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Is it acceptable to install personally purchased licensed software on company provided laptops? [closed]
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I have changed jobs recently. I am a software developer and I very much love Intellij IDEA, which I think is the best IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for Java. I have a personal license for the latest release of Intellij. My company uses Eclipse, which is also nice, but I like Intellij more. So while doing company development work I will use Eclipse as everyone on the team is using it. But I also want to practice new stuff for which I would like to use Intellij. Is it acceptable to install personally purchased licensed software on a company provided laptop?
P.S: I work for a very large multinational company which is definitely among the top 5 software companies. I am putting this info here because the policies in startups and giant software companies are quite different.
professionalism new-job company-policy
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
closed as off-topic by kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat Oct 30 '16 at 13:40
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
24
down vote
favorite
I have changed jobs recently. I am a software developer and I very much love Intellij IDEA, which I think is the best IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for Java. I have a personal license for the latest release of Intellij. My company uses Eclipse, which is also nice, but I like Intellij more. So while doing company development work I will use Eclipse as everyone on the team is using it. But I also want to practice new stuff for which I would like to use Intellij. Is it acceptable to install personally purchased licensed software on a company provided laptop?
P.S: I work for a very large multinational company which is definitely among the top 5 software companies. I am putting this info here because the policies in startups and giant software companies are quite different.
professionalism new-job company-policy
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
closed as off-topic by kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat Oct 30 '16 at 13:40
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat
6
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
7
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
2
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
3
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
2
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
24
down vote
favorite
up vote
24
down vote
favorite
I have changed jobs recently. I am a software developer and I very much love Intellij IDEA, which I think is the best IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for Java. I have a personal license for the latest release of Intellij. My company uses Eclipse, which is also nice, but I like Intellij more. So while doing company development work I will use Eclipse as everyone on the team is using it. But I also want to practice new stuff for which I would like to use Intellij. Is it acceptable to install personally purchased licensed software on a company provided laptop?
P.S: I work for a very large multinational company which is definitely among the top 5 software companies. I am putting this info here because the policies in startups and giant software companies are quite different.
professionalism new-job company-policy
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
I have changed jobs recently. I am a software developer and I very much love Intellij IDEA, which I think is the best IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for Java. I have a personal license for the latest release of Intellij. My company uses Eclipse, which is also nice, but I like Intellij more. So while doing company development work I will use Eclipse as everyone on the team is using it. But I also want to practice new stuff for which I would like to use Intellij. Is it acceptable to install personally purchased licensed software on a company provided laptop?
P.S: I work for a very large multinational company which is definitely among the top 5 software companies. I am putting this info here because the policies in startups and giant software companies are quite different.
professionalism new-job company-policy
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 25 '12 at 12:52
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
asked Dec 23 '12 at 9:46
Geek
270139
270139
closed as off-topic by kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat Oct 30 '16 at 13:40
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat
closed as off-topic by kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat Oct 30 '16 at 13:40
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions seeking advice on company-specific regulations, agreements, or policies should be directed to your manager or HR department. Questions that address only a specific company or position are of limited use to future visitors. Questions seeking legal advice should be directed to legal professionals. For more information, click here." – kevin cline, jimm101, Chris E, nvoigt, gnat
6
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
7
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
2
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
3
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
2
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34
 |Â
show 2 more comments
6
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
7
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
2
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
3
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
2
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34
6
6
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
7
7
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
2
2
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
3
3
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
2
2
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34
 |Â
show 2 more comments
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
29
down vote
accepted
It might be actually be illegal!
If the licence you have when purchasing the software was for personal and not commercial use, then these can have very different price points - a lot of software is free for personal use but charged for business.
I would check the licence agreement very carefully first, and make sure you can use it commercially. If not, then don't install it as the company would be liable.
A second pitfall will be the company's policy on software installation; this can vary hugely and could be a potential issue if you install software that is incompatible, you don't keep up-to-date or has security weaknesses.
A third issue is if you are using the software for personal projects on a company laptop; depending on your employment agreement they may well own all of the intellectual property associated with that development work. This can be the case even if they don't use your ideas. For a non-software example of this, the Bratz case is interesting.
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
11
down vote
Your employer owns the laptop (unless they gave it to you), and therefore gets to decide what you can do with it. Obviously you can use it for its intended purpose, namely doing your job and installing whatever software your employer provides for that purpose.
Anything else (accessing non-work e-mail, web surfing, installing other software) may or may not be permitted; it's up to your employer to decide.
And on top of all that, as GuyM's answer says, you need to worry about the licensing terms for whatever software you install; that's an issue between you and the provider of the software. (And if you install pirated software on a company-owned computer, it could cause serious problems for your employer.)
Personally, I've installed plenty of free software on company-issued computers, when it seemed reasonable to assume that that would be ok. For example, if I'm issued a Windows laptop, I'll install Cygwin immediately.
If I wanted to install personally purchased licensed software, I'd simply ask, and if the answer were no, I'd respect that (though I might grumble a bit).
(I'm not sure I can articulate why free vs. purchased makes a difference; perhaps it shouldn't.) (Thinking about it later, for free software there's generally no doubt that you have the author's permission to use it; for purchased software, your employer could have legitimate concerns about whether it's legitimate.)
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
From JetBrains FAQ (Please see the updated link below)
Can I run my license on multiple computers, on my home machine and at work?
31 October 2013 17:53 JetBrains Sales FAQ > General
You can install the software on as many machines as you like, but you can use
it only on one of them concurrently. This means you need as many
licenses as the maximum number of concurrent usages will be – so for X
number of users, you will need X licenses.
Update:
FAQ
Can I use my personal license at work and at home?
Licensing and Purchasing FAQ > Licensing Model Overview > License Types and Users
JetBrains Team Updated 04 October 2016 13:49
Yes, you can use your personal license at work as well as at home. You
can use it working on your personal projects as well as projects of
your company. Our EULAs do not restrict this.
So, Jetbrains does not prohibit you from installing IntelliJ on multiple devices. The only restriction is on the concurrent use of it. However in your particular case, as others have recommended, it is better to consult your IT department regarding company policies about software installation in provided laptops.
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I wouldn't -- company-owned property means they can do whatever they like with it (and it can be confiscated / kept for evidence in an investigation / traded out at any point)!
If the company gave you the laptop, that'd be one thing, but if you don't get to keep it after you're (theoretically) fired, I wouldn't put anything on it you can't live without. If nothing else, you're setting yourself up for a world of pain should your device suddenly cease to be yours.
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
29
down vote
accepted
It might be actually be illegal!
If the licence you have when purchasing the software was for personal and not commercial use, then these can have very different price points - a lot of software is free for personal use but charged for business.
I would check the licence agreement very carefully first, and make sure you can use it commercially. If not, then don't install it as the company would be liable.
A second pitfall will be the company's policy on software installation; this can vary hugely and could be a potential issue if you install software that is incompatible, you don't keep up-to-date or has security weaknesses.
A third issue is if you are using the software for personal projects on a company laptop; depending on your employment agreement they may well own all of the intellectual property associated with that development work. This can be the case even if they don't use your ideas. For a non-software example of this, the Bratz case is interesting.
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
29
down vote
accepted
It might be actually be illegal!
If the licence you have when purchasing the software was for personal and not commercial use, then these can have very different price points - a lot of software is free for personal use but charged for business.
I would check the licence agreement very carefully first, and make sure you can use it commercially. If not, then don't install it as the company would be liable.
A second pitfall will be the company's policy on software installation; this can vary hugely and could be a potential issue if you install software that is incompatible, you don't keep up-to-date or has security weaknesses.
A third issue is if you are using the software for personal projects on a company laptop; depending on your employment agreement they may well own all of the intellectual property associated with that development work. This can be the case even if they don't use your ideas. For a non-software example of this, the Bratz case is interesting.
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
29
down vote
accepted
up vote
29
down vote
accepted
It might be actually be illegal!
If the licence you have when purchasing the software was for personal and not commercial use, then these can have very different price points - a lot of software is free for personal use but charged for business.
I would check the licence agreement very carefully first, and make sure you can use it commercially. If not, then don't install it as the company would be liable.
A second pitfall will be the company's policy on software installation; this can vary hugely and could be a potential issue if you install software that is incompatible, you don't keep up-to-date or has security weaknesses.
A third issue is if you are using the software for personal projects on a company laptop; depending on your employment agreement they may well own all of the intellectual property associated with that development work. This can be the case even if they don't use your ideas. For a non-software example of this, the Bratz case is interesting.
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
It might be actually be illegal!
If the licence you have when purchasing the software was for personal and not commercial use, then these can have very different price points - a lot of software is free for personal use but charged for business.
I would check the licence agreement very carefully first, and make sure you can use it commercially. If not, then don't install it as the company would be liable.
A second pitfall will be the company's policy on software installation; this can vary hugely and could be a potential issue if you install software that is incompatible, you don't keep up-to-date or has security weaknesses.
A third issue is if you are using the software for personal projects on a company laptop; depending on your employment agreement they may well own all of the intellectual property associated with that development work. This can be the case even if they don't use your ideas. For a non-software example of this, the Bratz case is interesting.
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 23 '12 at 11:04
GuyM
8,4332743
8,4332743
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
 |Â
show 2 more comments
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
7
7
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
It wouldn't be illegal (criminal), but it could be a breach of contract (the EULA), which would be a civil matter.
– alroc
Dec 23 '12 at 13:56
1
1
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - I understood that this could also be a breach of local copyright laws, as breach of the EULA would mean the installation (copy) is unauthorised.
– GuyM
Dec 23 '12 at 19:05
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
@alroc - Unless you can back up your claim that it would not be a criminal offense I suggest you remove the comment. That borders on giving a legal opinion which is off limits here. On top of that I am pretty sure that you are wrong.
– IDrinkandIKnowThings
Dec 25 '12 at 0:16
5
5
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
A breach of contract is not a criminal offense in the US. Second source. And the same for the UK
– alroc
Dec 25 '12 at 4:58
1
1
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
@alroc - The criminal aspect of this relates to the breach of copyright laws, not the breach of contract. For example, if the company was audited, the software would probably be seen as an unauthorised copy.
– GuyM
Dec 26 '12 at 19:09
 |Â
show 2 more comments
up vote
11
down vote
Your employer owns the laptop (unless they gave it to you), and therefore gets to decide what you can do with it. Obviously you can use it for its intended purpose, namely doing your job and installing whatever software your employer provides for that purpose.
Anything else (accessing non-work e-mail, web surfing, installing other software) may or may not be permitted; it's up to your employer to decide.
And on top of all that, as GuyM's answer says, you need to worry about the licensing terms for whatever software you install; that's an issue between you and the provider of the software. (And if you install pirated software on a company-owned computer, it could cause serious problems for your employer.)
Personally, I've installed plenty of free software on company-issued computers, when it seemed reasonable to assume that that would be ok. For example, if I'm issued a Windows laptop, I'll install Cygwin immediately.
If I wanted to install personally purchased licensed software, I'd simply ask, and if the answer were no, I'd respect that (though I might grumble a bit).
(I'm not sure I can articulate why free vs. purchased makes a difference; perhaps it shouldn't.) (Thinking about it later, for free software there's generally no doubt that you have the author's permission to use it; for purchased software, your employer could have legitimate concerns about whether it's legitimate.)
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
Your employer owns the laptop (unless they gave it to you), and therefore gets to decide what you can do with it. Obviously you can use it for its intended purpose, namely doing your job and installing whatever software your employer provides for that purpose.
Anything else (accessing non-work e-mail, web surfing, installing other software) may or may not be permitted; it's up to your employer to decide.
And on top of all that, as GuyM's answer says, you need to worry about the licensing terms for whatever software you install; that's an issue between you and the provider of the software. (And if you install pirated software on a company-owned computer, it could cause serious problems for your employer.)
Personally, I've installed plenty of free software on company-issued computers, when it seemed reasonable to assume that that would be ok. For example, if I'm issued a Windows laptop, I'll install Cygwin immediately.
If I wanted to install personally purchased licensed software, I'd simply ask, and if the answer were no, I'd respect that (though I might grumble a bit).
(I'm not sure I can articulate why free vs. purchased makes a difference; perhaps it shouldn't.) (Thinking about it later, for free software there's generally no doubt that you have the author's permission to use it; for purchased software, your employer could have legitimate concerns about whether it's legitimate.)
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
11
down vote
up vote
11
down vote
Your employer owns the laptop (unless they gave it to you), and therefore gets to decide what you can do with it. Obviously you can use it for its intended purpose, namely doing your job and installing whatever software your employer provides for that purpose.
Anything else (accessing non-work e-mail, web surfing, installing other software) may or may not be permitted; it's up to your employer to decide.
And on top of all that, as GuyM's answer says, you need to worry about the licensing terms for whatever software you install; that's an issue between you and the provider of the software. (And if you install pirated software on a company-owned computer, it could cause serious problems for your employer.)
Personally, I've installed plenty of free software on company-issued computers, when it seemed reasonable to assume that that would be ok. For example, if I'm issued a Windows laptop, I'll install Cygwin immediately.
If I wanted to install personally purchased licensed software, I'd simply ask, and if the answer were no, I'd respect that (though I might grumble a bit).
(I'm not sure I can articulate why free vs. purchased makes a difference; perhaps it shouldn't.) (Thinking about it later, for free software there's generally no doubt that you have the author's permission to use it; for purchased software, your employer could have legitimate concerns about whether it's legitimate.)
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
Your employer owns the laptop (unless they gave it to you), and therefore gets to decide what you can do with it. Obviously you can use it for its intended purpose, namely doing your job and installing whatever software your employer provides for that purpose.
Anything else (accessing non-work e-mail, web surfing, installing other software) may or may not be permitted; it's up to your employer to decide.
And on top of all that, as GuyM's answer says, you need to worry about the licensing terms for whatever software you install; that's an issue between you and the provider of the software. (And if you install pirated software on a company-owned computer, it could cause serious problems for your employer.)
Personally, I've installed plenty of free software on company-issued computers, when it seemed reasonable to assume that that would be ok. For example, if I'm issued a Windows laptop, I'll install Cygwin immediately.
If I wanted to install personally purchased licensed software, I'd simply ask, and if the answer were no, I'd respect that (though I might grumble a bit).
(I'm not sure I can articulate why free vs. purchased makes a difference; perhaps it shouldn't.) (Thinking about it later, for free software there's generally no doubt that you have the author's permission to use it; for purchased software, your employer could have legitimate concerns about whether it's legitimate.)
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
edited Oct 29 '16 at 20:53
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
answered Dec 23 '12 at 19:23
Keith Thompson
1,496918
1,496918
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
add a comment |Â
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
In conjunction with my answer, maybe "free" software doesn't feel so much like software as much as it does a website you download -- i.e. it's trivial to get your hands on, so you don't even think about it.
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 25 '12 at 21:43
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
From JetBrains FAQ (Please see the updated link below)
Can I run my license on multiple computers, on my home machine and at work?
31 October 2013 17:53 JetBrains Sales FAQ > General
You can install the software on as many machines as you like, but you can use
it only on one of them concurrently. This means you need as many
licenses as the maximum number of concurrent usages will be – so for X
number of users, you will need X licenses.
Update:
FAQ
Can I use my personal license at work and at home?
Licensing and Purchasing FAQ > Licensing Model Overview > License Types and Users
JetBrains Team Updated 04 October 2016 13:49
Yes, you can use your personal license at work as well as at home. You
can use it working on your personal projects as well as projects of
your company. Our EULAs do not restrict this.
So, Jetbrains does not prohibit you from installing IntelliJ on multiple devices. The only restriction is on the concurrent use of it. However in your particular case, as others have recommended, it is better to consult your IT department regarding company policies about software installation in provided laptops.
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
From JetBrains FAQ (Please see the updated link below)
Can I run my license on multiple computers, on my home machine and at work?
31 October 2013 17:53 JetBrains Sales FAQ > General
You can install the software on as many machines as you like, but you can use
it only on one of them concurrently. This means you need as many
licenses as the maximum number of concurrent usages will be – so for X
number of users, you will need X licenses.
Update:
FAQ
Can I use my personal license at work and at home?
Licensing and Purchasing FAQ > Licensing Model Overview > License Types and Users
JetBrains Team Updated 04 October 2016 13:49
Yes, you can use your personal license at work as well as at home. You
can use it working on your personal projects as well as projects of
your company. Our EULAs do not restrict this.
So, Jetbrains does not prohibit you from installing IntelliJ on multiple devices. The only restriction is on the concurrent use of it. However in your particular case, as others have recommended, it is better to consult your IT department regarding company policies about software installation in provided laptops.
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
up vote
10
down vote
From JetBrains FAQ (Please see the updated link below)
Can I run my license on multiple computers, on my home machine and at work?
31 October 2013 17:53 JetBrains Sales FAQ > General
You can install the software on as many machines as you like, but you can use
it only on one of them concurrently. This means you need as many
licenses as the maximum number of concurrent usages will be – so for X
number of users, you will need X licenses.
Update:
FAQ
Can I use my personal license at work and at home?
Licensing and Purchasing FAQ > Licensing Model Overview > License Types and Users
JetBrains Team Updated 04 October 2016 13:49
Yes, you can use your personal license at work as well as at home. You
can use it working on your personal projects as well as projects of
your company. Our EULAs do not restrict this.
So, Jetbrains does not prohibit you from installing IntelliJ on multiple devices. The only restriction is on the concurrent use of it. However in your particular case, as others have recommended, it is better to consult your IT department regarding company policies about software installation in provided laptops.
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
From JetBrains FAQ (Please see the updated link below)
Can I run my license on multiple computers, on my home machine and at work?
31 October 2013 17:53 JetBrains Sales FAQ > General
You can install the software on as many machines as you like, but you can use
it only on one of them concurrently. This means you need as many
licenses as the maximum number of concurrent usages will be – so for X
number of users, you will need X licenses.
Update:
FAQ
Can I use my personal license at work and at home?
Licensing and Purchasing FAQ > Licensing Model Overview > License Types and Users
JetBrains Team Updated 04 October 2016 13:49
Yes, you can use your personal license at work as well as at home. You
can use it working on your personal projects as well as projects of
your company. Our EULAs do not restrict this.
So, Jetbrains does not prohibit you from installing IntelliJ on multiple devices. The only restriction is on the concurrent use of it. However in your particular case, as others have recommended, it is better to consult your IT department regarding company policies about software installation in provided laptops.
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
edited Oct 29 '16 at 19:53
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
answered Jan 1 '14 at 11:03
WarFox
20924
20924
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
add a comment |Â
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
2
2
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
Doesn't answer the question, which is whether the company allows it. And without knowing the company's policies, that's impossible to answer. Yes, Jetbrains has no problem with it as long as nobody except the license holder is able of using the computer, but that's only half the answer here.
– jwenting
Jan 2 '14 at 5:15
4
4
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
In that sense, basically no one answered the question. Atleast in this answer I made it clear that he can install his personal license IntelliJ on his work computer if the company allows it.
– WarFox
Jan 2 '14 at 7:34
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@WarFox URL that you have provided is not available anymore. I've same question. Can I use my personal license on laptop owned by company? Is that legal from jetbrains perspective?
– svlada
Oct 29 '16 at 10:15
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
@svlada thanks. I've updated new link. According to Jetbrains, you are free to use the license on any machine. I use my license on my linux, mac and company laptop, but not concurrently. Please consult your company policies, if there is any restriction set by your company.
– WarFox
Oct 29 '16 at 19:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I wouldn't -- company-owned property means they can do whatever they like with it (and it can be confiscated / kept for evidence in an investigation / traded out at any point)!
If the company gave you the laptop, that'd be one thing, but if you don't get to keep it after you're (theoretically) fired, I wouldn't put anything on it you can't live without. If nothing else, you're setting yourself up for a world of pain should your device suddenly cease to be yours.
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
I wouldn't -- company-owned property means they can do whatever they like with it (and it can be confiscated / kept for evidence in an investigation / traded out at any point)!
If the company gave you the laptop, that'd be one thing, but if you don't get to keep it after you're (theoretically) fired, I wouldn't put anything on it you can't live without. If nothing else, you're setting yourself up for a world of pain should your device suddenly cease to be yours.
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
I wouldn't -- company-owned property means they can do whatever they like with it (and it can be confiscated / kept for evidence in an investigation / traded out at any point)!
If the company gave you the laptop, that'd be one thing, but if you don't get to keep it after you're (theoretically) fired, I wouldn't put anything on it you can't live without. If nothing else, you're setting yourself up for a world of pain should your device suddenly cease to be yours.
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
I wouldn't -- company-owned property means they can do whatever they like with it (and it can be confiscated / kept for evidence in an investigation / traded out at any point)!
If the company gave you the laptop, that'd be one thing, but if you don't get to keep it after you're (theoretically) fired, I wouldn't put anything on it you can't live without. If nothing else, you're setting yourself up for a world of pain should your device suddenly cease to be yours.
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
answered Dec 25 '12 at 21:38
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
1,14321020
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
add a comment |Â
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
2
2
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
If the company gives you permission to install software on the laptop, and it doesn't cause any licensing problems, I can't think of any reason not to go ahead and install it. Just keep the installation media.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 26 '12 at 16:30
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
I admit this is a very YMMV question, but I know some software (like Adobe Creative Suite!) is very much "One License, One Computer" -- why risk it when you don't have to?
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 27 '12 at 16:06
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
You could probably install Adobe Creative Suite on a work computer if you don't also install it on a personal computer. I'd discuss it with my employer to ensure that (a) it's ok to install it, and (b) they understand that it's licensed to me, and they'll remove it when I turn in the laptop. If I could persuade my employer to buy a license for Adobe Creative Suite, that would be even better. I don't suggest risking anything.
– Keith Thompson
Dec 27 '12 at 16:22
add a comment |Â
6
Why can't you practice new stuff on your personal computer?
– Jeanne Boyarsky
Dec 23 '12 at 16:16
7
your best bet would be to talk to the IT department and see what they say
– ratchet freak
Dec 23 '12 at 16:41
2
Not sure ethics come into play at all in this scenario. It's really more about IT rules.
– DA.
Dec 23 '12 at 18:47
3
Large multinational companies tend to have conservative IT policies. Newer versions of IntelliJ were rejected by my employer due to some change in the license agreement, for example. (Not sure what exactly, but everything gets reviewed.) IT departments can be concerned about malware, sloppiness (e.g. your application does something annoying on the network), foreign vendors, license terms, or all sorts of things. I'm not defending them, just listing rejection reasons I've encountered. :-( Anyway, the only way you'll know is to investigate your company's IT restrictions.
– Monica Cellio♦
Dec 25 '12 at 16:15
2
Is there some reason you can't ask your employer or do you prefer getting forgiveness over permission?
– user8365
Dec 26 '12 at 18:34