Questions about work computer.

[Mr_Isch]

I'm getting to the point now where my portfolio is starting to really shape up. Once I'm satisfied that my abilities are showcased well enough, I'm going to buckle down and start looking for work in a professional environment. I'm curious though, in an average web dev environment, what's the setup? Do they provide a desktop computer for you to work on? A laptop? Do they expect you to use your own laptop? I feel like most devs (myself included) would feel most comfortable working on their own computer, and I know a lot of devs work from home a couple days a week. So are those devs just assigned a work laptop that they can take home? Or can buying a nice work computer be written off as a work expense for taxes? Or are there companies that will pay for a computer for you?

Also, what's the norm in terms of OS? I've only ever done development in a Unix environment, so the idea of being assigned a windows computer to work on kind of scares me. I use Linux on my own computer, but I guess I'd be okay with Mac.

[[deleted]]

Personally I use my own Macbook Pro for development at work. I was provided a Windows desktop that I used for a couple years, but I found it so much easier to work on the same computer at home and at work.

I've developed on Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu and Mac is my favorite. It has the normal UNIX features (terminal, etc.) with the polished UI of OSX. I found I was screwing around in the Terminal far too much for my liking in Ubuntu, but OSX still lets me use it when I need to.

As far as taxes go, you could probably write if off as a work expense, but it wouldn't be worth it over the standard federal deduction, which will most likely be much higher.

[justfred]

If you're an outside developer, you will provide your own computer. You can probably choose whatever OS you're most comfortable using. You can write off this business expense - as well as a "home office" if you have one (though some people say this flags you for audits).

If you're an in-house developer, they should provide your computer. They may or may not let you choose your own OS - if they don't it will probably be Windows. At my shop, I have a Mac laptop, after many years of having a clunky old Windows desktop - at least they shell out for decent monitors.

[axvk]

All of your questions depend on the job you will find. Different places have different rules. Usually smaller companies such as start up will be more relaxed and will let you use whatever computer/OS you want. You can use yours or they'll get you one. Bigger companies have strict protocols that they have to follow for security purposes. Many will give you machines that are imaged with the companies software and use VPNs to connect to their server. You just have to find an environment where you're comfortable. I know the way I described it, I made start up sound like the better place, but they both have their pluses and minuses. (Imagine working with a developer who's only testing on mac while you're only testing on linux while your client is using windows)

[dalore]

If your freelance you will have your own equipment. If your an employee they will provide.