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Home PrivacyUsePrograms Service Request Contact Us PRIVACY AND SECURITY The Internet is a resource that enables users access to a wealth of information that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages. The Internet is an unregulated medium and enables access to some materials that may be offensive and/or illegal. The Internet is not subject to the same selection criteria which VISTAS uses for other materials. Freedom to access information is also a responsibility for the user. VISTAS does not monitor and has no control over materials obtained on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. VISTAS identifies sites that staff thinks are accurate and from authoritative sources to assist users with their information needs. This document is a system-wide policy that impacts all computers in the network that have Internet access and is based on principles in the Mission Statement of ICOD, Inc. VISTAS nor ICOD, Inc. assumes responsibility for any damage, direct or indirect, that users or anyone else may suffer through access to the Internet at either of our network sites. All Internet users at network sites agree to hold VISTAS and ICOD, Inc. harmless from any claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities relating to:
INTERNET GUIDELINES FOR USE Internet Access is normally available, subject to periodic maintenance, during regular Resource Center hours. Use of the Internet is on a first-come, first-served basis, although some network sites may offer reservations if use permits. Each network site may impose time limits in order to ensure equitable access to all patrons. Please start printing 30 minutes before closing time. Users may not use their own software programs on any of the program’s computers. This will help prevent computer viruses that are common on public computers. All disks must be checked for viruses before use. Please see Center staff to scan and clean disks. Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with VISTA’s adopted Rules of Conduct . A Maximum of two users per terminal is requested.. Our space is limited. Warning: Although VISTAS uses a virus-checker on its computers, this will not completely protect users from the chance of getting a virus. Software downloaded from the Internet may contain a virus and users need to have virus-checking software on their own personal computers. Neither VISTAS nor ICOD, Inc. is responsible for damage to a user’s disk or computer, or for any loss of data, damage or liability that may occur from patron use of the Center's computers. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, carefully examining the source of the information and questioning the validity of the information they find. Misuse of the computer or Internet access will result in loss of user computer privileges. CHILDREN AND THE INTERNET VISTAS's Role and Parents' Responsibility VISTAS provides assistance and information for computer users to take advantage of the resources of the Internet. The Internet contains information on all subjects from many viewpoints; not all sources provide information that is accurate, complete, or current and some may be offensive. VISTA’s selects Internet Resources (links) for users to more efficiently access information. VISTAS conducts free Internet training sessions. Ask a staff member for schedules or to register. Some workstations are filtered. However, parents should be aware that no filter can completely protect children from inappropriate material on the Internet. These filters do not filter out all sites that may be deemed offensive or unsuitable. The best filter is parental supervision. Some workstations are not filtered. Users under the age of 16 may not use workstations without the permission of a parent or legal guardian. As with all materials in our Resource Centers, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Parents are encouraged to work with their children to develop rules for the use of the Internet. Tips for Parents Visit the Resource Centers often with your child. Spend time online visiting sites with your child. Discuss with your child any topics that may be off limits when they are on the Internet.
Encourage your child to ask Center staff for help in finding information on the Internet. Resource Center staff will assist users in how to apply for web-based e-mail accounts. E-mail is available at selected terminals throughout the region. E-mail passwords should be guarded carefully and kept secure. E-mail is not considered to be a private means of communications. VISTAS does not endorse the services of any E-mail provider. Additionally, VISTAS does not accept responsibility for the technical support of e-mail services or for the security of e-mail messages. USER RESPONSIBILITIES VISTAS expects responsible, ethical use of Internet resources. The following guidelines shall be followed: Identify yourself properly when using any Internet services. Be aware that use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct. Use resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only. Do not use for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes. Respect copyright and licensing agreements. Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting yourself as another user. Do not attempt to modify or gain access to files, passwords or data belonging to others. Do not seek unauthorized access to any computer system. Do not damage or alter software components of any network or database. Do not send, receive or display text or graphics which may reasonably be construed as obscene. Logoff a remote computer system when finished. Maintaining a connection that is not actively being used may prevent others from connecting to that system. Read or obtain instruction or documentation files when using a system for the first time. Be aware of time and resource limitations of remote systems. Address any questions to Center staff. In addition to the Staff's expertise, many printed guides and training manuals on the use of the Internet are available. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Patrons need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information they find. Users are financially responsible for any charges that they may incur from their use of the Internet and are legally responsible for any inappropriate, unlawful, and illegal activities that they perform on the Internet. Users should also be aware that Internet communications and computer equipment are not private. WARNING What you are doing on the Internet may be seen by others, including children. Accessing sites that contain pornography, obscenity and other illicit materials is not permitted in the Resource Centers and is against the laws of the state of Georgia. Unlawful use, misuse or abuse of VISTAS’ computer equipment or materials will result in suspension or termination of user access to these resources. Resource Center staff reserve the right to terminate a user session at any time as a result of violations of VISTA policies and procedures or posted behavioral guidelines. Excessive noise and other inappropriate uses of the facility are a disturbance to other patrons. Staff will warn patrons who violate behavioral guidelines, and may ask them to leave for the day if behavior is not corrected. 12/31/01 |
