TotalChoice Hosting: Acceptable Use

Important Note: This document is updated often. Please make a habit of reviewing it from time to time to stay abreast of acceptable as well as inappropriate uses of your TotalChoice Hosting Internet Services account. TotalChoice is not required to send notifications when this page is updated.Reports of activity in violation of this policy may be sent via e-mail to abuse@totalchoicehosting.com

Welcome to TotalChoice Hosting LLC
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") outlines the acceptable uses of services across all our product and service lines. By opening a TotalChoice Hosting account, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to comply with all the provisions in this document and any associated policies referenced herein. TotalChoice Hosting LLC ("TCH") reserves the right to revise or amend this AUP, its supplements, or any related policies as necessary. Any such modifications will become effective immediately upon publication on our website ("TCH website"). Your continued use of our services following the posting of these changes indicates your acceptance and adherence to the updated terms. We encourage you to regularly review this AUP to ensure your understanding of your obligations. All notices concerning this AUP and all its subsections shall be sent and delivered using the My TotalChoice Hosting support portal ("MYTCH") unless otherwise stated.

Objectives of Our AUP:

  1. Provide Reliable Service: Ensure the highest quality and reliability of service for all customers.
  2. Protect Security and Privacy: Safeguard the security and privacy of our systems, networks, and users.
  3. Comply with Laws: Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
  4. Maintain Reputation: Preserve our standing as a responsible service provider.
  5. Promote Responsible Use: Encourage responsible and ethical use of Internet resources.
  6. Support Free Expression: Preserve the Internet as a medium for free expression and information exchange.

Enforcement and Consequences:
Violations of this AUP may result in actions including warnings, service suspension, or termination without notice. You may also be liable for legal claims brought against us by third parties due to such violations. We reserve the right to determine what constitutes a violation and the appropriate severity of any corrective action.

Reporting Mechanisms:
To report abuse or violations, please visit MYTCH and create a help desk ticket with details of the incident, including relevant dates, participants, and the nature of the violation. We ensure a timely response and appropriate action.

Prohibited Activities:
Users must not engage in activities that:

  • Violate any laws or regulations.
  • Infringe on network or terms of service policies.
  • Distribute malware or engage in malicious activities.
  • Involve theft of services or data.
  • Degrade system performance for others.

Examples of Prohibited Activities:

  • Illegal Activities: Hosting or distributing pirated software.
  • Network Abuses: Conducting DDoS attacks or unauthorized port scanning.
  • Malware Distribution: Sending viruses or other harmful software.
  • Service Theft: Using the service to gain unauthorized access to other systems.
  • Performance Degradation: Running resource-intensive applications that disrupt server performance.

Content Guidelines:
You are responsible for all content under your account. Prohibited content includes:

  • Illegal or harmful content, such as obscene or threatening material.
  • Content that infringes on intellectual property.
  • Any form of harassment or bullying.

Security:
Maintain security to prevent unauthorized account use. Misuse, whether by you or others, may result in termination or legal action. Ensure strong password practices and regularly update them.

Network Management:
You must not misuse network resources to the detriment of others or the network's performance. Excessive use may lead to the limitation or suspension of your services.

Email Usage:
TCH maintains a zero-tolerance policy for spam. Spam is defined as unsolicited bulk or commercial messages sent without the recipient's consent. Violations will result in immediate account termination and you may incur a $500 fee. Sending any form of unsolicited bulk or commercial messages is strictly prohibited.

IRC and Network Tools:
The use of IRC bots or disruptive network tools is prohibited. This includes tools designed to compromise security or network integrity.

Compliance with Laws:
All activities that violate state or federal law are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate termination and potential legal consequences.

International Use:
Our services are accessible globally, and users are responsible for compliance with local laws in addition to this AUP.

Privacy Statement:
We respect customer privacy and disclose information only as necessary to comply with laws or provide requested services. Please review the TCH Privacy Policy for complete details of our Privacy Policy.

Resource Usage:
Excessive use of CPU, memory, or disk space that adversely affects server performance or other customers is prohibited. Violations may lead to service limitations or suspension.

Backup Policy:
Although certain plans include backup services, TCH is not responsible for the integrity or availability of backups. Customers are responsible for maintaining their own backups.

Fair Usage Policy:
Customers must adhere to fair usage levels for bandwidth and storage. Excessive use beyond reasonable limits may result in service restrictions or additional charges.

Inode Usage:
Excessive inode usage can affect server performance and stability. Customers are responsible for managing their inode usage within reasonable limits, which may result in service limitations or suspension.

Definitions:

  • Spam: Unsolicited bulk email.
  • Malware: Software intended to damage or disable computers.
  • IRC Bots: Automated programs that control IRC channels.
  • Resource Misuse: Using network or server resources in a manner that adversely affects others.
  • Inodes: Data structures used by file systems to store information about files and directories.

Related Policies:
This AUP should be read in conjunction with our other policies.

Contact Information:
TotalChoice Hosting, LLC
24700 Northwestern Hwy
Suite 537
Southfield, MI 4807