GIIF Policies

These guidelines for lab usage are intended to supplement any existing campus-wide protocols with respect to proper use of computing resources for the College of Natural Resources. These policies are subject to change without notice.

General Policies
Data Storage
Printing
New User Accounts

General Policies

1. Access to the computers or computer-related equipment in the GIIF is reserved for registered users. Those with disabilities will be given priority in terms of lab accommodations and usage.

2. Computers are available only during hours of operation and when no room reservations are scheduled. Worskhops held in the Facility will take precedence over indiviual work and research. See the workshop schedule for specific times of workshops. Computers are available on a first come first serve basis.

3. Food and drinks are only permitted in designated areas in the Facility away from equipment. They must also be in containers with closed lids. Under no circumstance may food or drinks be placed beside computer equipment.

4. Typical users do not have the ability to alter hardware or software settings (including web-browser plug-ins). Computers can be configured accordingly on an as-needed basis. Users who have suggestions/requests for such changes should contact Abe Hendricks, GIIF Computer Resource Specialist (ahendric@nature.berkeley.edu).

5. Each account is assigned to a single individual, who is responsible for all computer usage under that account. Sharing computer accounts is not permitted.

6. Using the Facility for any personal or business practices consistutes a non-UC usage and is subject to non-UC fees.

7. All computer users must log off after they have finished with the computer. This is to protect your account. Users who fail to comply may have their accounts disabled until they contact the CRS. To respect the privacy of other users; log off any user who fails to do so before using a particular workstation.

8. Users are to clean up the area around the computer they used as they leave. This includes returning your chair to the proper workstation.

9. All equipment in the GIIF is not to be removed, modified, relocated, or disassembled.

10. Problems with computer lab equipment are to be reported to the GIIF personnel immediately.

11. Please refrain from: using cell phones, using lab phone to make or receive personal calls, viewing offensive content via the web (including explicit emails), or conducting large meetings that disrupts the working environment of others.

12. Printer maintenance/assistance should be left to CRS. Request help when needed.

13. Reproduction of any copyrighted material (eg. software, music, video, books, photographs, etc) is prohibited.

Data Storage

Unless you have entered into a storage agreement with the GIIF, the Facility is NOT responsible for any data stored on the server/workstations. It is highly recommended that all users back up their data on CD or other portable storage devices. The GIIF can backup up data on the network drive to DVDs, provided that the user supplies the media. Typical users will only have write/modify access to folders on C:\Workspace\ and thier home folder, located at C:\Documents and Settings\'username'. Users may also store data on the shared netowork drive, which is mapped as Z:\ under Z:\giif\'username'. Please read README.txt files stored on shared drive folders for more info. Do NOT work from the data stored on the Z: drive, only use shared drive to store/retrieve data. Data stored on individual workstations and the server will be deleted when user's account expires. It is users responsibility to back up your data before then. The GIIF regards files in your account and data on the network as private, however, the CRS reserves the right to access, view, or scan any file or software stored on individual workstations and/or the server, for the purposes such as the overall computer/server maintenance.

Printing

Printing on both the HP LaserJet4650dn and the HP 4000 large-format plotter is possible with prior arrangement with GIIF personnel. Users will need print credits in order to send a print job to the HP LaserJet 4650dn printer. To obtain print credits, contact CRS. Users can check their 'print balance' by double clicking the $ symbol in the system tray. The 42" plotter can only be accessed by CRS. See Abe Hendricks for all inquires.

New User Accounts

All computers in the lab are joined to Calnet Active Directory domain. See http://calnet.berkeley.edu for more information. All GIIF users will have a username which they will use to login to the CAMPUS domain. The option for the CAMPUS is selected via the drop-down menu captioned 'log on to:' Your username will start with an exclamation mark (aka bang symbol), giving you a distinguished username for CalNet’s Active Directory. For example, user John Doe may be !jdoe. You will be given a temporary password. Be sure to change your password immediately!