Question: I just purchased a new program for my computer. Several of my co-workers would like to get copies. Can I post it on the Internet or make copies for them?
Answer: No. Unauthorized duplication, distribution or use of someone else's intellectual property, including computer software, is illegal and subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Because it is easy to share copies of software via the Internet, many computer users forget the seriousness of the offense. Always check the license agreement that comes with the software to determine what is permissible.
As a result of the substantial amounts of money the software industry loses each year from software piracy, software companies enforce their rights through courts and by lobbying for and getting stiffer criminal penalties. For example, it is a felony to reproduce or distribute 10 illegal copies of copyrighted software with a total value of $2,500 within a 180-day period. Penalties for a first-time felony conviction of software piracy include a jail term of up to 10 years and fines up to $250,000.
Forms now available for use with CU People Web pages
It is now possible to use forms (relying on standardized CGI scripts) with your CU People Web page. Some uses for forms on Web pages are to allow visitors to the site to give feedback by filling out a form or to ask a series of questions that give visitors a choice of responses, ranging from simple yes/no answers to more complex questions and responses.
Two ready-made forms that you can customize for your own purposes are available through CU People, to be used with personal Web pages. The first is a feedback form that allows a visitor to your Web site to type comments into a large text area and then sends you an e-mail message with the visitor's comments. The second form allows a visitor to use a number of different Web form devices, such as lists to select from, radio buttons and check boxes, when responding to a series of questions placed within the form. This form is for those comfortable with a variety of interface tools and for those who want to experiment with more complicated Web-based forms. Once the form is filled out, it displays the visitor's choices on the screen and sends this information to you via e-mail.
The sample forms provided need to be copied into your CU People directory and edited before they can be used, according to the directions posted on the CU People server. They can be found at http://www.people.cornell.edu/scripts.html.
Because of potential security problems, CGI scripts created by individual CU People subscribers are not permitted.
EZ-Remote users: Disconnect after using online services
For those who use EZ-Remote to connect to the campus network via the high-speed modem pool, CIT recommends that you get into the habit of disconnecting when finished using e-mail, the Web or other on-line services. This way, you free up your own phone line and release campus modems for others to use.
Some network services, such as Eudora, the e-mail software used with Bear Access, can be used without a network connection. You can write messages without being hooked up to the network, connecting only to send and receive mail. This will minimize the amount of time you tie up your telephone line.
For more information on using Eudora, see http://www.cit.cornell. edu/cit-pubs/email or pick up a copy of How to Use Eudora from the HelpDesk (119 CCC).
"Be a good 'netizen' -- use your fair share and when you're done surfing, disconnect promptly so that others can partake," advises Bob Gabriel, product manager for CIT's EZ-Remote Services.
If you have questions or comments about this column, send e-mail to citnews@cornell.edu. This column is compiled and edited by Daisy Dailey of CIT.