Technology in the Law School

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5.1 Law Library Computer Labs

The Law Library computer labs (rooms 2386 and 2387) have 42 networked PC workstations for use by law students. These computers have access to the Law School's Local Area Network (LAN) and the Internet. More information about the computer labs can be found in section 6.4.1 of this publication and on the Web at http://library.law.wisc.edu/services/hardware/computers/labinfo.html

5.2 The Law School's Network

The Law School's LAN provides each user with personal file storage space, Internet tools (email, Web browsers, etc.), legal research applications (Lexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline, etc.), and learning tools. Personal files stored on the network are backed up every night and a couple versions kept (eg the three most recent). This is a great way to backup important files to protect against file loss and/or damage! All files are kept private and are only accessible via username and password.

5.2.1 Remote Access – backup your DATA!

The Law School LAN storage for student’s files is available for remote access with additional software that is freely provided by the University’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Both Macintosh X.2 or greater and Windows XP or greater laptops can access the LAN storage and it is recommended that students use this storage to back up important academic files to prevent loss. See http://law.wisc.edu/help/for_students/remote_access.html for more access details.

5.2.2 Prohibited Files on LAN Storage

The Board of Regents requires that the email and network facilities of the University be used to fulfill the University’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. Due to space limitations on the server, there are files that not allowed to be stored on the LAN server, including:

• AV files including, but not limited to, movies, sounds, pictures
• Executable files including, but not limited to, exe, com, dll
• Compressed files including, but not limited to, zip, tar, tgz

NOTE: Storage capacity on the server is adjusted as needed to ensure that there is more than adequate space for each semester’s notes, memos, briefs, assigned cyber readers, etc. All these can be kept in storage until graduation. Files for centers or student orgs may be requested to use alternate shared storage space on the network.

5.3 Network User Names and Passwords

You need a user name and password in order to access the network from workstations in the Law School. User names and passwords will be available starting during the fall orientation week at: http://law.wisc.edu/help/my.php If you forget your password, a staff member in the Computer Lab can re-set it for you (note: you must present a valid photo ID). Law school network user names and passwords are different from your campus-provided NetID and password (See 5.11). Your Law School network account will be terminated on August 15th for May graduates, and on March 15th for December graduates. Any files stored in your account will be deleted.

5.4 Printing

Laser printing is available for $.07 per page from the printer located in Computer Lab B. Printing is charged through a Debitcard reader for which users must purchase a copy card. Cards are available at the Copy Center on 5th floor of the Law Library. There is no charge for printing from Westlaw or LexisNexis printers.

5.5 Photocopying

Two photocopiers are available in the Law Library Copy Center on the 5th floor, and one copier is available on the library’s third floor. Copies are $0.10 per page. One of the copiers in the Copy Center accepts coins and bills, and all copiers accept a copy card that can be purchased from an auto card teller in the Copy Center. The Law School’s Copy Shop (Room 2246) also provides self-service copying for $0.05 per page. The Copy Shop accepts cash and checks. Non-circulating library materials must be copied using library photocopiers.

5.6 Public Access Computers

There are several computer workstations in the Law Library available to the public (i.e. no user name and password are required) for legal research purposes. More information can be found http://library.law.wisc.edu/about/information/tour/workstations.html

5.7 Network Connections for Laptops

The Law Library has over 500 live network jacks ready for laptop use.

5.8 Wireless Networking

Wireless access to the Internet and the Law School's LAN is available throughout the Law School. You need an 802.11b-compliant wireless network card to connect to the wireless network.

5.9 Support for Your Personal Computer

The Law Library Computer Lab can provide limited support for your personal laptop. For more extensive support, you can take your PC to the Division of Information Technology's walk-up support desk at 1210 W. Dayton St., room 1150B. More information can be found at http://www.doit.wisc.edu/repair/ .

5.10 Resources for Student Organizations

5.10.1 Computers and Technical Support

The Student Bar Association and the Moot Court Board as well as the three registered Law School student journals (Wisconsin Law Review, Wisconsin International Law Journal, and the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender, & Society ) have office space and computers provided by the Law School. Support for these computers can be obtained through the Help@Law Technology Services department of the Law School (2-5242, help@law.wisc.edu ).

5.10.2 Email Lists

All student organizations can establish an email list of members and a general contact email address for the organization. Contact help@law.wisc.edu for more information.

5.10.3 Web Sites

All student organizations can also host a Web site on the Law School Web site if the site complies with the Law School’s basic requirements. (http://hosted.law.wisc.edu/ ). See also section 5.12 for information about software training, including Web site design.

5.11 Email, dial-up Internet, and Web portal access

5.11.1 Obtaining and Activating Your NetID

The University of Wisconsin's Division of Information Technology (DoIT) provides all students, faculty, and staff with a “NetID,” which provides access to a free email account, free dial-up Internet connectivity, and the My-UW Madison web portal. To activate your NetID, use a Web browser to go to my.wisc.edu click “Activate your NetID,” and follow the on-line instructions.

5.11.2 Accessing Your Email

Your email address will be in the format: netID@wisc.edu
UW email accounts can be accessed either via the POP3 protocol or the IMAP protocol (The latter is strongly recommended because it is necessary for Web access to email.). Any POP3- or IMAP-compatible mail reader program can be used to access your email, although the Law School recommends using Thunderbird 1.5 or higher (See http://www.mozilla.org). For setup instructions for Thunderbird, see http://helpdesk.doit.wisc.edu/page.php?id=2955 .Wiscmail, the University’s Web-based email client, can be accessed at: http://wiscmail.wisc.edu.

5.11.3 Accessing the My UW-Madison Web portal

The Web portal provides an array of personalized services for students. From any Web browser, you can access email and use a campus-wide calendar system to schedule meetings and appointments. You can use My UW-Madison to enroll in classes, monitor the status of your financial aid application, review your course grid, and check on library fines or holds. You can access the portal at http://my.wisc.edu .

5.11.4 Activating and Using Your Dial-up Internet Connection

The easiest way to set up your personal computer for dial-up Internet access via the UW is to purchase the WiscWorld package of software and utilities. You also can configure your home computer yourself. Note: Broadband access is recommended. For details, call 264-HELP.

5.11.5 Forwarding Mail to Another Account

You also may forward your UW email account to another account and retrieve your mail from there. To do that, logon to the WiscWorld web site at https://www.mynetid.wisc.edu/modify and select "Modify Account." After you enter your email user name and password, you can establish mail forwarding. Note: Forwarding of this nature is not recommended because some external email servers treat this forwarded mail as spam.

5.11.6 Law School Email Lists

The Law School maintains an email list of all law students for dissemination of administrative information. In many cases, information is circulated only via email so it's important for you to check your email frequently. These messages will be sent to your University email address.

5.12 Software Training for Students

The UW’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has free training for students that covers databases, word processing, spread sheets, Web design, graphics, and more. For information, see their Web site at http://www.wisc.edu/sts .Personalized training is available for the Law School’s many legal databases. See http://library.law.wisc.edu/elecresources/databases/allwithann.php . For more information, contact Jenny Zook, Reference and Instructional Services Librarian, at zook@wisc.edu.

5.13 Technology Policies

The University of Wisconsin's Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Information Technology apply to Law School users. By accessing the Law School's LAN or by using any Law School- or University-owned computing equipment, users implicitly agree to adhere to the following guidelines:

5.13.1 Electronic Mail and Networks

The Board of Regents requires that the email and network facilities of the University be used to fulfill the University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. All users must use computing equipment, software, and network access in a manner consistent with appropriate University codes of conduct and applicable statutes of the Wisconsin Criminal Code. You are the only person authorized to use your account. DoIT personnel will not seek out violators of these policies; however, violations that are brought to DoIT's attention will be handled through existing disciplinary, grievance, and hearing procedures. To report possible violations, email abuse@wisc.edu. Rules for appropriate use at the UW include:

• Use good passwords for email and dial-in
• Don't share your email or network account
• Don't send or forward spam email

5.13.2 Software Use

The UW-Madison licenses computer software from vendors and developers, although it does not normally own the software or related documentation. Unless specifically authorized by the vendor or developer, no one has the right to copy this software or documentation. The University does not require, request, or condone unauthorized copying or use of computer software. Everyone shall use software only in accord with the applicable license agreement, and only on University equipment. Violations of this policy are to be reported to the department chair, dean/division head, or the chancellor's office and DoIT. According to U.S. Copyright Law, illegal reproduction of software may be subject to civil damages (of as much as $100,000) and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Anyone who knowingly or willfully makes, acquires, or uses unauthorized copies of computer software is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, consistent with the appropriate Wisconsin Administrative Code.

5.13.3 Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources

Access to electronic mail, the Internet, databases, computers and other information technology (IT) resources is essential to the mission of the UW-Madison (to create, integrate, transfer and apply knowledge), and the achievement of excellence requires their effective use by all faculty, staff and students.

Use of information technology must be consistent with the University's mission and with its role as a public agency. Each member of the University community is expected to protect the integrity of these resources and to know and adhere to University rules, regulations and guidelines for their appropriate use. Violation of University rules governing appropriate use of IT resources will be reported and may result in loss of access privileges, University disciplinary action, and/or criminal prosecution. Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of University facilities also apply to the use of IT resources. In addition, the following guidelines apply more specifically to use of IT resources:
General guidelines. Access to University IT resources is a privilege granted to members of the University community that carries with it the responsibility to use them for University related activities, exercising common sense and civility.
Individual responsibility. Authorization for use of IT facilities is provided to each individual for his or her own use. No person may use an authorization that belongs to someone else. In many cases the University has obtained access to these resources exclusively for the use of members of the University community.
Security. The protection of University IT resources depends heavily on each user's careful handling of "keys" to these resources, since any account can serve as an entry point for theft, damage or unauthorized use. Users must protect the confidentiality of their personal identification codes and passwords and are expected to exercise reasonable care to insure that others cannot use their accounts.
"Hacking" Persons may not obtain or use—or attempt to obtain or use—passwords, IP addresses or other network codes that have not been assigned to them as individuals or authorized for their use as University employees. Persons may not obtain—or attempt to obtain—unauthorized access to computer accounts, software, files, or any other University IT resources.
Malicious activity. Persons may not alter or intentionally damage software or data belonging to someone else or interfere with another person's authorized access to IT resources. Users may not intentionally disrupt or damage University computers or networks in any way.
Impersonation and anonymity. Users of University IT resources may not send electronic messages with the sender's identity forged or send anonymous messages unless the recipient has agreed to receive anonymous messages.
Commercial, political and non-university activities. Persons may not use University IT resources to sell or solicit sales for any goods, services or contributions unless such use conforms to UW-Madison rules and regulations governing the use of University resources. University employees may not use these resources to support the nomination of any person for political office or to influence a vote in any election or referendum. No one may use University IT resources to represent the interests of any non-University group or organization unless authorized by an appropriate University department.
De minimis usage. In the interest of making the use of IT resources a natural part of the day-to-day learning and work of all members of the University community, incidental personal use is tolerated. However, one should use non-University sources of email, Internet access, and other IT services for activities of an extensive nature that are not related to University purposes.
State and federal laws. Persons may not use University computing facilities to violate State or federal laws.