upon installation.

3. Have a personal firewall installed and running at all times

   It is a requirement that your computer have firewall software. A personal firewall protects your computer from potentially unwanted and harmful network traffic that can exploit security holes on your computer. Firewall software is included in Symantec Endpoint Protection for any Windows system. More recent operating systems (Windows Vista, Windows 7, OS X 10.5) have built-in firewall protection, but you still need to make sure that it is activated.

4. Enable automatic updates to get the latest software patches for your computer

   You will also need to enable automatic updates. This will protect your computer from the newest security vulnerabilities as they are discovered. Be Secure installs the most up-to-date Windows Service Pack for your system and also enables automatic updates.

For more information about computer and network security, visit rescomp.berkeley.edu/security or UC Berkeley's security site.

Appropriate Use Policy

Residential Computing Appropriate Use Policy 2009-2011

In support of UC Berkeley's mission of teaching, research, and public service, Residential Computing (ResComp) provides access to information resources, including computer networks and computer equipment to students living in the residence halls. Appropriate use of computing resources should always be legal and ethical, reflect academic honesty, uphold community standards, and prevent the over-consumption of shared resources such as network bandwidth. Appropriate use should demonstrate respect for intellectual property, ownership of data, system security mechanisms, and an individual's right to privacy and freedom from intimidation and harassment.

Residential Computing supports freedom of expression and an open environment to pursue scholarly inquiry. The open sharing of information is encouraged, supported, and protected. Residential Computing does not limit access to information due to its content when such information meets the standard of legality.

Students who connect to UC Berkeley's residential network must abide by the Appropriate Use Policy described here, as well as various campus computing policies such as the Computer Use Policy, Electronic Mail Policy, and Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices (see the campus IT Policy Office website). Students must also adhere to all relevant State and Federal laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. The use of Berkeley's technology resources is a privilege which may be revoked if users fail to comply with these policies.

You are responsible for:

• Registering for your connection

  Every computing device that connects to the residential network must be properly registered with Residential Computing and be properly configured for the network.

• All network activity originating from your computer and/or registered devices

  Every bit of information that comes from your computer, whether you generate it or not, is your responsibility.

• Protecting the privacy of your accounts

  Don't ever release your personal account information to friends, relatives, roommates, etc. Likewise, don't ever use a computer account that you are not authorized to use or obtain a password for a computer account not assigned to you.

• Ensuring the security and integrity of your system

  Your computer must meet the campus Minimum Security Standards for Networked Devices. Our security website at rescomp.berkeley.edu/security has been established to guide you through this process. In cases where a computer does not meet these standards, is compromised ('hacked into'), or is infected with a virus, we may temporarily disconnect your computer from the campus network to prevent an extension of the attack.

  Every effort will be made to inform you when such action is taken. You will be expected to follow instructions from Residential Computing staff for securing your machine so that it can be reconnected to the network as quickly as possible.

• Obeying copyright laws

  Sharing copyrighted material without permission is against the law. Popular file sharing applications make it easy to download and upload copyrighted music, movies, and software programs. Be aware that if you illegally share copyrighted material with others you will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

• Using network bandwidth responsibly

  Bandwidth is a shared resource. When a few residents use more than their fair share of bandwidth, they degrade network performance for everyone else and increase bandwidth costs for the network.

Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to:

• Using electronic mail to harass others.

• Using the campus network to gain unauthorized access to any computer systems or accounts.

• Violating copyright laws by sharing copyrighted material (songs, movies, software, etc.) with others without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.

• Using excessive bandwidth. "Excessive use" is defined as bandwidth consumption greater than 20 gigabytes a week per contracted resident in the residence halls, or 30 gigabytes a week per family in University Village.

• Attempting to bypass security systems.

• Knowingly performing an act that will interfere with the normal operation of computers, terminals, peripherals, or networks.

• Using ResComp resources for commercial purposes.

• Sending chain letters, spam, advertisements, or solicitations of any type; sending mass mailings to individuals who have not expressly agreed to be contacted in this manner.

• Masking the identity of an account or machine; assuming the identity of another network user without their permission.

• Posting materials that violate existing laws or the University's codes of conduct.

• Attempting to monitor or tamper with another resident's electronic communications, or reading, copying, changing, or deleting another resident's files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner.

• Modifying network wiring.

• Using IP addresses not specifically assigned by ResComp. Each member of the residential network is allowed only one IP address and may connect only one computer or device to the network at a time (with the exception of faculty and family housing).

• Failing to take standard precautions for securing your computer, including but not limited to: installing up-to-date security patches, setting strong administrator passwords, installing and keeping antivirus software up-to-date, running a personal firewall, and disabling unnecessary services such as DDNS.

• Knowingly running or installing on any computer system or network, or giving to another user, a program intended to damage or to place an excessive load on a computer system or network. This includes but is not limited to programs known as computer viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.

• Connecting DHCP servers to the public network.

• Maliciously using tools designed to check for computer system or network security vulnerabilities (commonly known as port scanning).

• Wasteful use of ResComp and/or computing resources, failure to comply with ResComp instructions for configuring equipment, and repeatedly engaging in activities that generate complaints to ResComp.

• Configuring or connecting equipment in such a way as to create a loop in the network.

• Initiating or allowing the occurrence of a level of network activity that causes serious degradation in the performance of the network.

Policy Enforcement and Possible Penalties

Minor infractions of these policies are generally resolved by Residential Computing staff. Repeated minor infractions or misconduct that is more serious will be referred to Residential and Family Living's conduct process and/or the Office of Student Conduct. Cases that involve violation of the law may be referred to the UC Police Department as well.

Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of network privileges, as well as other disciplinary action under Residential and Student Service Program guidelines, University regulations, and criminal prosecution under applicable statutes. Illegal reproduction of material protected by US Copyright Law is subject to civil damages and criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

In order to protect network integrity, Residential Computing reserves the right to temporarily disable the network connection of any device that we (or campus network management) identify as:

• a threat to the security of the network or devices on it
• the cause of a problem with the operation of the network or devices on it

ResComp staff will attempt to give advanced warning in these situations, but cannot guarantee any notification prior to disabling a network connection. ResComp staff will notify the device owner after disabling a connection and will inform the owner about the nature of the problem.

Information technologies change rapidly and updates to these policies may be made throughout the year. Residential Computing will widely distribute announcements of any policy changes that take affect during the academic year, but it is the responsibility of the user to remain informed of the policies posted at rescomp.berkeley.edu/policies. Anyone connected to the residential network is expected to abide by these policies at all times.

Network Security & Privacy

In an attempt to increase the overall security of the campus network, the Systems and Network Security (SNS) department monitors network data to and from your connection (visit their website at security.berkeley.edu). They perform this monitoring in order to try and protect users from viruses, hackers, and other malicious attempts to compromise the security of UC Berkeley's computing infrastructure. Please note that this is UC Berkeley campus-wide policy and this monitoring is not conducted by Residential Computing or our employees.

Privacy Statement

We encourage our users to be aware of privacy concerns on the network. Please visit our privacy policy here.

Liability Release

You must accept this liability release before an RCC is authorized to physically access your computer's hardware:

By accepting technical support from Residential Computing staff, I expressly waive all claims against Residential Computing and its agents for any damages to my computer system or data that are incidental to the technical support rendered by Residential Computing. I understand that technical support I receive from Residential Computing may void manufacturer warranties and I understand that Residential Computing offers no verbal or written warranty, either expressed or implied, regarding the success of this technical support. I understand that I have the right not to accept support from Residential Computing staff and to seek technical assistance elsewhere.

If you have questions about our policies, please contact the ResComp Helpdesk at helpdesk@rescomp.berkeley.edu.