need some input

[Charlene]

this is a small office. it's just the boss, me and amy. my day off is monday, amy's is friday. almost every monday, amy brings either her daughter (14) or her son (11) to work all day. she lets them play on my computer. i have nothing to hide, mind you, but every tuesday when i come to work, i have to "readjust" something because they have screwed it up. yesterday, i could not get to any website where i need a password because her son somehow messed that up (deleted cookies??) and i don't remember my passwords. the few places i go that require passwords, i have those passwords "saved" because i don't care who sees these sites (like LB).

i don't want to get confrontational with her because i'm just not that way plus, i know if i tee her off, she could make things pretty miserable. i've seen her teed off at other people and it isn't pretty.

i'll get blunt if i have to, i just don't WANT to. this has been going on for months and now that school is out, it's a weekly occurrence.

what would you do??? talking to the boss, i have tried. she doesn't like confrontation either. :arg!

 

[Shortpig]

Are you allowed to setup your computers with a password to sign on. That way no matter how they try they won't be able to get on and chg things or screw things up. I would be very concerned why they are deleting cookies on your computer. That doesn't just happen you have to go to internet tools to delete cookies and locations you have visited on the internet. I'd try to use the sign on option in the future.

 

[Jill]

Could you put a Post-It note on the screen before you leave on Friday saying:



[SIZE=14pt]Please Don't Use For Non-Office Tasks[/SIZE]
(my settings keep getting changed on Mondays when I am out)



Then, you don't have to "talk it out" and should be clear as day not to use it, and why.

Good luck!

 

[Charlene]

shortpig, as for being "allowed" to password-protect my computer, i have never had the need to until now. my boss would not object and it is something i have been thinking about doing although if i do, amy will know why and it will cause a not-so-great working relationship. i suspect her son or daughter is deleting cookies simply because they do not want their mother knowing the websites they visit. i have noticed in the past that my history is cleared every tuesday morning but this is the first time cookies have been deleted.

jill, i have more-than-hinted that this has become a problem. yesterday i told her i would prefer it if she not let her kids use my computer. she just smiled and said "ohhh, all they ever do is play games". i stopped short of telling her my suspicions, that was probably a stupid thing to do. *sigh* i'm just a wimp! OH!

 

[woodnldy]

Charlene I keep a little notebook with my passwords to different sites in it. My memory isn't to swift. But since this is a company computer I would password it . If Amy asks tell her just for safety, smile and ask her why hers isn't that way to. Write it in your notebook and tell the boss so just in case you get sick or something happens she can call you and get the password. Amy's Kids should not be playing games on a company computer anyhow. You are just to sweet to have put up with it this long. If they are worried enough about where they go to erase cookies and all that they are going places that might get the company in trouble and surely could get them in trouble

if you know what I mean. Just my take for what its worth.

Cheryl

 

[Jill]

Too bad I cannot email you a dose of my temper... because if I "hinted" and got that response, it would be crystal clear that no one is to play on the computer I use.

How about doing quirky things, like take the power cord home with you this week. The mouse next week, etc.?

However, the PW idea is very good... so what if she doesn't like it. It's for work, not for her to let her kids play with in the office.

Oh, something else... you might fool with hers on Friday. You know, change the background picture, re-arrange the icons, things that won't interfer with her work but should illustrate the point about invading others' space? I could make a field day of it including re-organizing her desk and arranging her personal decorations on the desk, etc. It would be fun? Want me to come visit you on Friday?

 

[stormo41]

Hi there i was kind of in the spot as you, only it was a coworker using my computer it was for office stuff but it was when i needed to use my computer (and she goes soooooo slow) and/or she would leave my desk a total mess. I no longer allow her to use my computer unless it is the only other one avaible when i'm here. and told her to not leave in the middle of a job with papers all over my desk. Things have been better now.

If i were your boss i would be concerned as to why these kids are taking such great care to cover up their tracks on your computer. They could be going on websites that could give the computer a virus. You should talk to your boss about that fact, and like others have said password your computer although i really liked jill's idea of taking the power cord home with you for the weekend lol. I would just make sure that your boss knows what you are planning to do with the computer before you do it so she knows whats going on. I also think that your boss should step up here, I would not let employee's bring their childeren to the office for the whole day never mind letting them mess around on the computers upsetting other employees and possiably damaging my property.

 

[mininik]

LOL Right on, Jill! I'm one for those strong HINTS, too.

I wouldn't hesitate to password protect my computer if stuff like that is happening. Just think if that kid deleted something really important, not just your cookies!

 

[RockRiverTiff]

While I 100% agree with everyone that says it is totally inappropriate for her children to be playing on an office computer anyway, if you are truly concerned about causing a stir, why not just make different user accounts on the computer? You can make your settings the default user account and password protect it, and the children can then have a different user account made for them. That way they cannot delete your passwords and history or even access your files.

 

[txminipinto]

WOW, I'm glad I don't work with Jill!

Now, first off, WORK is not DAY CARE. Her kids need to stay at home or some where else, not work. Regardless, PW protect your computer and leave it at that. If the kids can't get on the computer, they'll get bored and start causing problems for her! Eventually, it will be a hassle to have the kids there and PROBLEM SOLVED!

 

[AppyLover2]

Charlene for what it's worth I agree with the password protect solution. If Amy(?) says anything to you about the kids not being able to get on your computer I'd simply say that it was causing you some problems and you thought that would be the least disruptive way to handle it. I also agree that your boss should step up and take care of the problem. Lots of people dislike confrontation, but some time the person in charge just has to take charge.

 

[The Simple Life Farm]

I also agree with the password protection, or "accidentally unplug the monitor cord or something of that nature. Good luck, I know how hard it is when your office is so small, and you just really want to get along with everyone.

I also agree with Carin.... WORK is not a place to bring children. Just imagine how much they are distrascting their mother from her work!!!!!

 

[minie812]

I would pull her in front of Le Boss and say "Look tell your snot nosed kids to keep their hands off my puter

cause they have been going to unacceptable sites and it will be PW protected from now on, right Boss? Number one your boss should be handling it...that is why they call her "BOSS"? the heck with making Miss Amy upset...what about what YOU have to go thru everytime YOU come back to work. OOOHHH...I LOVE confrontation when it is justified & in my books this MISS PRISS needs to be put in her place...OOOHHH I need to

 

[Charlene]

LOL! you guys are GREAT!! i don't have time to answer each response but i see a LOT of wonderful suggestions (some better than others

). i think the password protection is my best option but i gotta say, minie, i like what you said!

thanks all, i knew i wasn't imagining that this situation is simply unacceptable!

 

[Whitestar]

Maybe you could hint to your boss that some porn sites were found in your history after your day off & you are concerned that if the wrong sites were visited by "others" that the company could be investigated by the authorities, request that it be password protected for your & the companies protection.

 

[Shortpig]

Of course passwords work great, and she will want to know why all of a sudden you have a password to protect your computer. "Well Jill, when I come in I look forward to having some cookies". "It really ruins my day when they are all gone." "Now what do you expect me to have with my coffee?" "If you like I can set yours up so you can have donut holes when you return to work." Hee Hee

My question regarding your boss is, will she protect your password if you gave it to her? Especially if she doesn't like confrontation.

I also have my suspicions regarding teenagers using your computer and deleting the cookies and the sites they have gone to. Had that happen at my house with one of my daughters friends. OMG! By the time I got done with him he never wanted to come to my house again and he never did. We teach our children what is right and how to be safe, but like cats curiosity can get the best of them very quickly.

Protect yourself and Jill will learn to live with it. They can play with her computer.

 

[ruffian]

You could also "drop in" on Mondays and see exactly what is going on. I agree passwords definitely.

 

[CyndiM]

If she is that dumb and naive as to think her 'sweet children' are ONLY playing games on your computer she needs a wake up call.

If they are deleting ANYTHING they are where they shouldn't be and very well could be inviting trouble for the company, or your boss. Now a days some web sites are frowned on very much and people are being arrested for things found on their computers.

I am NOT a computer geek but I do believe I read somewhere that there IS a way to go into your computer and retrieve all of this information even though you 'think' it is deleted.

Password protect, and I love the idea of messing with her computer or desk, just because you wanted to have a little fun.

 

[Charlene]

finally, i have a little time to breathe....

our office is very small, VERY small. it's just my boss, me and amy. this is a law office. my boss is the public defender and she has a private practice as well. i do all of the criminal work, amy does all of the civil work.

so, it's not a "company" and we are not monitored in the least. it's very laid back here, most days are even casual dress days. unless i have to be in court, i wear jeans and sneakers to work. my boss is the most kind-hearted woman on the planet. it's nothing for her to have a client released from jail and take him/her to walmart for essentials or even get them a room at the local motel until they can get transportation home.

we bring our dogs to work. we take long lunches. on nice days, she has even been known to put a sign on the door..."closed for training"...and we shut down so we can play outside. she's a doll but she is totally clueless when it comes to just what goes on here most days. that's because she is rarely here, almost every day, she is in court.

i have talked to her about this problem on numerous occasions (and i plan to do so again today because amy is off). neither of us likes confrontation, as i've said, but i think it may just come to that. amy's work ethics have gone down the tubes over the past 8 months or so. she has missed so many days that since last december, after i came back to work after gary's funeral, she has averaged 2-3 work days a week. we have 4-day work weeks here. i'm off on monday, she's off on friday. when i have to have an extra day for whatever reason, i work monday. not amy...if she has to be gone or calls in sick one day, she still takes her friday off. she has gone so far beyond her allotted time off, she's actually in the hole!

sorry, i guess i'm ranting here but this has become so frustrating to me. something else she sprung on me a couple of months ago when she missed a whole week of work...she spent almost the entire time on the phone with a man who lives out of state, telling him she was not leaving her husband and children to be with him. she then told me that they have a "different" marriage, that they are swingers...

i would cut off my arm to spend just ONE MORE MINUTE with gary and she dumps this on me. i would give anything to hold his hand and here she is, telling me she will "sleep" (gotta love that euphamism) with just about anybody who comes along. a couple of her lovers just happen to be clients here. of course, this was all told to me in strict confidence but now that it is affecting my life in very negative ways, i intend to spill it to my boss. she is not gonna be a happy camper.

**sigh** oh well. even if this doesn't get read, i feel better since i have unloaded!! OH!

 

[Maxi'sMinis]

Jill you are a riot. You think right up my alley. PW protect your computer and just tell the boss. Hey take the mouse and the electric cord home too that is to funny. No one should touch your computer!