The log file of the "fas" computer was publicly available yesterday, despite a University official's available yesterday, despite a University official's assurance that users would no longer be able to gain access.

Any user who viewed this file could read the names of students sending email and the recipients of their meassages.

Franklin Steen, director of Harvard Arts and Computer Services (HASCS), who stated on Tuesday that access to the log files on all computers would be cut off, said he did not know why the file was accessible.

The Crimson reported on Wednesday that students could view a file logging the names of graduates and undergraduates who transferred pornography and obscene material between Harvard's computers and their own.

Many students were upset when told that their actions could be monitored, citing a possible violation of privacy.

Steen noted that the file available yesterday contained only e-mail records, not the file transfers which included pornographic images.

Students interviewed earlier this week said, however, that the existence of the e-mail log is an invasion of their privacy as well.

Several noted that by looking at the log it is possible to discover the names of students' friends, parents, employers, and other acquaintances.

Yesterday, Steen said the e-mail records do not invade student's privacy to the same extent as the file transfers because there are other ways to see who people are e-mailing.

"E-mail is not as big a deal as files," Steen said. He mentioned that the "w" command can also reveal whom a students has e-mailed.

But Steen said if students are deliberately examining the log file for information on other students, "it should be covered up."

He said, however, that he presumes the file will be closed in the near future.

Steen said two students called him in response to The Crimson's article onWednesday to express concern about the e-mailrecords and the log file.

"One was very depressed and distraught," hesaid. "He said he had spent some days in his room,not going out. I tried to calm him."

Despite the severe reaction of the student, whoSteen said refused to give his name, othersoffered arguments for keeping e-mail records open.

"One person pointed out the analogy of adepartment whose mailboxes are in a hallway," hesaid. "Anyone could, if they made the effort, readthe mail."