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Computer Policy for the Chemistry Department

  • Windows and Mac computers coming onto the network must have the necessary anti-virus programs installed upon them, have the latest updates and have the system set up to automatically update the system software and the virus definitions.

    • Instructions to complete this step

  • All computers will have the strictest firewall definition possible while maintaining the full functionality of the machine necessary for the users' work.
  • Before going on the network all computers will be registered in the Department's computer database maintained by Margaret Doll. The user should email Margaret Doll with the type and model of the computer they are using, the computer's operating system, the room in which it will be used, and the ethernet id on macs or the hardware/physical address of the ethernet card on a Windows or unix computer.
  • Before going on the network all Windows and Mac computers will be checked out by Departmental Computer Coordinator, Carol DeFeciani, to see that they have met the first three requirements. Unix computers other than Macs will be checked out by the other Computer Coordinator, Margaret Doll.
  • System managers, those having admin privileges, of any system must be qualified to manage their system, must take the responsibility to ensure that the system is in working order and free of programs that are detrimental to the network. System managers must also ensure that their systems are not downloading and distributing illegal software, music, games and videos. System managers take full responsibility for their system. If the system is broken, the system manager fixes the system.
  • Undergraduates/summer students will not be given administrative privileges as they usually do not have the background in system management and they will not be around long enough to ensure the smooth operation of the system for a long period of time.
  • Departmental computers will be repaired by Departmental Computer Coordinator, Carol DeFeciani and/or Margaret Doll under the following guidelines:

    • DCCs are responsible for the upkeep of departmentally owned computers
      • in faculty and staff offices
      • that have gone home with faculty or staff members. Work will be done on the computers only when the computers are returned to the department.
      • in labs where the Administrative account is solely in control of the DCCs.

    • DCCs are NOT responsible for any
      • privately owned computers
      • any departmental computer in a lab where Administrative privileges have been given to a student.

  • Hardware repair of student computers should be sent to the Brown bookstore. Software repair for student computers should be sent to the Help Desk . Departmental Computer Coordinators, Carol DeFeciani and Margaret Doll, are available for help on student computers only as time permits.
  • Read http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/CIS/policy/ to understand the computing policies at Brown University. http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/CIS/policy/aup_eg.html gives examples of acceptable use of computers at Brown.
  • Read Computing Graduate Handbook documentation for the Chemistry Dept.
  • Read Departmental Computer Security Statement
Margaret Doll 10-2011