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by miniman666

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Ok, basically, I'm a child of 16 and i found a .bat file at school and used it to message my friends.

"@echo off
:A
Cls
echo MESSENGER
set /p n=User:
set /p m=Message:
net send %n% %m%
Pause
Goto A"

I thought all it did was send them a message but i have been caught using it and the head of ICT says that it has a lasting effect on a computer..

He has threatened me under the Computer Misuse Act on 1990. Article 3.2.a, "impairing the operation of a computer". I do not believe that this file dos this and i do not think that it warrants a ban from computer access for 3 weeks at school during important coursework. I came here to think see what the experts though..

3 replies

by kjell_andorsen

That script is not dangerous, and to bring criminal charges over it seems excessive at best.

On the other hand. You should not be trying to run unapproved scripts or software on machines at school. The admins there have a job to keep the network secure and operational, and kids like you playing around with stuff like this COULD lead to problems. The next script you decide to try out might be less benign.

If you want to be a 1337 h4XX0r, do it on your own system.

by bizzo

It won't do any lasting effect on the computer as all it does is set two (local)environment variables and then issue a net send command using these variables.

Unfortunately, if your system utilises these variables "n" and "m" (unlikely, but possible) then it will mess the machine up for that session. Although logging out will fix it.

As for "impairing the operation of a computer". It will impair the operation of the computer you're sending to, as that user will have to press enter, or click OK to remove the message box.

If "net send" or any kind of messaging app is banned at your school, then I think you're stuffed, you know the rules, stick by them, being 16 is no excuse.

by nicknielsen

I'm not sure that running an unauthorized program can be considered "impairing the operation of a computer." The head of ICT is most likely trying to scare you; I don't see a reasonable court hearing a complaint in this case.

On the other hand, you most likely have an acceptable use policy for your school's computers. If such agreement only allows you to run applications for schoo-work, you may have violated it. This could result in sanctions from the school.

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