Unlocking Work laptop

[Deleted User]

I have a laptop which my company gave me to use for work; however I can only access my work websites and email. The laptop is preventing me from accessing any other websites. Can someone please explain how the IT guys at work are able to do this and is there a way I can override this block without their knowing. I had a word with them but they're unable to help as it's a senior management rule, but as I am on the road most of the time, I thought that being able to access my personal email during the day would not be a major issue.

sharkie

there are a few ways.

The issue here is will the pleasure gained from unlocking a work laptop be greater than the pain of being fired, possibly sued (if you infect the company) and the effort needed to find another job?

withabix

Buy a netbook!

fwor

If you want to do that, you will need to do a bit of searching about in the PC's settings - for example is there a proxy defined in the network settings?

But before you start tampering with this sort of thing, bear in mind that if it is company policy that staff should not access anything other than company websites from company laptops, you will almost certainly be committing a disciplinary offence by modifying the laptop. It's not unusual for companies to use any offence these days as a cheap way to get rid of people if they need to downsize.

jclegs

Sharkie is right, it's not worth getting fired over. My advice is to buy an iPhone or similar device if you want to access personal stuff on the move.

iamana1ias

You have no right to access your personal e-mail at all whilst you are at work, least of all on company equipment. The rules are in place for a reason and you could easily be sacked for breaking them.

If you must have access to it, buy yourself a blackberry or iPhone and pay for the privilege.

lewt

iamana1ias wrote: »

You have no right to access your personal e-mail at all whilst you are at work, least of all on company equipment. The rules are in place for a reason and you could easily be sacked for breaking them.

If you must have access to it, buy yourself a blackberry or iPhone and pay for the privilege.

Hey up, your boss as already rumbled you... :rotfl:

Richie-from-the-Boro

[quote=[Deleted User];discussion/2576157]I have a laptop which my company gave me to use for work; however I can only access my work websites and email. The laptop is preventing me from accessing any other websites. Can someone please explain how the IT guys at work are able to do this and is there a way I can override this block without their knowing. I had a word with them but they're unable to help as it's a senior management rule, but as I am on the road most of the time, I thought that being able to access my personal email during the day would not be a major issue.[/QUOTE]

Use your personal mobile for personal stuff, or buy your own additional lappie.

Overriding it I imagine is at the very least a disciplinary matter. You have answered your own question which was : "" my company gave me to use for work "" and your asking techies et al how to help you circumnavigate your most senior company officers rules by "" using it for non work related / pleasure purpose ""

Even if some kind soul tells you how.Every thing you do for every minute of every month is going to be on your lappie the next time it visits your IT section for a check / service / update / etc. The evidence will be there .. .. .. in law & in tribunal law you will lose the lot.

[Deleted User]

Thanks guys for all your kind replies. You are all absolutely right - I overlooked the potential serious consequences if I get caught. I didn't think I'd be doing anything wrong by accessing my personal emails, but of course the company will see it differently particularly if I infect the servers.

[Deleted User]

lewt wrote: »

Hey up, your boss as already rumbled you... :rotfl:

Not quite !!! but it certanly sounds like my boss. I'm quivering at the knees already....

atrixblue.-MFR-.

i wouldnt risk it, i had a company laptop whilst i was working, i too could only access the company websites, but as the laptop only had a small hardrive and dowloading information from specialist equipment used daily took up most of it quickly i was permitted to have restrictions lifted so i could upload the information to a computer at the office, but not permitted for personal use while it was open to world wide web instead of company intranet network i remeber whilst i was in employment that some workers abused their laptops and opened the net settings and as a result ended up being sacked for gross misconduct.