The university I work at recently had a job fair and I saw the strangest advertisement for a web developer. Among the many perks they included a “computer for work”. Is this some new trend among IT companies to not include a computer such that a work computer is a perk? Anyway, I thought it was funny but definitely mundane and pointless so here we are.
Some companies have introduced a “bring your own device” policy, so yes, it’s a new trend.
I’m shocked by this.
I must be getting old. 
How do they manage network security and such? Do they force you to submit to having corporate-approved antivirus and such installed on your BYODC? (bring your own damned computer)
You’re not allowed direct access to the company’s network. You are given VPN access to the Internet and you manage your files via cloud, VCS, etc.
As far as your device is concerned, your company’s network is as accessible as the Bank of England’s network.
Another take on this: A lot of computer jobs are work at home now*. Better companies provide good laptops for such employees. But generally not assumed unless stated otherwise.
- Both FtGKids work at home over the Internet. One uses a company provided laptop. The other uses a laptop (some of the time) that was actually provided by the previous employer and was allowed to keep. Both have people working under them. This is normal to many people.
Most of my work has been BYOC (IT contractor), and we usually have direct access. “Here’s your company email, here’s your company username, here’s your password”. Some companies have specific requirements (sometimes pretty big ones*), some have install packs, some have instructions on how to access different parts of the corporate network. We only need VPN if working from home.
- there was one which required us to have an obsolete version of Windows (obtainable only in pirated form at the time), did not want us to have double booting, emulators, or any not-company-approved software… yeah right, the chorus of “then provide the computers yourselves!” wasn’t so much recited as growled.
I think sometimes, these things are just elements of their new starter process that just creep through into the job spec for no good reason - I recently saw a management role that specified company car. laptop, mobile phone as if they were all benefits. Sure, a car is a perk, but laptop and phone are just tools to get the job done (and a company mobile phone can be a curse).
A hundred yeas ago, auto mechanics and carpenters were expected to have their own tools. This is nothing new.
I love the various and sundry first hand accounts this place serves up.