Napster, Appropriate Use and the UW network

March 10, 2000

Thinking about kicking back and listening to some tunes? With the advent of MP3-files and companies such as Napster, your favorite music could be just a click away. Many now find and trade music files online by downloading free software that enables their computer to become a server of MP3 files. But campus users can cause trouble with MP3 files in two ways-- with appropriate use, and the effect on the campus network.

Since the majority of music traded via Napster is without the permission of the record company and artist who produced it, legal experts are still sorting out copyright violations. Piracy issues aside, downloading such software can strain the University's network, consuming large amounts of bandwidth. For instance, an average MP3 file is roughly 1,000 times larger than the average email. "Since the University's network is a shared resource, increased use of MP3-files will ultimately impact the entire network speed that all users will experience," says Robert Lee of DoIT Network Operations.

Nearly 200 universities, including UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh, have taken steps to curb the problem by blocking their network's access to MP3-trading companies, such as Napster software. Although UW-Madison has not followed suit, DoIT reminds faculty, staff and students that the use of the network is a shared resource on campus and falls under the Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University IT resources. The policy is located at http://www.doit.wisc.edu/appro.htm.

One guideline ("De Minimus Use") specifies that the University acknowledges that the use of IT resources is a natural part of the day-to-day learning and work of all members of the University community, and incidental personal use is tolerated. Reread the Appropriate Use Policy. Use caution when downloading large files.