But, thanks for the very instructive read.

Most companies have a policy that you have no expectation of privacy with company e-mail, and they reserve the right to read any e-mails on their systems for just about any reason they wish.  If you wish to contest that, you will have to take it the courts, and that costs $...lots of them.

If you need to send or receive private e-mails during working hours that your employer cannot access, best to do so on a personally owned (not company supplied) cellphone.  

Personally, as a manager, I have never had reason to read my people's e-mails, though I do monitor their internet usage.  Best advice: Avoid using company-owned equipment for personal use, and NEVER use it for anything connected to the hobby.

he can do what he damn well pleases with anything on your computer!  End of story!  Doesn't matter if any of us think it's right or wrong.  If he takes your phone and tries to look at it(assumong it is yours), tell him to fuck off.

I really don't have to worry about even thinking about it, as sites like this are blocked.  Hell eBay is blocked!  And I sign an agreement that my use of the computer there allows them to monitor it, read any e mail, you name it!

Do I like it?  No!  Do I understand it? Absolutely!  Too much confidential info to allow people to go to virus infested porn sites, and risk any type of intrusion.  That is the biggest reason these rules are made.  Protection of sensitive info, not to cutinto someones playtime or love life!

Not using company equipment for the hobby should be a no-no from the get go.

However, I have known people to get called in for using the company equipment (and time) for office pools (March Madness) or other fantasy sports like football or baseball.

Always wondered why the "N" key is so worn.

I can't imagine anyone using a company computer to send e-mail that is of a personal nature. That is just asking for problems. IT at most companies can go into your computer and see anything that is on it and the sites you have visited. I have my own Blackberry to do this with. I just have to make sure I don't leave anything open thas someone can see.

whenever, however I want!! As long as they are using MY computer, MY Internet access, in MY office I will let them know MY policy! And if I find that they are using MY access and my time that I am paying them for sending and receiving personal messages they WILL get fired!