Faculty, staff, and departmental computers located on campus are the property of Baldwin-Wallace College and should be used appropriately for educational and College-related business purposes. Each computer is appropriately configured with licensed, approved software that allows performance of necessary job functions. Software programs installed by the IT Department are standard across campus. All software used by the College and purchased by the IT Department is protected by copyright law and must be used in accordance with software licenses. Any software not licensed to B-W or a specific campus department will not be supported by IT and is not to be installed on a computer owned by the College.
In other cases, some software programs may not be supported by IT because of the potential for causing a negative impact to the computer and/or network as these programs can cause:
-
an unnecessary use of system resources - memory, CPU, or network bandwidth
-
a potential security risk by opening unnecessary TCP/IP ports
-
interference with or alteration of vital operating system files
-
conflict with other work-related software applications
-
a violation of privacy by sending user information to 3rd parties or installation of spyware
-
the computer to boot/operate slowly or crash frequently
-
conflict with vital functions such as printing and web browsing
-
a violation of other software agreements
Individuals or departments that choose to purchase and utilize unsupported software are requested to consult with the IT Department prior to making the purchase. IT can provide valuable input with regard to network compatibility or other viable options. Moreover, all licenses for unsupported software should be purchased in conjunction with the IT Department in order to take full advantage of potential volume, institutional, and/or educational discount pricing.
In the event that unsupported software is installed on a system and subsequently causes a malfunction or problem, IT will perform an initial best effort attempt to correct the situation. However, if that fails to resolve the problem, the hard disk will be ghosted with the initial supported software.
Information Technology maintains a list of approved/supported software that is included in the standard installation on all B-W faculty and staff computers, as well as the template that is available in all computing labs. The list is reviewed and modified appropriately on an annual basis by the Department.
The use of all software at the College is protected by copyright laws and must be used in accordance with software licenses. It is against College policy to copy or reproduce any licensed software. Unauthorized copying of software is a serious violation or policy and subject to disciplinary action. Unauthorized use or copying may also subject the offending individual to law suits by third parties.
(See: The Laws and Penalties Regarding Software Piracy.)
275 Eastland Rd.