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Is Distributed Computing A Crime?
Ann Harrison, SecurityFocus 2001-12-20

A computer network administrator faces multiple felony charges and years in a Georgia prison for allegedly installing Distributed.net clients without permission. Prosecutors say its justice, others aren't so sure

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Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous78
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous (1 replies)
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous (1 replies)
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Only in America 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous-Please
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-20
Anonymous (1 replies)
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-21
Anonymous
Is Distributed Computing A Crime? 2001-12-21
euler
"McOwen placed a program on computers, that in his estimation would benefit him personally, including computers that has sensitive student financial and identity information without authorization," says Willard. "There is concern about the program itself compromising or providing the basis to compromise sensitive personal or financial information, there is the matter of Mr. McOwen's unauthorized activities on this computer, and finally there is the point that there was misappropriation of state property."

Heck, if the college was running Windows on these computers, it could be argued that the college already had a history of reclessly providing "a basis to compromise" the "sensitive personal or financial information."

This is a load of crap. Running the client costs the college nothing. Further, even if there was a policy of not installing third party software on college computers, such policies are usually not enforced for the IT departments of such colleges. If these guys want to be able to hire competant professionals, they will re-think this action!

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