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Schools to Avoid: University of Florida
Iphtashu Fitz writes "The University of Florida has apparently come up with a technological approach to deal with P2P file sharing on their campus networks. According to this article on wired.com they have developed a program that scans the PCs of students in the UF dorm rooms. The program, dubbed 'Icarus' not only detects P2P applications but viruses, worms, and other trojans. If a P2P application is found then an e-mail is sent to the user, a message is popped up on their screen, and their internet connection is disconnected. First time offenders lose their connection for 30 minutes. The second offense results in a 5 day loss. The third strike results in an indefinite loss of connectivity. An editorial in The Independent Florida Alligator, the student newspaper, called the use of Icarus 'an invasive and annoying system that further deters students from living in dorms (see also another story).'"
...the article title as Flamebait?
Rampant filesharing on college campuses is a huge problem, and not just for copyright issues. P2P sucks up an extraordinary amount of bandwidth, taking it away from those with legitimate needs.
Call me an insane fucktard, but I think the penalty as listed is too lame. My plan:
First offense: lose net for one week.
Second Offense: lose net for one month.
Third Offense: suspension for one month, automatic 1-GPA point deduction on all current classes taken.
Forth Offense: explusion with prejudice (no readdmittance.)
These "kids" today think that the University is their private network and that bandwidth is infinite and there's no penalty for abuse...time for a surprise. Can't wait for them to tell mom and dad that they got busted for downloading pr0n and illegal MP3s and now get kicked out of college. As far as I am concerned, it's their problem and the University has to mitigate the possibility of lawsuits as well as catering to the genuine student that is not violating the laws. All I can say to those foolish students that do get hammered is "It sucks to be you!"
I agree that downloading copyrighted content wastes tons of bandwidth, but that should not prevent those who share legitimate content from freely doing so.
I would almost agree with you, but it's bullshit. You don't need to share those ISOs over P2P. You can use BitTorrent, or HTTP. There are other distribution methods. P2P has been designed for media sharing, and the vast majority of the traffic isn't legitimate.
If you ride the short bus to school it doesn't mean you are retarded, but everyone will treat you that way.
Dacels Jewelers can't be trusted.
Read the context, dumb-ass. Arbitrarily scanning students' computers on a whim is a violation of privacy. If the government isn't allowed to do such a thing, public institutions most certainly are not. So take your free speech strawman and cram it up your ass.