VistaStorm Acceptable Use Policy

Last Updated : 07/21/2016

Preface

• VistaStorm sets forth an Acceptable Use Policy with the intent of protecting our service, our customers, and other users of the Internet from potentially abusive actions taken by VistaStorm customers. The following policy is non-exclusive; any action about which there is doubt should be referred to VistaStorm for evaluation. VistaStorm may alter this policy from time to time as need dictates.
• VistaStorm is an Internet service provider. Since the internet is a service and not a product we can not guarantee that all users will be able to access it all the time. VistaStorm is not responsible for computer mis-configuration or other problems a customer may have on their end. VistaStorm is not responsible for service outages on the Internet backbone. VistaStorm, like other service providers, does not issue refunds for unused service and does not prorate accounts for downtime.

Statement of Responsibility

• Each VistaStorm Internet account has a password that is the key to gain access to the account. The customer who registered the account is solely responsible for all access and actions taken with regard to the account. It is the account owner's responsibility to safeguard the account password and to ensure that VistaStorm Acceptable Use Policies are honored. VistaStorm will hold the account owner responsible for any violations of the AUP.
• Sites directly attached to the VistaStorm backbone are expected to adhere to the VistaStorm Acceptable Use Policies. The individual who signed the contract is responsible for educating site users on acceptable use policies. Violations of the AUP by directly attached sites will be referred to the contract signer for resolution. The contract signer will be held responsible for any violations of the AUP.
• VistaStorm enforces these policies with respect to VistaStorm customers only. We are not responsible for abusive actions which originate from other sites or networks on the Internet.

Acceptable Use: Network

Acceptable use of the VistaStorm network facilities does NOT include:

• Attempting to circumvent user authentication or security of any host, network, or account on VistaStorm systems or the Internet at large ("cracking"). This includes scanning or probing ports without the consent of the owner of the machine being scanned.
• Use of VistaStorm systems or networks (willfully or negligently) in a manner that encumbers disk space, processors, bandwidth, or other system resources so as to interfere with others' normal use of services on VistaStorm or other systems and networks ("denial of service" attack).
• Activities which violate local, state, or federal statutes.

Acceptable Use: Shell/Telnet Access

Acceptable use of shell/telnet access does NOT include:

• Unauthorized access.
• Running background processes after you have logged out.
• Compiling and running foreign binaries without express written consent of VistaStorm.
• Activities which violate local, state, or federal statutes.

Acceptable Use: Domain Names

VistaStorm provides domain name service for Dedicated Connection customers. Keeping registry information updated and accurate is the responsibility of the domain holder and not VistaStorm. Acceptable use of the VistaStorm domain name service does NOT include:

• Falsifying or omitting valid domain contact information, including the administrative, technical, zone, and billing contacts.

Acceptable Use: Email

Acceptable use of Email does NOT include:

• Sending unsolicited mass mailings of any nature, including those with a "negative option" for continuation. The negative option is inviting those who do not wish to receive more email to reply to you.
• Sending a large number of email messages, or singularly large email messages, to a single address in order to flood someone's mailbox.
• Forging email headers to obscure the true originator of the message.
• Creating or participating in pyramid schemes or chain letters.
• Sending harassing email, either by language, size, or frequency. This includes sending email (or real time) messages to a person who has asked explicitly that you do not.
• Activities which violate local, state, or federal statutes.

Acceptable Use: Usenet

Acceptable use of VistaStorm Usenet News service does NOT include:

• Posting unsolicited messages to a large number of Usenet newsgroups either by cross-posting or posting to individual groups ("spamming").
• Attempting to cancel, supersede, or otherwise interfere with Usenet posts other than one's own.
• Blatant posting of articles which violate the named charter for specific newsgroups.
• Publishing someone's real-world data (such as phone number, address, social security number, etc.) in such a way as to cause the person trouble or to incite others to do so.
• Forging Usenet header information to obscure the true originator of the message.
• Activities that violate local, state, or federal statutes.

Acceptable Use: Dial-up Access

• Dial-up connections to VistaStorm that are idle for 20 minutes or longer, or connected for more than 8 hours continuously, will be disconnected. Idle time is defined as a period during which no input or output is sent or received across the modem connection.
• Multiple simultaneous logins to a single VistaStorm dial-up account are prohibited.
• While our service is unlimited, it is not a dedicated modem connection. Use of VistaStorm dial-up service as a dedicated modem connection through use of redialers and idle-time traffic generators is prohibited.
• Activities which violate local, state, or federal statutes.

Acceptable Use: Web/FTP Sites

Acceptable use of VistaStorm web/FTP space does NOT include:

• Distribution of pornographic or otherwise indecent or offending materials.
• Distribution of restricted software or materials in violation of copyrights or distribution licenses.
• Distribution of materials which violates local, state, or federal statutes.