PSA about PCs: Don’t put personal stuff on your work computer
Live and learn, as they say.
When I brought my computer in to upgrade the operating system, I found out that the policy at my workplace has changed.
They used to say it was okay to put our personal documents, applications, etc. on the laptops they provide us. Sometime in the past few years, that changed, which I didn’t know until after I gave them the laptop for the upgrade.
Fortunately I backed up everything first. And as far as I know, I don’t have anything on there that would get me in any trouble. Now, it’s going to be wiped clean and only work-approved apps can go on it.
So I asked on Twitter what you guys thought. Should people be able to keep personal stuff on their work computers? And the answer was a resounding NO!
“Yes, of course” — which was my thought until this week — did even worse than Ross Perot did in the 1996 election.
A majority of people said no, of course not. Duh!
In retrospect, I get it. I just didn’t think it through — which is unusual for me, because I overthink almost everything — but it does make sense.
from the employer perspective: they wouldn’t want something illegal, offensive, etc. that could reflect badly on them if it got out; they don’t want viruses/malware to get on their devices
from the employee perspective: do you want your employer to have access to your personal stuff, especially since many/most workplaces now do or can snoop in on their devices and could try to use something against you if they don’t like it?
It’s some consolation though that I’m not the only one who was doing it. According to this survey, a majority of people put personal stuff like documents, emails, etc. on their work computers — including 22% who, like me, also installed some software they owned.
And as far as I know, I don’t have anything on there that would get me in any trouble with my employer. But it’s good to know now going forward that my work laptop — even if I can bring it home with me — is just for work.
This article, and the replies to my poll above, give other reasons why it’s not a good idea. So my good deed for the week is to say — don’t put your own stuff on your work computer.
🚨 Do you have a laptop from your employer, or a computer that’s yours at work? Do you put your own personal files, install apps, do email, or other non-work related things on it? Do you think I was a total idiot for doing this? Then comment below!
Also, please remember to vote in the July poll to help decide which progressive-friendly org will get a $50 donation! Thanks!
