[brlug-general] Active Directory Mandated at LSU

[willhill]

How funny that I was willing to say that government employees should be forced 
to use free software before learning of the July 17th memorandum from Sean 
O'Keefe, "Leadership, Responsibility and Authority for the Security of 
Louisiana State University's Information Technology Infrastructure."  My fear 
of such force is that it could be used  to strip users of their freedom and 
force use of commercial software.  So, the very next day, I seem have my 
worst fears confirmed.

These are some questions I had about the new policy:

Is it true that that Active Directory gives central IT
complete control over the host computer?  Can software can 
be installed without user permission and can the user's information be 
searched, modified or destroyted without further notice?  Is it also true 
that this program decides which Microsoft OS may connect to LSU networks?  

Has LSU's Public Safety Office, which includes Police, Parking and other 
Offices been given an exemption?  If so, why?

Will other operating systems like GNU/Linux and OSX be allowed to connect to 
LSU networks?  Will administrative control of them also be demanded?

Will students be forced to participate if they want to use LSU networks?  Can 
this program make it difficult for free software users to access other 
services offered through LSU's network?