The University allows the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) and file sharing applications for legitimate business and academic use. For that reason, P2P and file sharing applications are allowed on the campus network.

However, since a disproportionate amount of P2P traffic consists of downloading movies, music, videos, and games for personal enjoyment, there are a few things you should know about P2P and file sharing applications:

1. The University Computing & Network Facilities Acceptable Use Policy strictly prohibits the duplication or uncontrolled distribution of any file that is protected by copyright.
   
   The University is obligated to vigorously pursue claims of copyright infringement. Individuals found to be in violation of applicable copyright laws will be referred to Student Affairs (Students) or Human Resources (Faculty / Staff) for disciplinary action.
   
   
2. P2P and file sharing applications tie up network resources.
   
   Since bandwidth is such a precious commodity, priority is given to applications which directly serve the interests of the University--specifically research, academic use, and business use. Due to this and other reasons, P2P protocols are blocked to all users by default. To activate usage, you must go to this web site:
   
   http://itweb.mst.edu/~p2preq
   
   After completing the usage agreement/quiz, you will have limited time in which P2P will be active for only your registered systems. The number of activations per month is also limited.
   
   
3. Limited P2P traffic is allowed only as long as it does not compromise the campus network and does not violate above rules.
   
   Customers of IT who use P2P and do not have any sort of virus-protection software (or an outdated version) leave themselves open to malicious code, which in turn can threaten the campus network as a whole. IT reserves the right to disconnect a customer's computer from the network if IT determines that a customer has a vulnerable or compromised machine. IT strongly recommends anyone using P2P software to keep their anti-virus software up to date as well as installing anti-spyware software (such as Spybot Search-and-Destroy).
   
   

All IT policies and procedures are subject to annual review.