So im thinking of formatting my work laptop

[importdistributors]

So were I work, we have a lot of down time, and I am paranoid about having my computer monitored. SO I am thinking about formatting my hard drive installing windows on the computer and just log in using VPN every time I go to work. What do you think? A Genius plan, or a set-up for failure?

 

[SSSnail]

You could be fired, depends on company policy. Besides... nvm, you'll figure it out.

 

[ViviTheMage]

If you were at my work I'd be REALLY pissed....REALLY pissed.

 

[manlymatt83]

I used to format the computer the first day, but that's because I wanted to run *nix.

 

[nerp]

I'd wager than an IT department that would shrug this off and pat you on the back is pretty rare. Isn't there a chance that they'll hit your PC up for routine updating or some configuration change and discover your decision to tamper with company property? If so, I'd invest in a small netbook or something you can have going at your desk during your downtime.

 

[aceO07]

Ask the IT people if you can? There might be a lot of networking or other software that needs to be reinstalled, which you don't know about. Mention it to your boss?

 

[waggy]

depends on where you work. some places won't give a shit. others you will get fired.

 

[nageov3t]

I wouldn't do it without getting an ok from someone in the IT department.

 

[XxPrOdiGyxX]

Umm if you are paranoid about being monitored because of your surfing activities...maybe, just maybe, you should alter your habits at work.

 

[Joemonkey]

if you are on a domain... well... yeah

 

[CptCrunch]

If I were your IT person, I'd hit you upside the head with the laptop for even thinking that

Heres the thing, its not YOUR computer, its not YOUR network. YOU should not do ANYTHING on THEIR laptop that is not work related. Just because you use the laptop does not, in any way shape or form, mean that you own the laptop and can do whatever the fvck you want to with it. They have every right to monitor, track and view your screen at their choosing.

So, I voted 'Do it!' because you are IT's worst nightmare and I would fire your ass.

 

[Saga]

Having your computer monitored how? If you're worried about us watching your web traffic you're going through an awful lot of trouble for nothing. I mirror all switch traffic to a packeteer and store the data for two years. I can pinpoint every single day you played World of Warcraft or surfed AT all day down to the minute you timed out.

What else are you trying to avoid us seeing? Your local porn stash? I don't get it, I guess.

 

[olds]

When I left my old department 7 years ago, I formatted the hdd on my Toshiba laptop before I turned it in.
It had some kind of BIOS password from Toshiba on it and they couldn't get into it. The had to ship it to Toshiba to gain access.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

lmao, you're an idiot if you even remotely thought this was a good idea

 

[LuckyTaxi]

this is funny ... at my place the user owns the laptop, we do not supply laptops. on top of that, they want to roll out Active Directory and force 80% of our users who run Vista Home to upgrade to Vista Business. Now I have to format their personaly laptop and then attach them to the domain. When/if they get fired I have to somehow disjoin them from the domain but was told "tough sh!t," leave it as is. This is coming from our Directory of IT. wow is all i have to say.

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: LuckyTaxi
this is funny ... at my place the user owns the laptop, we do not supply laptops. on top of that, they want to roll out Active Directory and force 80% of our users who run Vista Home to upgrade to Vista Business. Now I have to format their personaly laptop and then attach them to the domain. When/if they get fired I have to somehow disjoin them from the domain but was told "tough sh!t," leave it as is. This is coming from our Directory of IT. wow is all i have to say.

this has me your IT director should be smacked upside the head. As far as disjoining from the domain, you disable both their computer and user accounts. Or delete them if that's how you all roll.

 

[spidey07]

This is terribe, this idea.

OP - don't forget things like transparent proxies that know where you are going even if you format everything.

 

[Saga]

I really need to know - what exactly are you trying to avoid being seen doing that you think reformatting the laptop will succeed in accomplishing?

 

[HannibalX]

OP, it isn't your job so don't do it. Places I have worked will fire an employee for this.

 

[effowe]

Just get a live linux cd and use that to surf.

 

[TallBill]

Sounds like the worst idea that I've read all day.

 

[Phoenix86]

I highly recommend this so you can give an IT geek the opportunity to learn how to setup policies so all you get is an icon to a citrix page with all your apps.

 

[Saga]

Originally posted by: effowe
Just get a live linux cd and use that to surf.

How is that going to help you at all? You're still asking for an IP address.

Originally posted by: Saga
Having your computer monitored how? If you're worried about us watching your web traffic you're going through an awful lot of trouble for nothing. I mirror all switch traffic to a packeteer and store the data for two years. I can pinpoint every single day you played World of Warcraft or surfed AT all day down to the minute you timed out.

What else are you trying to avoid us seeing? Your local porn stash? I don't get it, I guess.

 

[DayLaPaul]

Dual boot that bitch with a hidden boot menu that defaults to the company's unaltered OS when not activated.

 

[Saga]

Originally posted by: DayLaPaul
Dual boot that bitch with a hidden boot menu that defaults to the company's unaltered OS when not activated.

Please see my post above yours. What are you trying to accomplish by doing this? Playing single player StarCraft?