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Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

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Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#21

Post by audleman »

You should be seriously concerned. I couldn't find the article, but I remember reading a story about an IBM developer who did something as little as running a proof of concept of his side project on one of their servers. He eventually created his own company and in the end they sued him and got everything.

Lawyers, IP law, these are dangerous areas and you want to steer clear. In fact if you have written any code on your company computer, delete it and re-write it from scratch once you get your new laptop.

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#23

Post by bmm6o »

0942v8653 wrote: post #7
ramon wrote: post #5

they can make copies of your software whenever they want, it's their hardware. They can block specific software from running, etc. Their hardware, their policies. It's certainly not your rules. Buy a Notebook!

Hmm, does this extend to the Internet connection? Would using a work wifi for your side project mean they can claim to own it? What about public wifi? In order to keep your project safe, do you have to get a cellular connection and VPN into your home network?

It's not explicitly about hardware, software, internet connections or food -- the particular items that you are using are irrelevant. If you are using company resources to produce a thing, they have a claim on the thing produced.

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#24

Post by Delphiki »

burritofanatic wrote: post #17

Pied Piper faced a serious threat that nearly ruined their business which stemmed from something like this, though you can't guarantee arbitration, and favorable treatment. Just use your own code/open source, and your own equipment in your own time, off site. I haven't gotten an update on how their product is doing now though, but hopefully soon.

I hear we'll be getting an update on April 24th.

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#25

Post by _RPM »

burritofanatic wrote: post #17

Pied Piper faced a serious threat that nearly ruined their business which stemmed from something like this, though you can't guarantee arbitration, and favorable treatment. Just use your own code/open source, and your own equipment in your own time, off site. I haven't gotten an update on how their product is doing now though, but hopefully soon.

You understand that the company you're talking about doesn't exist in real life and is a fictional satire T.V. show, right?

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#26

Post by infinii »

ramon wrote: post #5

they can make copies of your software whenever they want, it's their hardware. They can block specific software from running, etc. Their hardware, their policies. It's certainly not your rules. Buy a Notebook!

It's not just "buy a notebook". If you really want to cover all bases, don't even do the personal work in the office on company time...even if you are using your own laptop.

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#27

Post by seekingcharlie »

_RPM wrote: post #25
burritofanatic wrote: post #17

Pied Piper faced a serious threat that nearly ruined their business which stemmed from something like this, though you can't guarantee arbitration, and favorable treatment. Just use your own code/open source, and your own equipment in your own time, off site. I haven't gotten an update on how their product is doing now though, but hopefully soon.

You understand that the company you're talking about doesn't exist in real life and is a fictional satire T.V. show, right?

/s

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#28

Post by ProblemFactory »

fgandiya wrote: post #15
brianwawok wrote: post #10

Have you not seen what happens on Silicon Valley :)

Didn't they get away with it because the contract was illegal to begin with?

Most real-world contracts have a clause saying "if any part of this contract is ruled invalid, the rest stays in effect."

Re: Ask HN: Should I be concerned about using company's computer for side projects?

#30

Post by brianwawok »

hayleox wrote: post #20
brianwawok wrote: post #10

Have you not seen what happens on Silicon Valley :)

That show also featured files somehow getting deleted by the remote party as they were being uploaded via FTP, and an enormous porn network apparently having no backups. I wouldn't take things on that show as an accurate description of the technical/legal underpinnings of the world.

hah touche!

But it still seems like a terrible idea.

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