Standard

Administrative

Procedure

(SAP)

Effective Date:

September 1, 2007

SAP No.:

24.99.99.T1.17

Rev. No./Date

New

Page 1 of 2

Issuing Dept:

Information

Resources

Approval:

SAP: Use of Peer-to-Peer Sharing Software

Supplements University Rule 24.99.99.T1

1. GENERAL

This Standard Administrative Procedure (SAP) describes requirements related to the appropriate use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software. As an institution of higher education, Tarleton State University permits use of all software of this type, as long as the software is appropriately licensed, and its use does not violate any University rules or procedures, System policies or regulations, or Federal/State laws. Generally, P2P software should be used only for legitimate University business. However as with other software, brief and occasional personal use of P2P software is allowable if such use is in accordance with the rule for incidental use (University Rule 24.99.99.T2 – Incidental Computer Use). Use of P2P file-sharing software may require special attention by individual users in order to prevent the unintended and inappropriate distribution of files.

2. APPLICABILITY

This Standard Administrative Procedure (SAP) applies to all individually or University owned computing systems attached to the Tarleton State University network. The intended audience includes all University network users.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 Peer-to-Peer File (P2P) Sharing Software: computer software, other than computer and network operating systems, that has as its primary function the capability of allowing the computer on which the software is used to designate files available for transmission to another computer using the software, to transmit files directly to another computer using the software, and to request transmission of files from another computer using the software.

3.2 University Network User: anyone owning and/or responsible for the operation of a computer attached to the Tarleton State University network.

4. PROCEDURES

4.1 Any University network user using P2P file sharing software should be thoroughly familiar with the proper use, options and default settings of the particular P2P program. The user must ensure that the P2P program configuration does not allow automatic/unintended file sharing.

4.2 Insecurely configured file sharing programs may be cause for removal of network access from the hosting computer. This includes, but is not limited to, Windows file sharing with no password and other systems with unauthenticated and/or unrestricted uploading and/or downloading capabilities.

4.3 For instances in which the department is the owner-custodian or custodian of a system using P2P software, the department is responsible for ensuring compliance with this procedure.

4.4 Any violation or inappropriate use of P2P file sharing software shall be reported in accordance with Electronic Information Resource Complaints (Rule 24.99.99.T3).

CONTACT: Executive Director of Information Resources

OFFICE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Department of Information Resources