Thanks to a joint project between Northeast Exchange for Telecommunications (NExT), Midland Information Network Development (MIND) and Merit Networks, Internet Access is available to people wishing to use it for educational pursuits. This access is gained by opening an account with MIND. We believe this access offers vast, diverse and unique resources to all members of the community. Our goal in providing this service to individuals is to offer affordable access of educational information.

The Internet is an electronic communications system connecting millions of computers from all over the world together. Examples of things you may do with your access include:

1) Send and receive electronic mail.

2) Gather information and news from government agencies, university and private organizations.

3) Download public domain (free) software and shareware.

4. Participate in discussion groups.
5. Search many Libraries such as the Library of Congress.
6. Connect to servers.
7. Create and post your own web pages.

You need to recognize that access to computers and to people from all over the world will allow you to view some materials that might not be considered to be of educational value. Therefore, MIND may restrict access to some materials; such as illegal, obscene or pornographic materials. However, on a global network such as the Internet, it is obviously impossible to control access to all materials, and curious and industrious users may discover, purposely or accidentally, some controversial information. At MIND we regret this possibility, but we also firmly believe that the valuable information and the various personally enriching interactions available on this worldwide network far out weigh the possibility that some users may procure some material that may be inconsistent with the educational goals of MIND.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of governmental agencies and regional and state wide networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of all its end users, who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a MIND user violates any of these provisions, his or her account is subject to immediate termination and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.

Terms and Conditions

1) Services - MIND accounts provides internet access (login), an e-mail account, the ability to transfer files (ftp), the ability to connect to servers on the net (telnet), access to news groups, access to the world wide web (http) and the ability to publish web pages. Each account provides 25 megabytes of disk space and unlimited connect time.

2) System Requirements - You may use Macintosh or Windows compatible computers. You must have adequate memory and disk space to run your modems software, desired browser, mail client and application software. Check with the software application’s vendor to determine your needs.

3) Acceptable Use Policy - The purpose of MICHNET, which is the backbone network providing MIND’s connection to the Internet at large, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the State of Michigan by providing access to unique resources as well as the opportunity for collaborative work among its member institutions. Therefore, the use of your account must be in support of education and research and be consistent with the educational objectives of MIND. The use of any organization’s network and computing resources through MIND must comply with the rules and policies appropriate to the network. Furthermore, transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state laws or regulations is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, all copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material and material protected by all laws governing trade secrets. Use for commercial activities (including product advertisement) requires prior permission. Any services accessed which require a monetary charge or financial commitment shall be the responsibility of the individual user. Finally, use for partisan political lobbying is prohibited. You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of computer network etiquette. At present time these include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Be Polite. Do not be personally abusive in your messages to others.
2. Use Appropriate Language. Do not swear or use vulgar, obscene, or inappropriate language. All communications deemed illegal by any or all federal, state or local ordinances are strictly forbidden.
3. Do not reveal your own personal address nor addresses and phone numbers of other users or colleagues without their permission.
4. Note that your electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system and others do have access to e-mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the proper authorities.
5. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
6. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property. Users should not intentionally seek to obtain unauthorized copies of, or to deliberately modify, any files or other data (including passwords) belonging to any other users of this system without their explicit permission.
7. These policies may change and users are expected to follow currently accepted guidelines for appropriate use of the network.

4) Termination of Accounts - Inappropriate use of a MIND account or failure to adhere to MIND’s policies for acceptable use may result in termination of the account. Students who use a MIND account on school owned equipment are also subject to their school system’s policies. They are required to check with the school district’s representative to discuss any and all matters pertaining to the proper use of the school’s network.

5) Warranties - MIND makes absolutely no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the services it is providing. MIND will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes (but not limited to) any loss of data which results from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by either its own negligence or your own errors and/or omissions. Any and all use of any of the information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. MIND specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy and/or quality of any information obtained through its Internet services. The user (or parent/guardian, if applicable) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless MIND, school districts, community colleges, public libraries, board of trustees, individual trustees, agents, and employees of such from and against any claims, lawsuit, cause of action, damage judgment, or administrative complaint arising out of the use of MIND hardware, software, and network facilities under this agreement.

6) Security - Security on any networked computer system is extremely important, especially when the system involves a variety of users. If you feel that you can identify a security problem that is in a way associated with MIND’s connection to the Internet, you should notify a system administrator (admin@mindnet.org). In addition, do not demonstrate the problem to any other users. Moreover, you shall not use another individual’s account without specific written permission from that individual. Finally, any unauthorized attempt to logon to the Internet as a System Administrator will result in immediate cancellation of all user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history with other computer systems may be denied access to MIND’s connection to the Internet.

7) Vandalism - Vandalism will result in the cancellation of ALL system privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the hardware, software, or any data of any other user on this system, on the Internet as a whole, or at any of the agencies or other computer networks that are affiliated with or connected to the MICHNET Internet backbone. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading and/or creation of computer viruses.

8) Fees - User fees are paid in advance and paid annually through September 1^st which is MIND’s annual billing date.

New accounts: If you are signing up for a new account, the fee is $13.00 per month times the number of months until August 31^st. If you sign up after the 15^th of any month, calculate the number of months owed from the first day of the next month. If signing up on or before the 15^th, calculate from the first day of the current month. Annual renewal: Accounts may be renewed prior to September 1^st. The renewal fee is $143.00 for 2005-2006. Re-connection: Any account that is terminated or frozen can be reactivated if the user pays a non-refundable reconnection fee of $13.00 plus the outstanding balance owed. Refund Policy: If you have paid up your account till the end of the billing cycle and wish to terminate your account, you will receive a refund prorated for the unused months. Additional Disk Space: Disk space is the standard 25 megabytes. Pricing Changes: Prices are subject to change but will not change for current accounts until the beginning of the next billing cycle. Additional E-mail Accounts: Additional e-mail accounts upto a total of 4 are available.

9) Support - To hold down costs to users, who do not require support, MIND does not offer support to its subscribers. However, support is available for installation and troubleshooting on home PC’s as a courtesy, at additional cost, by private individuals. You accept this help with the understanding that MIND, as an organization, bears no responsibility for the work provided. Contact the MIND Inquiry Line at 989-832-2344 for information.

10) Copyrighted Material - Users of MIND’s accounts must adhere to laws governing copyrighted material.

11) Cooperation with Law Enforcement - In the event that a user violates any local, state or United State statutes governing the use of computer networks, the administrators of the MIND systems will provide information to law enforcement agencies as required by court order.

I, hereby request an account for myself, for the purpose of accessing the Internet.