CHAPTER 6

6.1 Time-sharing Computers

6.1.1 User Identification - UID

To use any of the computer services of the Computer Centre, you must have a User ID (UID, also known as account name or user name).  This UID will be used for all computer accounts with the Computer Centre.  However, your password for each service may be different.

The UID and email account name alias (email alias) chosen by a user should resemble his name.  The Computer Centre reserves the right to disapprove any UID or email alias.

UID's for students are created automatically while staff members can apply for their UID on-line at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/forms.htm from any of the networked PCs on the Campus Network.

To ensure the University can communicate with all students by email, a pre-assigned computer UID whose first character is "h" or "u" followed by seven digits (i.e. the third to the ninth digits) of the respective student number will be allocated to each account.

Examples:

10-digit student no.	Pre-assigned UID	Corresponding email address
2011234567	h1123456	h1123456@hku.hk
3031234567	u3123456	u3123456@hku.hk

Students can change their pre-assigned computer UID during online registration of students or within 7 days from the date of their registration.

A staff user can choose his own UID. (More details)

If a user wishes to use one of the other time-sharing host computers of the Computer Centre, he can apply for an account on that computer on-line in the HKU Portal, or fill in an application form from the web page http://www.itservices.hku.hk/home/services/forms.htm and send it to the Computer Centre. Additional computer accounts are granted on the basis of needs.

6.1.2 Conditions on Computer Usage

Computer facilities are allocated to a user on the strict understanding that the results obtained are to be used solely for the purposes of the University. Consulting work, as defined by the Terms of Service of the University, is not to be undertaken under the general account allocated even in those cases where the results may also be of value to teaching and/or research purposes. Users who wish to use the facilities of the Computer Centre for outside practice or other outside work should contact the Director of IT Services who will be glad to provide a charging rate and another account for such purposes.

The Computer Centre will take necessary precautions to ensure the privacy of users' data and programs on the systems. However, operational requirements may necessitate access to users' data files by Computer Centre staff. Any information thus obtained will be treated strictly confidential.

The Computer Centre reserves the right to ask a user to re-write parts of a program if, in the opinion of the Centre, the efficiency and effectiveness of computer usage can be improved by so doing. Computer Centre staff will provide adequate assistance to the user to carry out the suggested modifications.

6.1.3 Types of User Accounts

a. General Account

A general account provides you with the email service, the host computer service, using the PC laboratories and the network services. Network services include the Campus Network, the ACEnet and wireless LAN, and the HKUVPN service for users of ISP broadband networks. General accounts remain valid as long as the users are registered with the University as active members.

b. Special Account

The following types of special accounts are available:

(i) High Performance Computer account

This type of account is primarily for supporting computation-intensive research projects in the University and requires annual renewal.  Currently these accounts are maintained on the High Performance PC clusters.

(ii) Departmental account

This type of account is set up in relation to departmental work, group research, an administrative application system, or visiting scholars of the department and requires annual renewal. This type of account is to be used for storing program or data files shared among a group of users. Application for this kind of account requires the endorsement of the department head who will nominate a staff member (account handler) to be responsible for the account.  When an account handler leaves the University, the role is assigned to another member of the department.

(iii) Course account

For courses requiring software which are not available on the computer which the students normally use, the course or project supervisor should apply for course accounts on behalf of the students. The expiry date for all course accounts is August 31 of the academic year. Course accounts will be deleted automatically upon the expiry date without advance notice.

(iv) Consultancy/External account

If a staff member requires to use the computer facilities of the Computer Centre for outside work, the user must apply for a consultancy account, separate from his personal account. The user should conduct all computing work related to his outside practice under this account and the computer usage will be charged according to the published rate.

Likewise, the Computer Centre can provide computer services to outside organizations on a chargeable basis. The organization will be given an external account, and will be charged for the computer usage according to an agreed rate.

(v) JUCC member account

This type of account is created for the use by staff from the JUCC member institutions. Applications for such an account must be made through the Computer Centres of the member institutions and charging arrangements will be made with the Computer Centres concerned.

(vi) Guest account

The Director of IT Services has the discretion to allocate special guest accounts to persons or organizations that are closely associated with the University, e.g. academic visitors to the University, exchange students and research associates.

(vii) Graduate account

This type of account is created for graduates of courses listed in Statute III of the University Calendar. These accounts are for personal and non-commercial use only.  Since 2000, the email accounts for graduates are created automatically to facilitate electronic communication between the graduates and the University. 

(viii) Retiree Account

Retirees as defined by the University can get an retiree email account since July 2004. This type of account requires annual renewal.

All special accounts have a pre-defined expiry or renewal date. The account for dialup service for graduates will be deleted automatically if they are not renewed before the renewal date. All the other special accounts will be deleted on October 1 of each year if they are not renewed before the pre-defined expiry or renewal date.

6.1.4 Usage Accounting

For each user account, a standard amount of disk space are allocated according to the following tables:

Standard allocation
 

Computer	Disk quota (MBytes)
HKUCC1/HKUSU1	1GB
HKUCC/HKUSUC	300MB
High Performance Computing  System	(allocated individually to each project)

Notes:
1. HKUCC1/HKUCC is the server mainly used by staff for email services.
2. HKUSUC/HKUSU1 is mainly used by students for email services.

Owing to limited computer resources, there is a limit on the disk space that the Computer Centre allocates to each account. All email and user files are accounted for under this disk quota. Individuals who require more than the standard allocation of resources can apply on-line in the HKU Portal, or by filling out a form (CF-101) at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/forms.htm

When the disk quota in the Unix account is exceeded, new files cannot be created and incoming email will be returned to the senders. Then, the user must delete unwanted files or emails to release some disk space.

Users who subscribe to mailing lists or regularly receive large volumes of email are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their accounts have enough free disk space to accommodate the in-coming email, especially when they go on leave.

6.1.5 Deletion of Computer Accounts

The expiry of general computer accounts is determined by the information in the staff and student records provided to the Computer Centre by the Registry. If the name of a user is no longer on the staff/student list, he will be notified by email of the date his accounts will be terminated so that the user can tidy up his accounts before deletion. All old course accounts will be deleted on September 1 each year if there is no pre-defined expiry date. All deleted computer accounts will not be able to receive email and all incoming email will be returned to their senders.

Users leaving the University are hence urged to make prior arrangement to notify their email partners of their new email addresses and also to copy the files which they wish to retain onto any permanent storage media (e.g. CDR, USB thumb drive, external harddisk etc.) or to arrange with their departments or supervisors to transfer the files to other valid user accounts.

If a user leaves and later re-joins the University (for instance, if a student is appointed to be a staff, or a staff resigns and registers as a student), his old account will normal have been deleted and he has to apply for a new account.

The special accounts have a pre-defined expiry or renewal date. These accounts will be deleted on or soon after October 1 of each year if they are not renewed before the pre-defined expiry or renewal date.

6.1.6 Regulations Governing the Use of Central Computing Services

1. Central computer services in the Computer Centre are provided to all members of the University on the strict understanding that they are to be used solely for the purpose of the University.

2. Use of the services provided by the Centre shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Computer Committee and the Director of Computer Centre may specify from time to time.

3. Access to the central time sharing computer facilities shall be conditional upon the allocation of a user account, application for which should be made to the Director of IT Services on the prescribed forms or through Computer Centre's electronic form system as appropriate.

4. Microcomputers are available for use by members of the University in accordance with the Centre's Microcomputer Usage Regulations. Users can gain access to the Centre's microcomputer facilities by using the designated central host account.

5. Use of any other facilities provided by the Centre is subject to whatever regulations are in force at the time.

6. The Director of IT Services may temporarily exclude from any or all of the services of the Centre any person who act in any way which may interfere with the convenience of other users or with the work of the Centre.

7. In the case of a first offense, such exclusion shall be reported by the Director of IT Services to the appropriate Dean and Head of Department, and the offender's user privileges shall not be re-instated without the written permission of the Dean and Department Head concerned.

8. Users shall be responsible for replacement at cost of loss or damage to any media or documentation on loan from the Centre.

9. Users shall be responsible for the care and use of the Centre's equipment and may be liable for the cost of repair of any damage of the equipment caused by negligence or failure to adhere to the proper operating procedures on their part.

10. Users shall take all reasonable steps to avoid wastage of the computer resources provided, and the Director of IT Services reserves the right to levy charges on wasteful use of resources.

11. Users shall not copy in any form the software provided, without the specific approval of the Director of IT Services. Most of the software products are proprietary and are protected by copyright. Users are warned also in these regulations that they are fully responsible for all licensing requirements for software products that they may have brought along themselves to use.

12. The Director of IT Services shall report all cases of misuse or abuse of the central computing services to the Computer Committee.

13. Repeated and serious offenders against these regulations shall be brought before the Computer Committee which can recommend appropriate action by the University.
 

6.2 Microcomputers

6.2.1 Microcomputer Account

Microcomputers are available for use by members of the University. Users can gain access to the Centre’s microcomputer facilities with their HKUSUC account name and password.

Microcomputer users should abide by the Microcomputer Usage Regulations as set up by the Computer Centre.

6.2.2 Microcomputer Usage Regulations

1. The Microcomputer facilities are provided as a part of the Centre's computing facilities. Only University members (student and staff) are eligible for using the facilities.

2. Facilities are provided to users on the strict understanding that their work is carried out solely for the purposes of the University.

3. Each user can book at most four half-hourly sessions per day and booking in advance is recommended. Teachers can book a Microcomputer Laboratory as a whole for classes by making special arrangements with the Centre.

4. Login and logout registration procedures are normally required for the use of microcomputer sessions. Users should refer to the Centre's Computing Services Handbook for details of the registration procedures.

5. When using any of the microcomputer facilities, users should take precautions to ensure that the correct operating procedures of the equipment are properly followed.

6. In case of any malfunction of the equipment, users should inform the operation staff immediately. Otherwise users might be charged for the full cost of repairing the damage.

7. Users should not tamper with any parts of the computer equipment including the cable and wire connections.

8. Since most microcomputer software packages require license agreements for their use on specific machines, users are totally responsible for all licensing requirements on any software that they themselves provide.

9. Only those software products available from the Centre will be supported by the Centre. Users are reminded that most of the software are proprietary products with copyrights and should not be copied in any form. Care should be taken to prevent overwriting or damaging of the software provided.

10. In case of abuse of the facilities, the Centre reserves its right to suspend a user from future usage of the facilities.
 

6.3 The University of Hong Kong Statement of Ethics on Computer Use

WHEREAS computer systems now form an integral part of instruction, research and administration at the University of Hong Kong and

WHEREAS their use entails financial, legal and ethical considerations, and

WHEREAS there is minimal regulation over their use, and

WHEREAS computer use is a privilege not a right, and

WHEREAS the University is committed to the expansion of responsible computer use,

THE UNIVERSITY ADOPTS AND REQUIRES STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT OF ETHICS ON COMPUTER USE.

APPLICATION

This Statement of Ethics applies to all use of the computer system at the University of Hong Kong. The computer system means all computers owned, operated by or located on campus at the University, whether standalone or networked and including all hardware, software and data.

COMPUTER USE MUST BE AUTHORIZED

Use of the computer system at the University is primarily for instructional, research or administrative purposes.

Authorized use means use pursuant to an individual logon identification, source of funds, password or user code and, in the case of stand alone computers, appropriate permission.

Where the computer system is utilized for outside consultation and direct practice, as distinct from general educational work within the meaning of the Terms of Service of the University, it shall be reported and an appropriate payment made.

Computer users shall not exceed their legitimate level of access or authority.

All computer use is, where applicable, also subject to the regulations governing the use of central computer services.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM MUST BE OBSERVED

The use of the computer system at the University implies respect for and adherence to ethical standards designed to protect the integrity of the computer system. Therefore computer users agree not to engage or attempt to engage, in the following conduct; whether or not it entails the performance of any function by a computer:

unauthorized access or use of the computer system regardless of any authorized subsidiary purpose;

deception, false use or impersonation of any other user's individual logon identification, source of funds, password or user code;

unauthorized modification of the computer system including deletion, alteration or destruction of computer data or programs or the introduction of computer viruses or other harmful input;

unauthorized modification of the contents of the computer system including any memory or other storage medium with a view to impairing the reliability of, or accessibility to, data stored or otherwise held in any computer.

COMPUTER USE MUST BE RESPONSIBLE

Use of the computer system must not intrude upon the legitimate or convenient use of the system by others. Trivial applications such as excessive game playing, message sending, storage use, or outputting, constitute irresponsible use.

Responsible use entails accountability. All computer users are accountable for charges incurred on their respective accounts or sources of funds.

Computer users should follow security features of the system. Where a reasonable suspicion exists that either a breach of security has occurred, or is likely to occur, then the onus is upon the computer user to take appropriate measures including the notification of the breach to the Director of IT Services.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY OF OTHER COMPUTER USERS MUST BE RESPECTED

The use of the computer system must be in a manner that preserves the confidentiality and privacy of others. Therefore, the reading or intercepting of, or the electronic eavesdropping on, any communication or data held on the computer system which is intended for another user, is a breach of these principles.

Where any breach occurs unintentionally, for example through mis-keying or during the course of an authorized use, the use shall be discontinued at once.

Any subsequent disclosure of information obtained as a result of a breach of these principles, other than to the Director of IT Services, shall constitute a breach of this Statement of Ethics.

THE LAW MUST BE FOLLOWED AND PROPRIETARY OWNERSHIP OBSERVED

This Statement of Ethics is in addition to the law on patents, trademarks, copyright, unfair competition, trade secrets and contract, as well as in addition to any prior restrictions in relation to copying, resale, non-educational use or otherwise.

The University assumes no responsibility for any infringing, or non-permitted, use.

Non-compliance with this Statement of Ethics shall constitute computer abuse. The Director of IT Services shall take such action as he thinks appropriate, and shall report repeated and serious offense to the Computer Committee, which may recommend appropriate action by the University.