What if you show up to work and realize that the only browser you can use is IE6. That’s right, slow, clunky, and no tabs. For those of us used to spending a significant amount of our computer time working through the browser this can be torturous. Oh yeah, and you can’t install any software without calling IT. And you can’t log on to many online services, including your Google account… Aaaaaaa!
So, how do you create a minimally acceptable setup in this locked-down environment? I posed this question to some of my friends currently or previously in enterprise corporations. The goal was to come up with a list of some of the most popular and important applications and their possibly available alternatives in the enterprise.
Note #1: This list is no way comprehensive. We all work differently on our systems and what’s a critical app to me may be something you’ve never heard of. I’ll grow this list over time as I work through more recommendations.
Note #2: Before you start downloading, read your company’s IT policies and proceed with care. Companies take IT threats very seriously and you don’t want to be fired just because you wanted to try a new browser.
Note #3: If possible, get to know your IT folks. If they decide you’re not crazy and if they have some flexibilty, they might help you overcome some of the most annoying, but sometimes seemingly trivial roadblocks.
Ok, disclaimers done. Here we go…
Instead of Microsoft applications (IE, Outlook, Office), try Portable Apps.
My first recommendation for managing lockdown is to download PortableApps. Many of the apps you use on a daily basis are here including Firefox, Thunderbird/Lightning, OpenOffice, GIMP, etc. You can even run a “Mac-on-a-stick“. In case you’re wondering what makes these apps different from their standard versions, here’s a definition:
A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.
I’d recommend installing the Platform only and then installing your applications one at a time (because I don’t use many of the standard apps included in the Suite or Suite Light.) All of the versions are pretty small and can run from a local installation (like your “home” drive at work) or a USB device.
To simplify navigation of multiple drives and folders, try Keybreeze.
Once you’re familiar with a command-line launcher like Keybreeze, you’ll never go back to traditional navigation. One click on a hotkey, type a few letters, hit Enter and *boom* there’s your application, file, folder, document, website, etc… Whenever I’m doing tech support calls for my family and friends, this is first piece of software that I miss and often I’ll install it (at least temporarily) just to speed up the process.
Those of you familiar with these types of programs will ask, “What about Launchy?” Hey, I have no problems with Launchy (although I found it a little more confusing to use), but when you’re in IT lockdown there’s no way you’re going to convice someone in a call center at your company’s IT desk to install it (if for no other reason than that it’s not on an “approved” list in the tech support manual and therefore, you may have all sorts of headaches trying to get someone to approve it.)
Keybreeze, on the other hand, is (pun intended) a “breeze” to install. Although it’s not released under the PortableApps platform, you can choose to install it locally or on a USB drive (avoiding the tech support call altogether). And if you’re using it for work purposes (or want some nifty extra features) then pay the $20 and download the business version; it’s worth it.
No iTunes, no problem. Try Pandora or Last.fm.
No iTunes does not necessarily mean no music. Sure, you can dock your iPod at your desk (adding some cable clutter to the mix, the risk of theft, and the risk of annoying your neighbors), or you can listen online to most radio stations (which typically broadcast commercials and may also contain DJ chatter). With Pandora (my fave) or Last.fm, each service builds a custom channel based on artists or songs that you chose, and plays music that they think you will like. It’s not the same as playing the songs you’ve carefully handpicked to fill your iPod, but I appreciate the variety of songs and artists that I probably wouldn’t have heard otherwise.
Whew, I think this list is going to get longer than the one post I intended, so stay tuned for more enterprise-friendly apps coming your way soon!
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