Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

This AUP document outlines usage policies at IP Guys Ltd. Clients are responsible for checking this document from time to time, as notifications of updates will not be made.

Purpose:

Although using common sense would accomplish the same as enforcing these policies, IP Guys is required to issue this document to clarify IP Guys policies. By enforcing the terms of this AUP, IP Guys wishes to:

  • Ensure reliable service to all clients;
  • Ensure security and privacy of IP Guys systems and network, as well as the networks and
  • systems of others;
  • Comply with existing and relevant laws;
  • Maintain IP Guys reputation as a responsible premium service provider;
  • Encourage responsible use of the Internet and discourage activities which reduce the usability and value of Internet services;
  • Preserve the value of Internet resources as a conduit for free expression and exchange of information;
  • Preserve the privacy and security of individual users.

    • Content:

    All services rendered by IP Guys may be used for lawful purposes only. Transmission, storage, or presentation of any information, data or material in violation of any UK law is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material to which you have no distribution rights, material IP Guys judges to be threatening or obscene, unlicensed software or files, or material protected by trade secret and other statute. Generally, legal content is permitted unless stated otherwise. The client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless IP Guys from any claims resulting from the use of the service which damages the client or any other party.

    Examples of unacceptable content include:

  • Pirated software;
  • "Illegal MP3s";
  • Cracking ("hacking") programs or archives;
  • "Warez" sites;
  • Adult content which breaches UK law;
  • Linking directly to the above.
  • IP Guys will not actively monitor content, but if IP Guys is made aware of AUP abuse or violation of prohibited content rules, IP Guys reserves the right to take enforcement action as listed below. IP Guys will be the sole decision-maker as to what constitutes a violation of this provision.

    • Resource Consumption:

    Except in cases where explicitly permitted by special exemption, the following resource- consuming activity is not permitted on shared-hosting accounts:

  • Sites running large or busy chat rooms;
  • Sites using more than 8% of system resources.
  • IP Guys will be the sole decision-maker as to what constitutes a violation of this provision. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    • Bandwidth Usage:

    Bandwidth and data transfer usage is included with your account, and usage past the defined limits of your account may incur IP Guys standard excess usage charges. In the case of shared-hosting accounts, IP Guys may move your site to a different server to reduce the load on the currently used server.

    Chat Rooms:

    IP Guys allows clients to install their own chat systems. However, these tend to consume large amounts of system resources and thus may infringe on the resource-consumption clause. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    Background Processes/Programs:

    IP Guys may allow programs to run continually in the background, these are considered on a case-by-case basis and an extra charge may be incurred based on system resources used and operational maintenance needed. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    Cron Services:

    IP Guys may allow "cron jobs" on IP Guys servers, these are considered on a case-by- case basis and an extra charge may be incurred based on system resources used and operational maintenance needed. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    IRC:

    IP Guys does not permit IRC or IRC bots to be operated on IP Guys shared-hosting servers. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    Usenet:

  • Although IP Guys does not currently operate a direct newsfeed, we have no objection to users running their own NNTP servers.
  • Our customers' use of Usenet is governed by standard 'best practice' guidelines;
    • Customers will endeavour to keep excessive cross-posting (Velveeta) and multi-posting (spam)below the standard as defined by the Breidbart Index (BI). We reserve the right to terminate news access if the server BI goes above 20.
  • http://www.killfile.org/faqs/spam.html defines the Breidbart Index in detail.
  • Customers will not forge Usenet headers.
  • Customers running a news server will provide a working email address to which other Usenet residents can send abuse reports (ideally abuse@, news@ or usenet@, as per RFC 2142). We reserve the right to disconnect news access to the server in question until any incidents arising been investigated fully by the customer.
  • IP Guys will not permit servers in our facility to post abusive, illegal or threatening material to Usenet; we will make customers aware of any complaints forwarded to us concerning such abuse.
  • If customer NNTP servers endanger IP Guys facilities, access or usage in any way, they may be disconnected or blocked without notice.
  • If customer NNTP servers also disrupt the smooth functioning of Usenet, they will also be disconnected or blocked without notice.
  • Further clarification of what constitutes abuse of Usenet can be found at http://www.faqs.org/faqs/net-abuse-faq/part1 (and part2).

    • Multiple Connections:

    Multiple ftp sessions are allowed on a single shared-hosting account, as long as such usage does not infringe on the resource-consumption clause. Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    Idle Timeouts:

  • IP Guys may disconnect any idle connection to a account.
  • Usage of "tickle" software to keep connections appear active are not permitted.
  • Connections may only be used actively. If you are not using the connection, please close it.
  • Client used servers are welcome to use their own resources as needed.

    • Commercial Advertising - Email:

  • Spamming, or the sending of unsolicited email, from IP Guys servers or any server located on the IP Guys network, or using an email address that is maintained on a IP Guys machine is EXPLICITLY PROHIBITED. Hosting websites advertised by spamming ("spamvertised") is also EXPLICITLY PROHIBITED. For general reference, IP Guys considers spam to be any email that is sent to more than 10 people at a time that did not ask for it to be sent to them.
  • IP Guys will be the sole decision-maker as to what constitutes a violation of this provision. Opt-In email is acceptable, as long as Opt-Out/Removal requests are fully functional and honoured. Please make an effort to limit outgoing mail on your shared- hosting account to no more than 500 pieces per hour. Large mailings are preferred to be sent from the hours of 12AM - 6AM GMT but Clients may utilise their own resources as required.

    • Server Abuse:

  • Any attempt to undermine or cause harm to IP Guys servers or clients of IP Guys is strictly prohibited. IP Guys may elect to pursue legal action to the fullest extent for any abuse of IP Guys network and resources.
  • Similarly, any attempts to use IP Guys servers or network to abuse other networks, servers, clients or providers will be considered an abuse of IP Guys resources.

    • Suspension/De-Activation:

    If any policies are violated, IP Guys reserves the right to remove any account without prior notice. Client used servers will have their network access disconnected. Upon deactivation of a violator's account, the client forfeits any right to a refund or service credit for previous and advance payments. IP Guys typical action policy is the issuance of a warning first ("educate and remedy"), and account de-activation on the second offense. Serious offenses may require immediate de-activation to protect IP Guys best interests. Further offences may result in permanent termination of an account. Reactivation of an account or reconnection of a server will only be undertaken when the violation has been corrected to IP Guys satisfaction.

    This document was last modified on 10 Oct 2007

    Please report AUP abuses to tech@support-mail.com