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Is it the norm to be asked to use own computer for an Inside IR35 contract?

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    #31
    The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!

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      #32
      I might add that last time I did dig my heels in at the 11th hour by saying that I was pulling out of the contract as I was not prepared to use my own laptop due to issues with it. They soon backtracked and sorted one a week into me starting, but that's not worked this time....

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        #33
        Originally posted by SueEllen View Post

        The poster may be direct with the agency.
        My contract is through Umbrella so maybe worth a try?!

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          #34
          I'm still using a very old (It has a "Windows Vista" licence with it) HP Elitebook 8440p. I bought an i7 processor, put an SSD in it but it will only hold 6GB of RAM however it has a DVD player. Really pisses people off when their "work machines" don't even have USB access, whereas I can play music on mine, watch films without using up bandwidth.

          Main reason I stuck with it is it doesn't have a reflective screen, that makes it so much easier to use...

          It's perfectly adequate as long as you get suitable A/V software, I use Hitman, seems to do the job.

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            #35
            Originally posted by ziggystardust View Post
            The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!
            Yes - citrix isn't exactly the most demanding of software..
            merely at clientco for the entertainment

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              #36
              Originally posted by ziggystardust View Post
              The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!
              You've not mentioned the spec of your laptop, so it's hard to make a call on certain things, but in my experience a few years ago, McAfee is bloated and slows systems down. I would remove it (and try to remove all the other things it has installed without you knowing) and then run Windows Defender.
              Unless you spend your days on the dark web, TPB, PornHub, etc, then WD will do a perfectly good job - if your computer is running W10 or later.
              Windows Defender is also free.
              …Maybe we ain’t that young anymore

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                #37
                Originally posted by ziggystardust View Post
                The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!
                I work for a large company that was issuing laptops up until last year, so I think you'll find this is a trend. You probably don't need anything other than a low end laptop as everything will probably run on their virtual desktop. Surely the cost to you of delaying the start date is higher than a laptop that costs a few hundred pounds.
                I'm alright Jack

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                  #38
                  I would consider a Linux laptop.
                  I'm alright Jack

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                    #39
                    Originally posted by BlasterBates View Post

                    I work for a large company that was issuing laptops up until last year, so I think you'll find this is a trend.
                    Also given the global chip shortage, if they don't have a spare one knocking around they could be waiting a while for some brands/models.
                    …Maybe we ain’t that young anymore

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                      #40
                      Citrix's requirements are
                      • Citrix recommends that user devices have at least 1 GB of RAM and a CPU with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz or higher. Use of the default deep compression codec, which is required on low-bandwidth connections, requires a more powerful CPU unless the decoding is done in hardware. For optimum performance, Citrix recommends that user devices have at least 2 GB of RAM and a dual-core CPU with a clock speed of 3 GHz or higher.
                      • For multi-monitor access, Citrix recommends user devices with quad-core CPUs.
                      System requirements | Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 2209

                      Basically it will support anything built in the last 10 years - so I'm really at a loss as to why you wouldn't just go and spend £300 on a laptop and start earning money...

                      And WTFH is probably right - large companies will insist on standardised machines for imaging and support purposes. If supply is limited it's going to be restricted to permanent staff only.

                      In my case the virtualization has advantages. It means I can have a development system but also a separate user system (rather useful given what my job involves).
                      Last edited by eek; 7 October 2022, 08:24.
                      merely at clientco for the entertainment

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