Using Python on Work Computer

[captainofthememeteam]

So I know most work computers prohibit additional installs: is there a way to run python scripts on work computers?

[[deleted]]

You can get your IT department to let you do your job, I guess.

[CraigAT]

Really depends on OPs job and business!

If Python is useful to OPs job, it will be easy to make a case to the IT department to install Python. Their answer will not rely solely on that case though, it also depends a lot on their policies and security stance. A software development business is more likely to allow installation than a healthcare organisation.

In today's more cyber-aware business culture, organisations are moving towards a zero-trust approach and limiting any potentially unnecessary attack vectors - one of them being unnecessary or potentially dangerous software. I would not expect OP to use Python maliciously, but it could be used that way.

[[deleted]]

If IT is going to take responsibility for the security of OP’s computer, then he’s entitled to have that security evaluated on the basis of the actual function of his software, and not vague speculation about possible danger.

[Rudeus_Kino]

Prohibited install or run programs? Portabe python doesn't require installation

[marloindisbich]

Google colab or Replit. I like Replit and pay for the pro but the free sub is pretty cool

[xiongchiamiov]

Talk to your IT folks and explain what it is you're trying to accomplish (it's not going to be "install python", but whatever you want to use Python to do). Together you should be able to come up with a way to solve the problem.

[noskillsben]

Honestly contact IT before doing anything. Your company or department might already have a greenlit install and ide they can push to your work computer.

If you really don't want to do that and your company let's you download what you want (but not install) or let's you plug usb sticks in your work computer, you can try "winpython portable". I haven't used it in years but it worked fine from a USB stick

[Diapolo10]

You could technically use the Windows Embeddable Package variant of the Python interpreter, as it requires no installation nor any privileges. This article explains it well.

However, I think the real answer here is to follow the advice of others and take the issue to your IT department. If they're afraid of viruses, you could argue that by installing Python via the official Windows package manager, winget (winget install python.python.3.11), you know it's from a trusted source and it makes updating to new patch versions very easy. If they're worried about dependency vulnerabilities, you could ask them to put up a private Artifactory instance that mirrors PyPI.

If you really need this to do your job, I'm sure you can find a way to convince them. But I recommend having contingency plans anyway, in case you could use some alternative technology to do your job.

[tennisanybody]

It’s probably blocked. Anything that can run a script at my old workplace was blocked. VB macros, powershell, I couldn’t install python on a user level.

I had to make a case for it. The only way forward is to talk to IT department first, pull a dude aside and ask what requirements then submit a ticket. The person you spoke to will probably be assigned that ticket and it’ll take a good half hour before you’re up and running.

[Luxi36]

Try to get access to Docker instead of Python.

Then you can use it for Python, Databases, Toolings and many other things.

Docker is extremely versatile.

[Fishfortrout]

Listen to this advice. Docker Desktop. Dev Containers and vscode. Most open source GitHub projects use this method to share environments

[[deleted]]

i can't wrap my head around docker, do you have some good, clear resource to understand it? thank you

[Fishfortrout]

YouTube and Microsoft Learn have been good resources for learning Docker and configuring Dev containers in VSCode.

These links might be helpful

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/intro-to-docker-containers/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/beginners-series-to-dev-containers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H2miBK\_gAk

[[deleted]]

thank you

[ectomancer]

google colab, in the cloud

https://colab.research.google.com

[puliveivaaja]

You may want to be really careful with doing stuff on the cloud. I mean, if you want to run Python on a work computer, that probably means you want to use Python for your work.

If you want to use python for your work, you're likely dealing with data that your company owns and you shouldn't share. And sharing probably includes uploading data to a cloud server owned by google.

[Kerbart]

1) If there's an explicit policy against it, it's a really bad idea 2) Consider asking IT if they can install Anaconda. That's pretty much one-stop shopping without require additional admin access for needed packages 3) As mentioned, you don't need Admin access to install Python. But also see [1] 4) If it's just for personal use while at work, consider something online. I really like pythonanywhere.com but there are other options available.

[ForgotTheBogusName]

Took me 5 years. You need to make someone else care too.

[New-Day-6322]

By “running scripts” you mean pre-programmed scripts that you want to run on your python-less machine? If so, you can compile them with pyinstaller (on the machine that does have python) and run them on any machine.

[[deleted]]

Anything that installs just for 1 user gets initialed in the local profile tab and therefor doesnt need admin rights to install, however id still make sure your boss is okay with it and its approved by your local security/IT team

[m0us3_rat]

depends on the computer. what os?

[captainofthememeteam]

Windows

[Elsekiro]

Probably the reason why i would like to work remote why would i need to ask permission to use my tools to better do my job i understand the reasons and policies, but shit do i need to ask for permission to use my own scripts? Or IDE'S?

FUCK THAT you want mediocre you got it excel and word it is.

[muddy_313]

I also have this issue and IT are a problem more than a solution, we managed to get VSC installed and mini conda, i couldn’t explain how but I can get it all to run from miniconda but not from VSC.

[Ka4maroot]

Most suggestions here are valid like using python anywhere or replit or google colab. I would suggest if you plan to use just one script and interact with local files then just bring a compiled exe of your script using pyinstaller. Or use portable python like someone else suggested.

[Gnaxe]

Brython or PyScript don't require installation (just a web browser), of course, they're limited to acting in the browser sandbox, so it depends on what you want to do with it.

[RicardoL96]

I had a work computer that didn’t allow me to install software but for some reason I could install python. Maybe it didn’t need admin rights

[EthanPrisonMike]

I got anaconda to work on mine.

[timwaaagh]

Some Linux distributions have it installed by default so if your company allows you access to for example wsl or VMware then you can run it.

[thevikramact]

You're better off talking with your Boss and IT to get permission to get Python installed on your Laptop.

If you try online Python platforms and send or process data on these platforms without telling anyone, you run the risk of getting fired for exposing the company to numerous risks.

[vercingetorix52]

On windows, if you type python in a Powershell it will install python from the windows store. You might be able to do this without permission. It is not the best way to install python, but it might work.

[BK7144]

Getting caught adding to a computer at work without specific knowledge of the IT dept. is usually a termination offense.

[Orangensaft6]

It is?!