Re: Web Watcher

This software is (essentially) benign malware and is inappropriate for
a business computer. I would not want it on a computer I own or
manage. The only realistic way to be sure of it's removal is a
complete re-format.

I would also wager that their EULA gives them the right to
review/use/sell the data collected and holds them harmless for any
misuse. This essentially gives them the code being written on the
machine.

As an aside .. I am not sure of the laws in your state, but unless
specified in a written agreement, it is likely that the kid owns what
he is doing for you. You might want to put something in writing
specifying that everything produced on your behalf is "work for hire"
and have the kid and his parents sign it.

On Wed, Aug 11, 2010 at 7:53 AM, Harman, Roger <Roger.Harman@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

My personal opinion is that it's outside the scope of your business relationship with him. ÂIf it were
a family purchased laptop that's another story.

The last place you want to go is between the kid and his parents.
While I think they are being over-protective (... 17 ??), it is their
minor child and their house. So you should try and find some way to
mitigate their concerns while addressing yours, which BTW, are quite
reasonable.

I do agree with Michael - it's in your own best interest (think legal liability) to limit the potential
uses of the laptop to business only. ÂEmploying minors opens up a whole can of worms.

My wonder is **HOW** (other than by agreement) to limit the uses? If
he doesn't need the web for the project, give the kid a
non-administrative user and set the browsers to an invalid proxy for
that user. If he needs the web, he can use a family (protected)
computer. Another thought is to set the computer to use OpenDNS on the
tightest setting, which is pretty restrictive. A third is to take the
computer every couple of weeks and check it, and fire the kid if he is
using it for web browsing, personal email or Facebook.

I would sit down with the parents and layout your concerns and your
plan to respect their concerns.

Funny thing is .. if the kid is sharp, he probably has figured out how
to evade their restrictions when he wishes .. perhaps with a Linux
Live CD.