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So is the US government listing every single program authorized to be used on their computer? And I mean every single one?

That would include: -ls -cat -bash

and in Windows land: explorer.exe

If he used windows explorer to copy those files, could they have argued that explorer.exe was not on the list of authorized programs to use?

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Typically restricted access computers (govt or not) require an authorization form to install software and require software to be installed by an authorized person. Any use of programs not installed via that process (with supporting paperwork) would be considered misuse. Even if the settings of the system do not prevent an authorized user from performing those actions. Furthermore, access to such systems will require the user also to sign an authorized use form.

> ... access to such systems will require the user also to sign an authorized use form.

As well as agreeing to such policies every single time they log in to a computer.

So I guess he could have used a nix box then and just used curl, which comes preinstalled? I am not saying the government has no case here, but using wget is way too fuzzy to weak to be one of the central charges.

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