Ask Slashdot: No-Install Programming At Work? 386
An anonymous reader writes "Hello! Every summer (and other holidays) the work load at my job becomes minimal. I like scripting (HTML, CSS etc.) and would like to get into programming just to tinker a bit due to curiosity. At work we are not allowed to install anything except company approved software. Is there something I can program in that has an IDE like PortableApps.com? I guess I am asking for a recommendation on both language and IDE at the same time. Again, I want to reiterate that this is to satisfy my tinkering curiosity and thus not need something great, just something more advanced than HTML/CSS."
Uhh (Score:1, Insightful)
How about you tinker on your own time before IT finds out and your ass gets fired?
Professional development (Score:5, Insightful)
Remote Desktop (Score:4, Insightful)
Use a web-based (GoToMyPc.com?) or pre-installed remote administration app (Windows Remote Desktop? maybe VNC?) - or install RealVNC and use it's web app. Then control your home PC and run whatever IDE and language you prefer. I'd recommend Visual Studio Express and C# or C/C++, but that's just personal preference.
Re:Remote Desktop (Score:1, Insightful)
and probably get fired
Re:Remote Desktop (Score:5, Insightful)
If they are not allowed to install anything not on the list, remoting to a PC outside of the company firewall is probably a firing waiting to happen.
Re:Uhh (Score:2, Insightful)
Shut up asshole. If the workload is light, and the boss finds you trying to expand your skills, you really think that's a hanging offense? If you don't have an impulse to do this sort of thing, you're in the wrong profession. Git'r'done sandbags like you should look up the term 'false economy'.
Re:Uhh (Score:5, Insightful)
^^^Ding ding ding!!!^^^
The ownership of anything you do during your work hours would be in question (at best). Most likely, if you're in IT, you've signed something that says anything you create while on the clock belongs to your employer and there would be no question at all. They're paying you to do the work they provide. If they can't keep you busy and you don't want to be paid to sit on your ass, find an employer that can keep you engaged.
If you insist on doing personal stuff during work hours, at least be smart enough to do it on your own equipment. You can get a brand new craptop for under $300. Frys has 7 15" laptops between $249.99 and $299.99.
Bring in your own laptop and get permission first (Score:3, Insightful)
If you are not allowed to install anything not on the list, working around the rule using "portable applications" is rarely acceptable either.
What? Do you think the rule against "installing" things was because someone doesn't like the add/remove programs window getting cluttered up? Do you really think they'd be a-ok with you downloading a ton of crap and running it just because it doesn't require an "installation"?
As far as most normal IT people are concerned the fact that you didn't use an "installer" to get your non-approved crap on the PC is generally completely irrelevant.
PythonAnywhere (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:Uhh (Score:3, Insightful)
You're right, that will definitely convince them to reconsider their overly strict policy not to mention help to cement your job security.
related: http://xkcd.com/651/ [xkcd.com]
Re:Uhh (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Uhh (Score:4, Insightful)
Or his employer might decide he's not being productive if he has time to "play" with non-work related stuff. Why not ask you boss for permission? Otherwise, generally if you're not allowed to install software there is also a policy that you will not run unauthorized software either.
Re:Uhh (Score:5, Insightful)
The ownership of anything you do during your work hours would be in question (at best).
Which is relevant how?
His goals are to learn something and pass the time, not build the next killer app. How does it his employer potentially owning the code he writes interfere with those goals?
Re:Uhh (Score:4, Insightful)
In your inexplicable urge to sound high and mighty, you totally missed the point. Yes, I read the question, and I totally recognize that some jobs have surges and slow times. Had a few like that myself and had bosses that praised my initiative in learning while idle, and one that told me to go home because he wasn't paying me to fart around.
What I was pointing out was that if he's idle and wants to do something he thinks might be a useful, then he should let his boss know. Particularly if that action could be viewed as violating some IT policy and might be used as an excuse to shitcan him. Keep in mind that non-tech HR types will be happy to call it hacking software if they are trying to fire you.
Bottom line is that being sneaky about this is not a good idea.