The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy is to provide guidelines that promote the integrity, security, reliability and privacy of RNS's systems and customers. This policy is non-exclusive, and is subject to change without notice. If a proposed use is in doubt, please contact RNS first for evaluation.

Use of RNS's network constitutes an agreement to abide by these guidelines.

UNACCEPTABLE USES OF RNS ACCOUNTS:

• Illegal activity.
• Violating rules or policies of other networks or information.
• Attempting unauthorized access to any network or information.
• Unsolicited bulk or commercial email.
• Excessive cross-posting or in-appropriate use of newsgroups.
• Distribution of viruses, worms, trojan horses.
• Transmitting threatening, obscene, or harassing materials.
• Running unattended processes, or any activities that disrupts RNS's network, users, services or equipment.
• Reselling of RNS's services.
• Allowing others access and or use of your RNS account.
  

USER RESPONSIBILITIES:
RNS strongly recommends that customers have an active, current, up-to-date, commercial anti-virus software program, such as McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro or F-Prot on their computer when they are connected to the internet.

Customers are responsible for keeping their anti-virus software current and up-to-date.

Failure to comply will result in RNS taking action to protect the internet which could include suspension and/or termination of the offending customer’s account.

VIOLATION OF POLICY:
RNS will review reported Acceptable Use Policy violations on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the severity of the action and the history of the account, violations could mean immediate suspension or termination of an account without warning. Please report violations to admin@ruralnetwork.net

PRIVACY:
RNS reserves the right to examine system logs and records to resolve system problems, and monitor system usage. Employees of RNS may need to access an account's mailbox to resolve system or account problems. RNS will cooperate with the appropriate legal authorities in investigating claims of illegal activity, including but not limited to illegal transfer or use of copyrighted material, posting or email containing threats of violence, or other illegal activity.