POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR GENERAL USE OF ISYE 107 and MaRC 362

A. Access

1. Access to the lab and its computers and equipment is for authorized people only. Authorized users are those who have key card access to the lab (either ISyE 107 or MARC 362). Authorized visitors are those who have a legitimate reason to visit an authorized user in the lab. All visitors must be accompanied by an authorized user when in the lab.
   
   
2. If someone comes to the door, and they are not an authorized user, they should not be let in unless an authorized user is present whom they are visiting. All authorized people should ask any visitorstrying to enter the lab what their purpose is!
   
   
3. Everyone who uses the lab is expected to become familiar with who the other authorized users are.
   
   
4. Students who are using the lab for a course supported by the lab are considered authorized visitors. The instructor fo the course should either be present or have a teaching assistant or an authorized user present during such use of the lab.

B. Priority

1. The Lab management may reserve times when certain computers and/or software are to be used by certain individuals (e.g., for a class) or by Lab management (e.g., for a demonstration or maintenance). These times will be posted in advance when possible.
   
   
2. In general, users are expected to work with one another to minimize scheduling conflicts in using the Lab's resources. During times when resources are not reserved, the following priority of usage will serve as a guideline:
   • Virtual Factory research projects
   • Coursework for courses officially supported by the Virtual Factory Lab
   • Other research projects
   • Other coursework
   • Other
     
     
3. It is all right for authorized lab users to use the computers for their general coursework (i.e., courses not supported by the lab), as long as this does not conflict with research projects or use of the lab by an officially supported course. However, the lab should not be used for group course projects involving people who are not authorized users.
   
   
4. Users should be aware that there are limited licenses for some of the software used in the Lab (e.g., WITNESS). These licenses are loaded on a limited number of machines. There will be instances when someone needs to access a particular machine to use this type of software. Users are expected to work with one another to minimize scheduling conflicts due to this type of situation.

C. Lab Safety and Security

1. Users should keep in mind safety and security when using the Lab. The door should remain closed and locked at all times. Only people who have authorization should be allowed into the Lab
   
   
2. Any suspicious activity or persons should be reported immediately to the campus police at 894-2500.
   
   
3. Users should exercise caution AT ALL TIMES when they operate the Lab's robotic equipment or when they are near it.

D. Computer Use

1. Only properly licensed software may be installed on Virtual Factory Lab computers. Please check with Lab management before installing any software.
   
   
2. In requesting a computer account, users must request the same account name as their ISyE unix account. All users will need to have an ISyE unix account.
   
   
3. Users should not leave themselves logged in to a computer while not present, especially if there are others who may be waiting to use a computer. This will subject the user to being logged out. The exception to this is when a user needs to run a program for an extended period of time (e.g., a simulation model). In this case, the user should place a note on the computer stating that a program is being run, and approximately when that activity will be complete. If a user needs extended usage of a machine for this type of activity (e.g., more than an hour or two), he or she should check with Lab management first.
   
   
4. Please do not eat at computer workstations.

E. Hard Disk Usage

1. All users are expected to store their files in their home directories, on diskettes, or in directories specifically designated for such storage (e.g., a research project directory). On the Windows NT machines, home directories are located on the V: drive. Files stored in other locations on a hard drive are subject to deletion.
   
   
2. Users should not store files in their profile directories (C:\winnt\profiles\username) other than those files associated with a Windows NT profile. In addition, temporary internet files should not be stored in the profile directory. They should be stored in the user's home directory. The maximum allowed size of a user profile is 10 MB. Users with profiles larger than 10 MB will not be allowed to log off the system until they reduce their profile to be less than 10 MB
   
   
3. If necessary, Lab management will impose upper limits on the amount of hard disk storage to be used by an individual.
   
   
4. If hard disk space becomes an issue, non-essential and non-supported software (e.g., games) will be deleted.

F. Printer Usage

1. The Virtual Factory Lab printers should be used only for research and coursework purposes. Excessive personal use will result in restricted access.
   
   
2. Users are expected to participate in the maintenance of the printer and supplies (e.g., requesting a new toner cartridge when necessary, keeping printer paper stocked, etc.). Directions are posted above the printer.
   
   
3. Virtual Factory Lab computers may be connected to printers outside the Lab. Users who print to these printers must follow the usage policies of whoever maintains those printers.

G. Other

1. All applicable and Georgia Tech and ISyE computer and network policies are to be followed. These include, but are not limited to:
   • Georgia Tech Computer and Network Usage Policy
     
     
2. The lab's phones are for Georgia Tech business. It is all right to make personal local phone calls as long as they do not interfere with business usage. Personal long distance calls are not allowed. Long distance calls are for Georgia Tech business only, and one should use the dialing instructions on the phone to ensure that the GIST long distance system is used. International phone calls are restricted.
   
   
3. All users are expected to contribute to keeping the Lab clean. This includes cleaning up a mess that one makes. Also, recycle bins should be used ONLY for their intended purposes (e.g., only recyclabe paper should be put in paper bins).
   
   
4. Any problems should be reported to the Lab management as soon as possible.
   
   
5. Lab management reserves the right to update policies and procedures as the need arises.