If you are Using Peer-to-Peer Software such as Aimster, KaZaA, Morpheus, Grokster, Limewire and Bearshare you need to read this. These applications can and do perform sharing of files from your computer that you might not be aware of.
Sharing or distributing copyrighted materials is a violation of federal copyright laws and a violation of the University of Michigan Acceptable Use Policy. See http://www.umich.edu/~policies/proper-use-policy-6017.html for details. We are required by the University to follow up quickly on any reports that students or staff are illegally distributing materials. Otherwise we risk the possibility of severe financial penalties. If you are intentionally running one of these file-sharing software packages please remove it from your computer.
If you think you might be running one of these programs but aren't sure, or if you need help in removing a program that you are running, please contact the Computing Help Desk at 763-7699 or one of us personally and we will be glad to help you.
In the past three weeks we have been notified by the University User Advocate of several violations from ISR. In the instances mentioned the individuals involved were quickly identified, personally visited and assisted in removing the file sharing software from their machines, after which a required follow-up report was sent to the Provost's office indicating that the individual is no longer sharing copyrighted files. We would prefer not to be invited to your desk on this type of mission. You can assist us, avoid embarrassment and protect the organization by taking steps mentioned above.