said by Kiwi :

I can't see anybody objecting to reasonable use, if it's reasonable why worry?

said by sfogliatelle :

Yeah, I can understand where a statement like that can be interpreted as someone who's got something they'd rather not have others know about or shine an unnecessary light on to investigate.

While it's certainly no defense, it's a safe bet I'm not the only employee out there who has a few favorite diversionary sites they like to visit from time to time.

said by scelli :

However, you must admit the comment below (in bold italics) copied directly from your initial posting invokes thoughts of a person more concerned about trying to cover his or her tracks rather than somebody interested in maintaining a lean, mean computer machine:

My question is: short of server sabotage (and abstinence towards my fave links), what can I do to either minimize or mask my browsing?

said by sfogliatelle :

It's not that I'm attempting to cover my tracks. It's just plain maintenance and housekeeping. I've seen many a computer where performance has ground to a virtual halt due to stuff not getting cleaned out (temp files, old restore points, lack of defragging).

said by EGeezer :

Just don't put up a webcam and clean yourself in front of it.

And get off my leg!!!!

said by sfogliatelle :

It's not that I'm attempting to cover my tracks. It's just plain maintenance and housekeeping. I've seen many a computer where performance has ground to a virtual halt due to stuff not getting cleaned out (temp files, old restore points, lack of defragging).

said by JohnInSJ :

Yes, the company knows where you've been - as others have pointed out, that information isn't on your PC, it's on the gateway, the proxy, etc.

Don't waste your time covering your tracks. Either just surf as desired and damn the torpedoes, use a coworker's computer (:p) or don't do it. But you probably waste more time covering your tracks the the odd peek now and then at a non-work-related site.

said by MeanPeepsSuk :

Don't let the fact that nothing seems blocked, and no one has said anything lull you into a false sense of security. Everything going out of that wire on their network is being logged.

Some management take the approach of allowing a small amount of transgressions (provided it's not network impacting). Kind of like the line between too many personal calls at work. Many do actively monitor and are aware, but won't say anything unless you get out of hand. Some just do spot checks. Even the ones that don't actively monitor, can and will review your history should you be put on the radar.

I've seen varied ways management views and ways to handle this. While you'd hope they would say something if they had issue (and many do), I've seen others who treat it all as a way of giving their employees enough rope to hang themselves.

Then there is the other class I've seen.... The ones who stores it all up, fully aware and says nothing.. but keeps it on file if they ever need it for a legal excuse for an action not in your favor (up to termination). I've seen some who will pull out stuff from years ago for this very purpose.

said by sfogliatelle :

So far, there's not been a single mention made of the non-work related sites I go to. Heck, for all I know, the boss doesn't have the tech savvy to read the server log files.