The following is a copy of a very rough draft laptop policy from September 2004. I don't think we ever did anything specific with it, fir for future reference...
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The [org] has A [brand and model] laptops available for [specify] use in room B of [building], plus a limited number of other laptops reserved for [org] staff use, but which have also occasionally helped absorb overflow demand for [blah].
This policy applies primarily to the [brand and model] laptops but could also apply to any staff laptop used within or outside the [org] for [blah] purposes. Note that all such laptop use assumes the active participation of a [org] staff member who can keep an eye on the laptops. These laptops should never be checked out to end-users nor left unsupervised in an unlocked room.
Classes normally take place at [place]. While various [org] staff teach these classes, laptop configurations will remain the responsibility of the [org] IT department.
Software Configuration:
Consistent, reliable performance of these laptops depends on the use of a standard configuration and on minimizing unauthorized changes to that configuration over time. I.S. will periodically update the standard configuration to meet evolving needs. We try to include any licensed, standard software that will typically be needed in classes. We do not include unlicensed or clearly extraneous software.
If there is a software package that an instructor believes should become part of the standard configuration, that is paid for (or free) and can be legally installed on ALL our laptops, and that we can realistically support in addition to other software in the image, we can try to add that to the next configuration (with adequate advance notice).
Software to be used beyond our standard configuration must be first approved and installed by the [org] IT department. All software to be added, either to the
standard configuration or ad hoc, must bear proof that it can be legally installed. Unapproved software and all user data will be removed without notice as laptops are patched, upon reconfiguration, or sooner depending on needs and staffing. Never leave user data on a laptop.
If any laptops sport multi-boot configurations to load a choice of operating systems (e.g. Windows and Linux) the maintenance procedures may differ but the principles remain the same for any operating systems or software
package: it must be legal, approved, installed by IT.
Our latest [abrand and model] configurations include (at least):
Windows XP sp2 with most of the common accessories,
recent patches, and a "Windows Classic" layout/style
Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0.2
ActiveState ActivePerl 5.8
Microsoft Word 2003
Microsoft Excel 2003
Microsoft PowerPoint 2003
Mozilla FireFox (recent version) with Macromedia patches
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3
Symantec Antivirus 9 (with automatic updates)
WinSCP 3 (mostly for software maintenance)
This list is subject to revision without notice, but we will try to maintain a good list of included software. Some or all laptops may also feature SuSE Linux or Fedora Core with all included free components loaded in a dual-boot configuration.
Hardware Configuration:
Each [bradn and model] includes the following....
Liability:
When laptops are in [building] or otherwise under the care of [org] staff, the [org] is responsible for them. When any laptop is in use [other org or individual]
the [other org or individual] assumes all responsibility for the laptop.
Staff members and users from all departments agree not to install software, alter system hardware or software configurations, or otherwise violate the [larger org] guidelines for acceptable use. Any files or programs saved on the laptops will be deleted. The [org] is not responsible for damage to patron’s personal disks, for loss of data, or for files left on a laptop’s hard drive.
Scheduling:
Well in advance of any given class, the staff member planning a class should...
Maintenance:
Aside from periodic reconfigurations, patches to Windows and Symantec Antivirus should be automatic. IT will regularly check the laptops to see that these are being patched, to patch anti-spyware software as well, and to scan for problems and remove any non-standard data or applications. Please direct any
maintenance support questions to [org] IT staff.
User Responsibilities (very rough)...
The following provisions describe conduct prohibited under these guidelines:
1. Altering system software or hardware configurations without authorization, or disrupting or interfering with the delivery or administration of computer resources.
2. Attempting to access or accessing another's account, private files, or e-mail without the owner's permission; or misrepresenting oneself as another individual.
3. Installing, copying, distributing or using software in violation of: copyright and/or software agreements; applicable state and federal laws; or [larger org] standards
4. Using computing resources to engage in conduct which interferes with others' use of shared computer resources and/or the activities of other users, including studying, teaching, research, and University administration.
5. Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes without written authorization from the [larger org].
6. Failing to adhere to individual departmental or unit lab and system policies, procedures, and protocols.
7. Allowing access to computer resources by unauthorized users.
8. Using computer resources for illegal activities. Criminal and illegal use may include obscenity, child pornography, threats, harassment, copyright infringement, defamation, theft, and unauthorized access.
Composed in September 2004, Revised xxxx
I think consistency is amongst the most important things for making a name for your body...whether it's consistency in how often you blog page, comment, connect with people today, etc. It's all related to consistency.
Posted by: Reyes Riefer at January 15, 2011 1:08 AM