Preamble

This Acceptable Use Policy is a usage regulation in terms of chapter 3.3(4) of the EDV-Ordnung (EDP Use Policy) for the Vienna University of Technology (ratified by the Academic Senate on January 21, 1991).

TUnet is the data communication infra-structure at the Vienna University of Technology, Austria. TUnet serves the objectives of the Vienna University of Technology as defined in the Austrian University Organization Act (Universitätsorganisationsgesetz, UOG) and the university's future statute, in particular research and education.

Definitions

The following definitions apply to the terms used in this document:

TU Wien

denotes the Vienna University of Technology with its organizational units, affiliated research institutes and inter-university institutions.

EDV-Zentrum (Computer Center)

is the operator of the network-, communications- and computer infra-structure for information- and data-processing. In UOG 1993 the term Zentraler Informatikdienst supersedes the term EDV-Zentrum.

Service

includes any service provided or distributed by the EDV-Zentrum.

Use

signifies the utilization of services provided or distributed by the EDV-Zentrum, of communication facilities (e.g. lines, equipment) operated, rented or owned by the EDV-Zentrum, of software operated or maintained by the EDV-Zentrum and of all information made available.

User

refers to an end-user.

Messages (Nachrichten)

is used in terms of the Austrian Telecommunications Act (Fernmeldegesetz, FG) 1993, §2(1), i.e. information destined for humans or machines. Messages include information of any kind, like characters, signals, text, graphics or sound-waves.

1. Acceptable Use

1.1 If a use is consistent with the objectives of TU Wien the activities necessary for that use are considered acceptable. Thus, for instance, the administrative traffic related to the management of the infra-structure needed for education and research is acceptable.

1.2 The EDV-Zentrum decides, if necessary, whether a particular use is not consistent with the objectives of TU Wien. Court of second instance is the Academic Senate (according to UOG 1975) or the Rector (according to UOG 1993).

1.3 Use by for-profit institutions within the limits of a research project of TU Wien or for maintenance activities for TU Wien is acceptable.

2. Unacceptable Use

Examples for unacceptable use are:

2.1 Use for commercial purposes by for-profit institutions is subject to authorization.

2.2 Excessive use for private purposes or personal business is not acceptable.

2.3 Use is not acceptable, if it hinders other users or service providers or if it interferes with the proper functioning of the services of TUnet or its partner networks.

2.4 Use aiming at the pursuit of an illegal activity or at the acquirement of unauthorized access to systems, software, services or information is not acceptable.

2.5 TUnet and its services must not be used in transit between third-party networks unless written authorization has been granted by the EDV-Zentrum.

2.6 Any transmission of messages offending public order, security or morals, or violating applicable law (FG 1993, §16(2) 1) is not acceptable.

2.7 Use that causes severe annoyance or intimidation of other users (FG 1993, §16(2) 2) is not acceptable.

2.8 Commercial advertising is forbidden. Discussion of a product's advantages and disadvantages by users is acceptable. Vendors may respond to questions about their products as long as the responses are not in the nature of advertising.

3. Responsibilities of the User

3.1 If a user resorts to a service of TUnet in order to gain access to a third-party network or service, then the user must also comply to the regulations of that network and any intermediate network.

3.2 A user may be held responsible and made liable for all damage caused to TUnet, its services or those of third parties in consequence of his use. The EDV-Zentrum reserves the right to interrupt connection to a user or a user's institution in case that unacceptable use is detected.

3.3 The user commits to cooperate with the EDV-Zentrum and organizations collaborating with the EDV-Zentrum in investigating incidents of unacceptable use or damage.

3.4 The user shall promote efficient use in order to minimize and possibly avoid congestion of TUnet and its services.

3.5 The user shall not perform any manipulations of TUnet and its equipment.

3.6 In order to enable proper functioning of a device connected to TUnet, net-relevant data of the device must be registered at the EDV-Zentrum prior to the connection. Network names, addresses and authorizations necessary for the operation are assigned by the EDV-Zentrum.

3.7 Maintenance and installation of hardware or software in the liability of a user that might affect the operation of the network are allowed only at specific hours announced by the EDV-Zentrum.

3.8 The user himself is responsible for the financing, installation and regular maintenance of all components connected to the TUnet wall-socket (interface, software, cable, computer).

4. Responsibilities of the EDV-Zentrum (Zentraler Informatikdienst)

4.1 The EDV-Zentrum, within the limits of its financial and personnel possibilities, strives for the best possible quality of the services offered.

4.2 The EDV-Zentrum explicitly denies all liability for direct or indirect damage.

In case of contradiction between different language versions of this document, only the German version is relevant.

Adopted unanimously by the EDV-Benutzerbeirat on November 7, 1994.

Ratified by the Academic Senate of the Vienna University of Technology on December 12, 1994.

TU Wien, IT Solutions
Operngasse 11 | 1040 Wien