Protecting Intellectual Property

Copying and sharing licensed materials without permission is a violation of federal law.  Parents are being held financial responsible for their children's illegal downloads.

• Don't copy or download commercial computer software - With the exception of shareware, "borrowing"  from someone and downloading computer programs or games onto your computer for you own use constitutes theft even if you return the CD.
• Be careful when using "sharing" software - By using software programs such as KaZaa, iMesh, and Gnutella, users can unknowingly be allowing others to share files illegally - as well as your personal files - with everyone on the Internet.
• Always cite the information source - Copying written materials from the Internet without citing the sources is plagiarism. Students should avoid the temptation to submit research papers purchased on the Internet as their own.
• Get permission before downloading copyrighted materials - Books, magazines, videos, computer games, and music require the permission of the author, publisher or artist to copy or download and use, even for your own personal use.  Free doesn't mean legal.
• Be part of your child's online experience - It can be a fun journey to explore the wonders of the Internet as a family. As computer-savvy as kids and teens are today they will certainly teach you a thing or two!