Ask HN: Do you have separate users for work and personal stuff on your Mac?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7920306

by mewwts • 12 years ago

1 6 12 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Just received a new Mac from my workplace, and I was wondering if it was a good idea to have a user for work/development, and another one for games and other stuff. Any thoughts?

vrikis• 12 years ago

I had that idea for a while, but I just keep separate spaces (or whatever OS X's multiple desktops are called now). In the end, I didn't find that there would be any conflicting accounts, etc. so I didn't find a need for it. I do usually use separate browsers though, to keep tabs and history separate for work/personal life.

zimpenfish• 12 years ago

I do - the remote access I have requires running flaky Java apps in untrusted mode and that's not something I want to let loose in my personal stuff.

mkempe2• 12 years ago

I would advise against using a computer provided by your employer for personal activities or storage.

mewwts2• 12 years ago

Could you elaborate on that?

mkempe2• 12 years ago

First, when you part ways the machine returns to the employer. Depending on how suddenly it happens you may completely lose whatever personal items you had there.

Second, if there is any conflict and you've used --say-- your personal email to discuss what's happening, they can access it and/or use it against you.

Finally, if you have any personal side-projects they can justifiably lay claim to it because you're using their property for what you may have considered your "non-work" activities.

Ask HN: Do you have separate users for work and personal stuff on your Mac?

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