Googler Laptop Policy - What can I do?

FedEx
RandomCodr

Go to company page FedEx

RandomCodr
Apr 26, 2020 20 Comments

Hello,

I will start working at Google in few days, and I'm curious about their laptop policy.

What things can I do?

- Leetcode
- Personal learning
- Open source
- Social networks
- Netflix

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 20 Comments
  • Google
    fartMchine

    Go to company page Google

    fartMchine
    I do all of the above.
    Apr 26, 2020 6
    • Technically open source work needs to be approved by the company, and on behalf of the company. If you developed something using your work machine and they really wanted it, they have a legal right to seize it - granted it’s unlikely.
      Apr 26, 2020
    • Google
      fartMchine

      Go to company page Google

      fartMchine
      I didn't mean porn or visiting unsecure websites. Only all of the things you've listed above.
      Although in the past I've done it but in different jobs I didn't care much about.

      Lol I don't do anything productive enough to worry about having Google claim it.
      Apr 27, 2020
  • ezCater
    SCtw58

    Go to company page ezCater

    SCtw58
    They own anything you create on that laptop, so I wouldn’t do personal projects there. A friend of mine just went through a six month legal battle with google over a new language he created but developed on his google laptop.
    Apr 26, 2020 8
  • My solution is to setup a workstation that can easily switch between your personal Mac and work.

    I have a Mac pro that's running and I'm using a dock to switch between my laptop and macpro
    Apr 26, 2020 2
    • You're still using your employer's facilities and equipment, etc. Plus large tech companies can generally lay claim to anything that you create while under their employment because they have such a clause in the employment agreement that you sign with them when you sign up to be an employee.
      Apr 26, 2020
    • Not really. It depends. If you build it while working 9-5 yes. But if you work outside and work on your personal laptop you should be okay
      Apr 27, 2020
  • Facebook
    lark shark

    Go to company page Facebook

    lark shark
    If you work at Google (or any such company), you're not allowed to do open source work without approval, even in your own time on your own equipment.

    It's a CYA rule that Google doesn't actively police and approvals are easy to get, but it's still a rule.
    Apr 26, 2020 0