My friend works for a company which requires her to use Microsoft specific application, she didn’t really want to switch to Win 11 and choose to just use Wine Linux package and install a 2016 version of MS office on her Linux laptop. That’s all well and good, but this company she is working for servers other clients at pretty high up places and she is terrified that she using the pirated version of MS would create a liability for her company as if Microsoft wants to target pirated software, they hunt for organisations rather than individuals.

So, what should she do? Is there a way you can hide the fact that the excel sheet was created on pirated software, is it even possible to tell excel sheets apart which are using pirated software?

PS: If there is a way to destroy all metadata related to the excel sheets, it would be very helpful.

edit: Thanks to everyone who chipped in for an answer, gonna suggest her to either ask her employer to give her the necessary software + hardware and if denied quit. I now realize this is not the norm in any company but hers. Anyways, thanks everyone.

  • Ulu-Mulu-no-die@lemm.eeEnglish
    581·
    8 months ago

    she didn’t really want to switch to Win 11

    On which computer? Her own?

    Does not the company provide a PC with the tools needed? If yes, she has no right to decide what goes on it, the company does and she should respect that, doing what you want on a company PC can get you in serious trouble, way more serious than finding out you’re using a pirated version of Office.

    If the company expects her to use her own PC, they should at least provide the needed software licenses, Office365 can be used on the web, no need to install anything and it can be used on Linux no problem.

    BUT the serious problem remains of having company data on her own PC, the best thing to do in such a case would be creating a VM, encrypting the file system and keeping all company data contained inside the VM.

    Tho in such a case I would change company, no serious company today would expect employees to keep company data freely on whatever personal PC, that could lead to data breaches, I would never want to be involved in case like that, tho I live in EU, we have very strict laws about data integrity and privacy, dunno about other countries.

    • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
      30·
      8 months ago

      I’m in the EU as well and am working for a company in the USA. They make us use our own computers for work - which includes installing time tracking software.

      I am actively trying to get out of the company and do not recommend working for a company that makes you use your own device. Since they are only registered in the USA, I have no legal protection from the EU and my country of residence.

      Sorry for the tangent, I just think it’s important for others to see as well.

        • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
          8·
          8 months ago

          Currently trying to leave. I’ve got a side gig but it’s not bringing in enough to leave this job yet.

          • Landless2029@lemmy.world
            8·
            8 months ago

            I completely understand being stuck there while looking.

            My recommendation is silent quit. Just do your responsibilities and focus more on still looking.

            If you must install that monitoring shit on your personal machine then I would recommend using a VM if possible.

            You can do windows eval forever and try to use Libre office instead of open office.

            • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
              4·
              8 months ago

              I’ve been doing just enough to not raise any flags over the past month or so. A lot of my energy has gone into job hunting and growing my business