Downloads and executables policy

This policy has been established to set guidelines in an effort to clarify the type and nature of files that employees are allowed to download from third-party sources onto their local computers (desktops, laptops, Pocket PCs, Tablet PCs). Although it would be impossible to name every executable or download file in this policy, users should adhere to these guidelines:

            The download enhances the employee’s productivity.

            The download is from a reputable source.

            The file does not subject the company to potential liability.

            The application, tool, or template has been approved by IT.

Approved downloads

The following is a list of files that employees can download onto their local machines.

AOL Instant Messenger
Although the company has not indicated a preferred IM application, instant messaging can offer users a way to quickly and efficiently communicate with coworkers, contractors, and associates. As with all IM applications, users are encouraged to keep personal messaging within reasonable levels.

ICQ
Like AOL Instant Messenger, employees can use this application to exchange work-related instant messages. Users are advised not to engage in the chat function of this application as it supports no function of the company. Also allowed are Trillian, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger.

WinZip
Employees who e-mail large files to contractors and consultants are encouraged to use WinZip, a compression utility.

Ad-aware
As employees may unwittingly download adware onto their local machines, applications such as Ad-aware, which scans a user's system for adware, are allowed. Please note: Some useful proprietary applications on the company network are seen as adware by this and other similar applications. Contact the IT department if you have questions about this kind of application.

Spybot S&D
Please check with the IT department to see if this will affect any in-house applications.

RealOne Player
Employees can use this application to listen to music and view streaming media at their workstation. Users will take care not to adversely affect other workers and will, for example, keep the volume of the music and other media played on this application within reasonable levels, if they are located in an office. Employees are encouraged to use headphones if they work in cubicles.

Adobe Acrobat Reader, Adobe Reader
Users must have this downloaded to view PDF files.

SlimBrowser
Employees can use this as an alternative to Internet Explorer.

MS Windows Media Player, Winamp
As with RealOne Player, please be courteous toward other employees when playing audio and video files on this application.

QuickTime
Use of this application is allowed.

Ebook applications
This includes Microsoft Reader, Palm Reader, and other third-party applications that allow users to download work-related texts onto their local machines.

Antispam applications
Because spam has become a significant issue for employees, the use of antispam tools and applications is allowed. However, because many of the freeware applications available for download are relatively new, please allow IT to review the application before installing it on your local machine. Some of the applications that are allowed are: Ella for Spam 1.1, Spam Inspector for Outlook 2000/2002 3.1, Spam Butcher 1.5, SpamCatcher 2.6, SpamWeed 1.3.7, Spam Fighter 1.06, SpamCatcher POP, Anti-Spam 2.0, MailWasher Pro 3.1, Ultra Spam Filter 1.5, McAfee SpamKiller 4.0, and Spam Inspector for AOL 3.0.

ZoneAlarm
While security is an issue that every employee can help manage, IT does encourage the use of personal firewalls on company equipment. Other approved applications are: Norton Internet Security tai Norton Personal Firewall, F-Secure Internet Security2004. With all others, please check with the IT before installation.

Prohibited downloads

The following downloads are not allowed on company computer resources unless approved by IT.

Kazaa Media Desktop
Peer-to-peer file-sharing applications have come under scrutiny in recent years for their ability to allow users to share copyrighted material and for the network resources that they consume.

iMesh
As with Kazaa Media Desktop, this application is not allowed because it could facilitate users sharing copyrighted files on the company network. Such applications can also contain third-party applications, so called adware or spyware, that collect information about a user's Web surfing habits, change system settings, or place unwanted advertising on the local computer.

Morpheus (all versions)
Use of this P2P file-sharing program is prohibited.

WinMX
Use of this P2P file-sharing program is prohibited.

LimeWire
Use of this P2P file-sharing program is prohibited.

Grokster
Use of this P2P file-sharing program is prohibited.

BearShare
Use of this P2P file-sharing program is prohibited.

Any third-party screen saver or wallpaper
This is to prevent images that might be deemed offensive by some staff members from being displayed on company monitors. Employees will use the default screen savers available on their local machines.

Games
Because games provide no benefit to our organization and have a tendency to affect productivity, they are not allowed on company machines. Telecommuters who use their own local machines on which to work are exempt from this policy. However, those who use company-purchased machines must abide by this rule.