Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Does anyone else use their home computer instead of their work provided computer?
- Thread starter Elektrofone
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
usually your work computer has work specific programs and vpns and what have you
Unless all you need to access the web, then most people will have to utilize work computer correct?
Yes, and I keep getting told to stop doing it but I ignore them until they set HR on me. Don't get me wrong they have provided a top of the range HP laptop but it is just so much more convenient to use my personal machine for no other reason than convenience.
The laptop required you to connect via Citrix Anywhere, my own machine still uses Citrix with a VDI. I am told one is less of a security issue than the other, my own machine being the greater risk of course.
The laptop required you to connect via Citrix Anywhere, my own machine still uses Citrix with a VDI. I am told one is less of a security issue than the other, my own machine being the greater risk of course.
It's much easier to get onto network drives and software specific to my job using my work laptop and vpn then it is to access it using a remote desktop on my personal computer so I generally just use my work provided laptop (I've also been working from home for the last 10 months). My work provided Dell laptop is reasonable fast though.
No, I need VPN access, and my work-provided laptop is much faster than my aging 2011 MacBook pro.
My work machine runs in a VM on my personal machine. It's encrypted. It's separate. I haven't been told not to yet!
I have a work provided Macbook Pro but I leave it in the office, but I just use our VPN to remote in and control it via remote desktop using my own.
Depends what I am doing. I can a use Remote Desktop on my Mac computer but it has some practical limitations.
If I don’t need to access electronic medical records and other specific programs, such in the case as doing researching in medical databases which all I need is a browser, I’ll often use my personal computer as it’s more comfortable using Mac OS and having a nicer built in screen. Another factor is I’m at home and want to print something, I don’t have the ability to use my own printer from my work computer, so my own computer is more convenient.
My work computer is a Thinkpad 450, which I like a lot. I also have dual 23” monitors with a dock in my office. My company has switched to buying HP laptops at the moment and I’ve turned down a couple offers to upgrade as I don’t love the new offerings. I’ve been told there is a way they can get me another ThinkPad, but that has yet to occur.
If I don’t need to access electronic medical records and other specific programs, such in the case as doing researching in medical databases which all I need is a browser, I’ll often use my personal computer as it’s more comfortable using Mac OS and having a nicer built in screen. Another factor is I’m at home and want to print something, I don’t have the ability to use my own printer from my work computer, so my own computer is more convenient.
My work computer is a Thinkpad 450, which I like a lot. I also have dual 23” monitors with a dock in my office. My company has switched to buying HP laptops at the moment and I’ve turned down a couple offers to upgrade as I don’t love the new offerings. I’ve been told there is a way they can get me another ThinkPad, but that has yet to occur.
I am trying to decide whether I should sell my iMac, My works provided me a 2017 MacBook Pro (which can be slow because they insist on installing antivirus software and other crap on it). I also have a 2020 M1 MacBook Air that I use for any non-work related stuff.
I don't. I have a Dell laptop and am very tied down to Windows at work. It's possible I could do certain things, but not sure 100%.
I don't even have the option to use a personal laptop ha.
I don't even have the option to use a personal laptop ha.
I use my private computers for some work related tasks, mainly creating documents and presentations. Apart from that, and as many have already said, work computers have special configurations regarding security and network access that you don't really want or can have on your private devices. There is also the matter of the policies of your company. Do they allow BYOD? (bring your own device)
If they don't then it is better to ask before using your Mac for any work related tasks..
If they don't then it is better to ask before using your Mac for any work related tasks..
A lot of larger companies only permit a locked down enterprise computer connected via private VPN. The last thing those companies want is some personal computer that has software/malware that might compromise a company's intranet security.
Am a teacher, so when schools closed last year, I was able to use my 5k iMac for HBL last year. It’s great for zooming and just general administrative work. Overkill for sure, but that 5k display is a beauty.
I also use my iPad for recording screencasts and teaching in the classroom.
My work laptop is mainly for accessing network files and printing documents.
Now I am contemplating bringing my M1 MBA to work as well, but that’s 3 computers I need to lug around.
No. I keep my Mac Mini at home for personal use and my work provided MacBook Pro for work. Cleaner that way. I do use my personal iPhone for work stuff all the time though.
I've sent e-mails from my work computer so that I could print something at home. Otherwise, my personal computer has not been used for work.
I started a new job(acadaemia) in August.
I have not even picked up the laptop they would provide for me. My MBP 9,1 has been doing the heavy lifting as far as Zoom and the rest of my grade keeping/course management.
I'm still a bit miffed that I was given incorrect information. The IT guy I worked with said "Sorry, we can only provide you a PC. Our stuff doesn't work with Macs." The "Stuff", in addition to Zoom, is a couple of web-based systems like Blackboard. I've had zero issues using them on my personal Macs.
BTW, we are required to have our data encrypted. Plain old Filevault(not encryption tied to the T2 chip) on 10.7 and newer satisfies the encryption standards.
I have since found out from another faculty member that IT WILL provide Macs. The key is that you have to pay the difference in cost between what they provide and the Mac you want. I haven't pursued it any further, but given how much recording an hour-long class in Zoom hammers my 9,1 I'm tempted to see if I can get an M1 MBA or MBP(really, really leaning towards the latter). Even if I have to kick in a few hundred dollars, I'd gladly do it.
I'd be interested, though, to know how that Mac arrangement works when it comes to the normal 3 year EOL. Typically you turn your PC in and get a new one. If you paid part-or even a good chunk-of a Mac it seems like you get in a weird state of flux of having a part school owned, part personally owned Mac.
I have not even picked up the laptop they would provide for me. My MBP 9,1 has been doing the heavy lifting as far as Zoom and the rest of my grade keeping/course management.
I'm still a bit miffed that I was given incorrect information. The IT guy I worked with said "Sorry, we can only provide you a PC. Our stuff doesn't work with Macs." The "Stuff", in addition to Zoom, is a couple of web-based systems like Blackboard. I've had zero issues using them on my personal Macs.
BTW, we are required to have our data encrypted. Plain old Filevault(not encryption tied to the T2 chip) on 10.7 and newer satisfies the encryption standards.
I have since found out from another faculty member that IT WILL provide Macs. The key is that you have to pay the difference in cost between what they provide and the Mac you want. I haven't pursued it any further, but given how much recording an hour-long class in Zoom hammers my 9,1 I'm tempted to see if I can get an M1 MBA or MBP(really, really leaning towards the latter). Even if I have to kick in a few hundred dollars, I'd gladly do it.
I'd be interested, though, to know how that Mac arrangement works when it comes to the normal 3 year EOL. Typically you turn your PC in and get a new one. If you paid part-or even a good chunk-of a Mac it seems like you get in a weird state of flux of having a part school owned, part personally owned Mac.
I’d have thought they would let you pay something towards the old Mac to keep it? Depends really. We sell off old Macs to staff. Saves going through eBay.
I’ll also add our IT manager hates Macs and would pull a similar stunt if he could. Accept all the senior management team (including myself!) all use Macs.
I work for a small printing company that has less than 20 employees (including the bosses). I was given a 2015 MBP (all the designers were) and when at work I use that Mac there. It's mine to do with as I wish, no employer stuff installed other than the apps I need to do my work. I only need to connect to work using a browser and one other app. None of that is VPN, all straight connections.
After I started working from home I went to my own Mac. Otherwise I'd be at the kitchen table with two monitors attached.
My own Mac works for me.
Work MBP on the left there. My 2009 MacPro has double the RAM the MBP does.
Which do you think I'd rather use?
After I started working from home I went to my own Mac. Otherwise I'd be at the kitchen table with two monitors attached.
My own Mac works for me.
Work MBP on the left there. My 2009 MacPro has double the RAM the MBP does.
Which do you think I'd rather use?
Nope; work is work and personal is personal. I carry two phones for that same reason.
I’d never do that except through a VPN/remote desktop. Also have two phones and never use the work one for anything personal or vice versa. Keeping work and personal separate is an absolute must in my field (law).