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Connecting with Others at Penn and Beyond

Technology Tools. Each Penn student is granted access to a host of technology tools, facilitating ready interaction across campus and throughout the world. Every student is given an e-mail account, a key campus communication tool for everything from coursework to social exchanges. Each student is also provided with 8-25 megabytes of server space, which can be used to host a personal web page. Additionally, Student Telecom Services and the comprehensive online Penn Directory make locating and connecting with students, faculty, and staff a quick and easy activity.

Once a student establishes a network identity, they can access a wide range of information and carry out many important administrative, commercial, and social functions via the Web. Everything from course registration, bookstore purchases, and bill payment to voting in campus elections and purchasing tickets for live performance events is available at a student's fingertips. These activities and more are all as close as the nearest computer, web browser, and campus network connection.

Security, Privacy, Virus Protection. As a community member using any of the University's electronic resources, students are obliged to follow specific regulations and are also encouraged to observe community computing best practices. Penn's policy on the Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources sets guidelines for ethical and appropriate usage of the University's technological resources. The policy also specifies penalties for violations and abuse. It is important for students to understand and observe all policies falling under the rubric of acceptable use, including expected computer networking behavior codes, the University's policies for ethical use and piracy regulations, and Penn's privacy rights and responsibilities.

In the University environment, students frequently send and receive information electronically. Penn helps students minimize security and privacy risks when exchanging documents and data by distributing free virus protection software. All Penn undergraduates are expected to observe computer security practices while using PennNet, the campus computing network. A summary of important security and privacy topics can be found in a helpful brochure available on campus or for download in PDF format.