[Alupis]

Having worked in corporate IT for a long while, I can assure you that users will click "OK" on any popup, and install any program they think they need/want. This includes music player apps, torrent programs, toolbars, etc. None of which is allowed on a company computer (by most policies).

It's not your property, don't abuse it. It's really, really simple.

[tremon]

It's not your property, don't abuse it. It's really, really simple.

No, it is not. Where is the line between use and abuse?

If I install Notepad++ because it allows me to work faster, am I using or abusing the computer?

What if I install Firefox because some suppliers' site doesn't work in the company-provided IE8 anymore?

What if I install Dell's ActiveX control to download their drivers?

What if I disable the company-installed Flash Player because I feel safer without it?

What if I install NoScript or Flashblock using a company-provided Firefox install?

What if I look up my GP's phone number using a work computer because I need a consult for my back issues? Should I take sick leave just so I can call my GP?

I've worked in IT support, and the general rule among those companies was this: if employees have local administrator rights, they are expected to manage their system themselves. So all of the above would fall under "use" where I've worked. If your employees cannot be trusted to manage their machine, why do they have administrator rights in the first place?

[Alupis]

> If I install Notepad++ because it allows me to work faster, am I using or abusing the computer?

This, and all of your examples, would be considered abuse if your corporate policy stated you were not allowed to install any software without IT's permission. It is that simple, really.

> if employees have local administrator rights, they are expected to manage their system themselves

This sort of thing really only occurs at small businesses with little-to-no internal IT support, or with very special cases (such as a developer, which would have special approvals by the company to do so).

> If your employees cannot be trusted to manage their machine, why do they have administrator rights in the first place

Well, they shouldn't, and they don't at most companies.

In the end, you signed a usage agreement. If you deliberately break that agreement, don't be surprised by the consequences.

[tremon]

This, and all of your examples, would be considered abuse if your corporate policy stated you were not allowed to install any software without IT's permission. It is that simple, really.

Except that two of my examples did not involve installing anything.

[antihero]

> This, and all of your examples, would be considered abuse if your corporate policy stated you were not allowed to install any software without IT's permission. It is that simple, really.

Well in that case any sane person would try to avoid working for a company with such draconian and controlling policies.