Work sprung a doozy on me the other day...

[nubbinator]

I was just informed the other day that I will no longer be able to use my own mouse and keyboard at work for "security reasons".  Apparently they're paranoid that my keyboard or mouse may introduce some sort of spyware/malware/virus to the network and I can only use approved and provided devices.  I brought it up that I use my setup for "ergonomic" reasons.  Currently, my keyboard is my ergo-Clear modded RK-9000 with 62/65g springs and my mouse is my Anker vertical mouse.  While the ergonomic part sounds like BS, it's true.  While the keyboard isn't an ergonomic layout, I start getting finger and joint pain and fatigue from using a membrane or crappy rubber dome keyboard.

So while that sucks, I may be able to get the county to buy me a decent keyboard and mouse.  Following that, what keyboard should I try and get them to get me?  Something of the Clear variety would be awesome.

[rowdy]

The Code springs to mind.

[Sifo]

Nah time to quit.

[rowdy]

Or a Model M?

You could argue that it is so old any kind of snooping technology was simply not available when the keyboard was made.

Mind you they might not look kindly upon the PS/2 to USB adaptor.

[mougrim]

Or a Model M?

You could argue that it is so old any kind of snooping technology was simply not available when the keyboard was made.

Mind you they might not look kindly upon the PS/2 to USB adaptor.

Oh yes, this will be a nice touch

[berserkfan]

I was just informed the other day that I will no longer be able to use my own mouse and keyboard at work for "security reasons".  Apparently they're paranoid that my keyboard or mouse may introduce some sort of spyware/malware/virus to the network and I can only use approved and provided devices.  I brought it up that I use my setup for "ergonomic" reasons.  Currently, my keyboard is my ergo-Clear modded RK-9000 with 62/65g springs and my mouse is my Anker vertical mouse.  While the ergonomic part sounds like BS, it's true.  While the keyboard isn't an ergonomic layout, I start getting finger and joint pain and fatigue from using a membrane or crappy rubber dome keyboard.

So while that sucks, I may be able to get the county to buy me a decent keyboard and mouse.  Following that, what keyboard should I try and get them to get me?  Something of the Clear variety would be awesome.

since these guys have a cold war security mentality, ask them for a beam spring or hall effect

[mougrim]

I was just informed the other day that I will no longer be able to use my own mouse and keyboard at work for "security reasons".  Apparently they're paranoid that my keyboard or mouse may introduce some sort of spyware/malware/virus to the network and I can only use approved and provided devices.  I brought it up that I use my setup for "ergonomic" reasons.  Currently, my keyboard is my ergo-Clear modded RK-9000 with 62/65g springs and my mouse is my Anker vertical mouse.  While the ergonomic part sounds like BS, it's true.  While the keyboard isn't an ergonomic layout, I start getting finger and joint pain and fatigue from using a membrane or crappy rubber dome keyboard.

So while that sucks, I may be able to get the county to buy me a decent keyboard and mouse.  Following that, what keyboard should I try and get them to get me?  Something of the Clear variety would be awesome.

since these guys have a cold war security mentality, ask them for a beam spring or hall effect

Magnetic reed switches could be nice too

[demik]

Nah time to quit.

^

[Belfong]

Ask them to get a Topre. They may think it's just a rubber dome keyboard and would not suspect and thing!

[Techno Trousers]

Unicomp if they need to buy a new keyboard for you.

[fohat.digs]

The USB plug may be the hangup.

If you can live with straight PS/2 gear, the IT department should be willing to grant an exception.

Really kind of silly, you  could carry a tiny USB stick in your sock and plug it in for 2 minutes when the boss was in the rest room, and do all the damage you needed to.

[mouse.the.lucky.dog]

I brought it up that I use my setup for "ergonomic" reasons.  Currently, my keyboard is my ergo-Clear modded RK-9000 with 62/65g springs and my mouse is my Anker vertical mouse.  While the ergonomic part sounds like BS, it's true.  While the keyboard isn't an ergonomic layout, I start getting finger and joint pain and fatigue from using a membrane or crappy rubber dome keyboard.

So while that sucks, I may be able to get the county to buy me a decent keyboard and mouse.

First step check the list of approved devices.
Second. Walk over to HR and explain the situation to them. Explain too that you bring the keyboard because you don't want to dump the high price on the company. At most companies HR will freak when they hear  that someone at the company is trying to deny you ergonomic equipment.

[mougrim]

The USB plug may be the hangup.

If you can live with straight PS/2 gear, the IT department should be willing to grant an exception.

Really kind of silly, you  could carry a tiny USB stick in your sock and plug it in for 2 minutes when the boss was in the rest room, and do all the damage you needed to.

Hoo boy, you have no idea...

My company locked all security sensitive PCs with security programs - no usb stick going to work there ever, BIOS is locked and there no way to reset password... that's not all, but that's enough

[nuclearsandwich]

Make them find you a Northgate with blue Alps. While they work on that you'll have a few more years of your current keyboard.

[nubbinator]

The Code springs to mind.

That's one I was thinking, but it's hard to find one in stock.

Nah time to quit.

If jobs grew on trees and the benefits weren't so good...

Ask them to get a Topre. They may think it's just a rubber dome keyboard and would not suspect and thing!

Not a huge fan of Topre.

The USB plug may be the hangup.

If you can live with straight PS/2 gear, the IT department should be willing to grant an exception.

Really kind of silly, you  could carry a tiny USB stick in your sock and plug it in for 2 minutes when the boss was in the rest room, and do all the damage you needed to.

I was thinking the same with PS/2.  I might just have to talk to the IT department and see if it would be acceptable if I had a nice PS/2 keyboard instead.

And, from what I understand, they're incredibly insane when it comes to what they can see with computers.  I've heard stories of IT calling people at their desks because they plugged something in.  The new department we're under basically said no USB devices at all, not even plugging your phone or PMP in to charge.

To me, if they're that concerned about security, why are we even using our own physical machines and no a remote desktop or other virtual machine?

First step check the list of approved devices.
Second. Walk over to HR and explain the situation to them. Explain too that you bring the keyboard because you don't want to dump the high price on the company. At most companies HR will freak when they hear  that someone at the company is trying to deny you ergonomic equipment.

There's no list of approved devices yet that I've seen.  And I've talked to the head of IT face to face and explained it to him and he said that they would look into getting me a keyboard and mouse, especially since I dropped the ergonomic buzzword.  So I don't think HR will go for letting me keep the keyboard and mouse, but will have to go looking for something for me.  I'm just sad because now I can't dial in the keyboard setup that's the most comfortable for me.

[divito]

Matias Secure Pro.

[Findecanor]

Find whoever came up with this silly rule and install a phantom typing joke device inside that guy's approved equipment

.. or not. In the US that is something that could get you fired.

[mougrim]

Find whoever came up with this silly rule and install a phantom typing joke device inside that guy's approved equipment

.. or not. In the US that is something that could get you fired.

This guy deserves to be beaten to death by IBM Model F

[Lanx]

Ive posted this before but this is the reason why
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/06/27/mission_impossible_mouse_attack/

[noisyturtle]

I always say that aside from ergonomic issues, using a mechanical keyboard improves my work flow which is absolutely true. Both mechanically and morally, I'm faster and more motivated on my own board.

[nubbinator]

Anyone have a 55g Topre board they want to loan me for a week?  Maybe I will become a convert and I can get one of those.  I've tried some of the lighter Topre switches and we did not get along.

I always say that aside from ergonomic issues, using a mechanical keyboard improves my work flow which is absolutely true. Both mechanically and morally, I'm faster and more motivated on my own board.

It's entirely true for me.  The two kinds of keyboards I type the fastest on are my mechs (once I'm acclimated to that switch) and my scissor switches on my T500.   The T500 also doesn't end up hurting because there's a high tactile point on the switches that helps keep me from pushing so hard on them.  Every other membrane, rubber dome, and scissor switch board I've used has been slower to type on hurt my hands with extended use.  Since part of my job is typing court reports and other documents to the court and individuals, I figure a good, comfortable typing experience is beneficial both ergonomically and in terms of typing speed.

[jacobolus]

If your job requires substantial amounts of typing, then you should ask your office if they’d spring for, e.g., a Maltron or a μTRON, for ergonomic reasons. When they balk at the price you can offer to just keep using your existing keyboard.

[EvillePanda]

Get a doctor's note.  I'm fortunate enough, all I have to do is show them my mangled elbow and I'm pretty set.  But these days, most health care practitioners are willing to help folks out. 

[eth0s]

Get a doctor's note.  I'm fortunate enough, all I have to do is show them my mangled elbow and I'm pretty set.  But these days, most health care practitioners are willing to help folks out. 

^+1 to doctor's note.  Tell them that you can also get them a lawyer's note, if the doctor's note is not good enough.

[nubbinator]

Talking to the head of IT, it sounded like the ergonomic buzzword was enough and that they should be able to move on that, no doctor's note necessary. Fortunately, it's not something coming into immediate effect as we're phasing over to the health care agency from being independent. 

I may try the PS/2 route and see if I can do that.  It would make the keyboard part easier, but not the mouse.

[Polymer]

Offer to let them examine it and test them out....

Are they disabling USB on all machines or just the ones normally accessible for a USB drive?  It isn't that easy to find bulk PS/2 Keyboards and Mice so I'm sure they're USB...just let them examine it and test it to make sure it doesn't have any security issues..

That combined with the ergonomic argument hopefully lets them ok it...

[neunelfer]

You'll probably end up with one of these

[osi]

If IT gives you too much fuss, involving HR should be enough to keep your keyboard. Especially if you have a 'good' reason--the doctor's note is a great!

Also, like polymer said, give it to IT and have them analyze it for 'security flaws' and have them justify how it is a risk.

It might be easier to make a friend in IT that will let it slide. All office politics are different though hopefully you can pull the right strings.

Good luck!

[Polymer]

I wouldn't ask them to justify it...just work with them...I wouldn't even get HR involved at this point...

Just try to work with them to get an exception or to have them replace it with something they'll be happy with and you'll be happy with..

Do you know which device is giving them the most concern?  Just by looks I'd say the mouse because the keyboard is just a keyboard..the mouse looks like some oddball thing and it sticks out a lot...

[hoggy]

Don't forget that all IT people love free food...

[mougrim]

Don't forget that all IT people love free food...

And beer. And barbecued meat

[blackbox]

Luckily I work as an IT administrator so I decide which keyboard I want

[maatmouse]

There is no way a mechanical keyboard can introduce a virus or spyware into the system. Not unless you're having to upload drivers from a USB or external data source (such as a CD).

Besides, the computer system you're working on should have an antivirus firewall robust enough to cope with it.

I could understand it if you were putting in a USB device or charging up an iPhone from your computer's USB ports but even so.

No-one, to my knowledge, has ever had a computer virus problem from installing a USB wired keyboard of any kind.

If they did, then no-one would buy those keyboards.

I've used different keyboards on various incarnations of Windows for years (Since the 1990s - the golden years of IBM Model Ms) and I have never known a keyboard installation cause a computer malfunction due to a virus.

[osi]

There is no way a mechanical keyboard can introduce a virus or spyware into the system. Not unless you're having to upload drivers from a USB or external data source (such as a CD).

Besides, the computer system you're working on should have an antivirus firewall robust enough to cope with it.

I could understand it if you were putting in a USB device or charging up an iPhone from your computer's USB ports but even so.

No-one, to my knowledge, has ever had a computer virus problem from installing a USB wired keyboard of any kind.

If they did, then no-one would buy those keyboards.

I've used different keyboards on various incarnations of Windows for years (Since the 1990s - the golden years of IBM Model Ms) and I have never known a keyboard installation cause a computer malfunction due to a virus.

just because it hasn't made the news doesn't mean it hasn't happened :d.

The more important factor of the restriction I imagine would be simply the USB functionality. Just another 'open door' to close.

[dustinhxc]

Get a doctor's note.  I'm fortunate enough, all I have to do is show them my mangled elbow and I'm pretty set.  But these days, most health care practitioners are willing to help folks out. 

^+1 to doctor's note.  Tell them that you can also get them a lawyer's note, if the doctor's note is not good enough.

Lol good one eth0s

[tricheboars]

Luckily I work as an IT administrator so I decide which keyboard I want

yup. my company has the same bull**** keyboard and mouse policy.  but i work at a satellite office. i use an ergodox at  work and even encourage "the users" to bring in whatever works for them.  **** it. corporate wont do anything, they are dependent on me to keep their **** going.  and i dont document ****. i am not documenting myself out of a job. 

[mougrim]

Crap-eaters who enforce "corporate policy" like this should be typing on crappy rubberdome with half keys missing all their life

[tricheboars]

g

Crap-eaters who enforce "corporate policy" like this should be typing on crappy rubberdome with half keys missing all their life

corporate picked the wrong person at my office to enforce such a policy. no way in hell i am ever going to tell someone what they can and cannot use as far as kb/mouse. 

'snitches get stitches' is one of my three office principals.  the other two being 'its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission' and 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil'.

[mougrim]

g

Crap-eaters who enforce "corporate policy" like this should be typing on crappy rubberdome with half keys missing all their life

corporate picked the wrong person at my office to enforce such a policy. no way in hell i am ever going to tell someone what they can and cannot use as far as kb/mouse. 

'snitches get stitches' is one of my three office principals.  the other two being 'its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission' and 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil'.

Damn good three principles you have
And in my office nobody giveth a fukke

[nubbinator]

So far no dice on keeping my own.  And, apparently, the only certified vendor is Staples which means I have the choice of the Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 or Trackman Marble for more ergonomic mice (no vertical mice) and the MS Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 for ergo keyboards. 

****.

[Puddsy]

well, at least the ergo 4k doesn't suck

but domes

[nubbinator]

well, at least the ergo 4k doesn't suck

but domes

It still sucks, it just sucks less than some others.  Goodbye comfortable Ergo Clears, we had a good run.  Hello crappy domes and decreased productivity.

And I really wanted to use a TKL or 60% since they're even more comfortable.

[esoomenona]

Take rubber dome board apart, remove all stuff, figure out a way to set Ergo Clears into the case (cut squares in plastic case or something?), wire them in matrix, connect to teensy, no one is the wiser.

[mougrim]

Take rubber dome board apart, remove all stuff, figure out a way to set Ergo Clears into the case (cut squares in plastic case or something?), wire them in matrix, connect to teensy, no one is the wiser.

I think Security won't approve tinkering with keyboard at work and won't allow taking it hope.

[tricheboars]

put a Logitech sticker on your ergodox and pretend it is what they ordered. if someone questions act surprised and confused. "I dont know. this is what i got. i kind of like it. blah blah blah".  be sure to add that "blah blah blah" as it really helps solidify your arguments.

[Bucake]

that's what happens when you work for NASA. lesson learned the hard way.

[Techno Trousers]

Damn, I was hoping for a happy (or at least tolerable) ending to this one. I would definitely start looking for another job if that happened to me. Not trying to encourage that; just feeling your pain!

[nubbinator]

Damn, I was hoping for a happy (or at least tolerable) ending to this one. I would definitely start looking for another job if that happened to me. Not trying to encourage that; just feeling your pain!

I'm going to try and find some amicable resolution.  They have some mechs on Staples.com, but nothing that I could justify and nothing really that great.  I may be able to replace my mouse though.  I'll just have to take it home and swap out the crappy switches for some nice Omron switches.

[maatmouse]

Plugging a USB keyboard into a computer is not the same as plugging a USB memory drive. Not the same thing at all.

Seriously, never known anyone develop a computer problem on their machine from connecting a keyboard or mouse. Its just never happened. Certainly not from a reputable company.

I'd go down the ergonomics route if they persist. Denying people the tools they need to do a job and its a recipe for an industrial tribunal.

[C5Allroad]

Tell them to get you a das or filco, and say you can't work efficiently without it.