Michiana Free-Net ("MFN") is a not-for-profit organization that provides the management of computer data networks, direct connection to the Internet as well as stand-alone computers that are owned and administered by MFN (the "Services"). This Computer User Service Agreement and Operating Rules ("Agreement") reflects the ethical principles of the MFN and indicates a Subscriber's privileges and responsibilities while using the MFN's service. You must agree to the terms and conditions in this Agreement to become an authorized user of the Service (a "Subscriber"). If you do not wish to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, do not indicate your acceptance and cancel your account. By continuing to use the service and the connection, you agree to these terms and conditions.

GENERAL POLICIES

While much computing is now done on individual computing resources, most information and communications systems either reside on central computers or use networks. Procedures for gaining access to and making optimum use of these resources (including the steps to be taken in lodging complaints) are available to users.

EXTERNAL NETWORKS

Members of the MFN community who use networks or facilities not owned by the MFN will adhere to the policies and procedures established by the administrators of those networks and facilities. (Those policies and procedures can usually be obtained from the network information center of the network in question.) Use of the MFN computing resources must follow the guidelines of all of the networks traversed.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Under most circumstances, the MFN will treat information stored on computers as confidential (whether or not that information is protected by the computer operating system). Requests for disclosure of information will be honored only under one of the following conditions:

• when approved by the appropriate MFN administrator;
• when authorized by the owners of the information; or
• when required by local, state or federal law.

MFN retains the right to view electronic mail ("e-mail") or any other Subscriber's files if MFN believes it is necessary to protect MFN or any Subscriber or person from injury or damage. MFN will not monitor a Subscriber's files, activities, or e-mail unless MFN believes the Subscriber is misusing the Services or as required by law. MFN will not deliberately disclose e-mail to other Subscribers. If MFN believes certain e-mail is connected with illegal or unauthorized activities, MFN may disclose it to the appropriate authorities to protect our system, ourselves, and other callers.

Except when inappropriate, computer users will receive prior notice of such disclosures. (Viewing of information in the course of normal system maintenance does not constitute disclosure.)

Warning: Users of electronic mail systems should be aware that electronic mail in its present form cannot be secured and is, therefore, extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USERS

The user is responsible for correct and sufficient use of the tools available and for maintaining the security of information stored on each computer system. The following precautions are strongly recommended:

• Computer accounts passwords and other types of authorization that are assigned to individual users should not be shared with others.
• The user should assign an obscure account password and change it frequently.
• The user should understand the level of protection each computer system automatically applies to files and supplement it, if necessary, for sensitive information.
• The microcomputer user should be aware of computer viruses and other destructive computer programs, and take steps to avoid being a victim or unwitting distributor of these processes.

Ultimate responsibility for resolution of problems related to the invasions of the user's privacy or loss of data rests with the user. The MFN assumes no liability for loss or damage to the user's data or for any damage or injury arising from invasion of the user's privacy.

ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSES

MFN computing resources are to be used to advance the MFN's mission. Board members may use them only for purposes related to the discharge of their duties as officers, their official business with the MFN, and other MFN-sanctioned activities.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL USE OF SERVICES

Computing resources may only be used for legal and ethical purposes. Subscribers may not use the Service in relation to any of the following:

Harassment of other individuals; libeling or slandering other users; destruction of or damage to equipment, software, or data belonging to the MFN or other users; disruption or unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications; unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material; illegal drugs; gambling; pornography; prostitution; illegal activity; spreading computer viruses; and/or software infringement, or other crimes and unauthorized activities.

Computing resources should be used in accordance with the ethical standards of the MFN. Examples of unacceptable use (some of which may also have legal consequences) include, but are not limited to, the following:

Violation of computer system security; unauthorized use of computer accounts, access codes, or network identification numbers assigned to others; use of computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others (such as randomly initiating interactive electronic communications or e-mail exchanges, overuse of interactive network utilities, and so forth); violation of software license agreements; or violation of another user's privacy.

COOPERATIVE USE

Computing resource users can facilitate computing at the MFN in many ways. The MFN endorses the practice of cooperative computing. It includes:

Regular deletion of unneeded files from one's accounts on shared computing resources; refraining from overuse of connect time, information storage space, printing facilities or processing capacity; refraining from overuse of interactive network utilities; refraining from use of sounds and visuals which might be disruptive to others; refraining from use of any computing resource in an irresponsible manner.

SANCTIONS

Signators of this Agreement may lose Free-Net privileges at MFN's sole discretion. Violations of the policies described above for legal and ethical use of computing resources will be dealt with in a serious and appropriate manner. Illegal acts involving MFN computing resources may also be subject to prosecution by local, state or federal authorities.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Since the lnternet is a global electronic network, there is no state/county control of its users or content. The lnternet and its available resources may contain material of a controversial nature. The MFN cannot censor access to material nor protect users from offensive information. Parents of minor children must assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the MFN's connection.

MFN staff cannot control the availability of information links which often change rapidly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current information. Users need to be good information consumers, questioning the validity of the information.

LIMITATION OF Liability

All Subscribers who use the MFN's Services understand the following:

All Subscribers must take responsibility for their own actions and accept that an act by another party that damages them is not the responsibility of MFN. Accordingly, MFN is not responsible for any loss or damage arising out of any Subscriber's use of the Service, or for any damage or loss arising from Subscriber's activities through the Service. In addition to the provisions of the Agreement, YOU AGREE THAT MFN WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSSES WHICH YOU MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICE, THE WWW SERVER, FROM ANY CONNECTIONS TO OTHER INTERNET SERVICES THROUGH CICNET, INC., THE CONNECTION, WITH ANY DATA OR OTHER MATERIALS TRANSMUTED THROUGH THE SERVICE OR THE CONNECTION, EVEN IF MFN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE OR LOSS. IN ADDITION, YOU AGREE TO DEFEND AND INDEMNIFY MFN AND HOLD MFN HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, PROCEEDINGS, DAMAGES, INJURIES, LIABILITIES, LOSSES, COSTS, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS FEES) RELATING TO ANY ACTS BY YOU OR MATERIALS OR INFORMATION TRANSMITTED BY YOU USING THE SERVICE OR THE CONNECTION LEADING WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY TO CLAIMS AGAINST MFN BY SUBSCRIBERS OR THIRD PARTIES.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

MFN, its directors, employees, agents or representatives do not warrant (1) the Services will be uninterrupted, error free, or free from delays; (2) the accuracy of any information; or (3) that any information accessed through the Services is free of viruses. The Service is provided as is without express or implied warranties.

MODIFICATION

MFN may modify this Agreement at any time. These modifications are effective immediately after posting the modification on line. It is the Subscriber's responsibility to monitor regularly these changes.

The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and understands the Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges that he/she has read and agrees to follow the terms in this Agreement.

_________________________________ Signature _________________________________ Printed Name Dated: ___________________________

This Policy was approved by the Board of Directors of the Michiana Free-Net Society, Inc., on February 27, 1996.