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An acceptable use policy is a policy that is generally used by companies or schools for those that are using their computers. It is generally a policy that is to be signed before the user receives an identification to use the company/school network. Most companies use this policy, and all have their own version. Almost always it specifies that there is to be no misuse of the computers with material that may be offensive, illegal, harassing or otherwise detrimental to the company's business interests, such material is strictly prohibited. Many acceptable use policies also restrict using the company computers for any personal use.

Many companies have problems with thier employees misusing the company computers. They all handle this misuse in different fashions. Some believe that employees should not be allowed to use the computers for any personal use, to enforce this they put in the accaptable use policy that they are not to use the computers for personal use. Chapple says that in the long run this does not really help the companies with this problem. He says that no matter what you do employees are still going to use the computer to check the score on the game or to see how the market is doing, he says you can't change that. Chapple also says that if you put something in the policy that you have to follow it strictly, each time that it is dissobeyed, or when you take something to court, the court will rule the whole policy invalid if they see that you haven't been following it strictly. Chapple says that the best way to handle this problem is by stating clearly that there is to be no misuse of the computers with material that may be offensive, illegal, harassing or otherwise detrimental to the company's business interests, such material is strictly prohibited, and that you can leave the idea of using the computer for personal use up to the different departments so that they can take into account the different factors.

When thought through clearly, Acceptable Use Policies can be very useful to help companies and schools restrict the use of their computers and get better use of thier students/employees time.


Tech Target. Acceptable Use Policy . February 19, 2005. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci213795,00.html

Chapple, Mike. What Constitutes Acceptable Use ? February 19, 2005. http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/tip/1,289483,sid14_gci940236,00.html

The Lawletter. Internet Acceptable Use Policy . February 19, 2005. http://www.nlrg.com/lawlet/iup.htm