Working Hard or Hardly Working?
New software allows employees to hide what they are doing at work.
March 22, 2010— -- Some people play hard. Others work hard. And then there are those who look as though they are working hard while they play. For this group, the digital age is increasingly becoming a boon.
A string of new tech companies and online outlets is targeting the cubicle set with software and computer games that make it easier to goof off at work without getting caught.
And with March Madness now in full swing, and all of the NCAA games available for the first time via live streaming, many of these companies are sure to see increased traffic.
A new Web site called Cantyouseeimbusy.com helps oppressed cubicle dwellers waste time discreetly by offering computer games disguised as spreadsheets.
"When the boss surprises you or sneaks up behind you, he'll think you're actually working," the company boasts on its Web site.
For Twitter fans, new software called SpreadTweet hides your Twitter stream in what looks like an Excel window. It displays everything in plain text to make it look like a real spreadsheet.
"It's sure to fool any boss," the owners say on their site.
The site 1cup1coffee.com looks like a Windows Explorer pane, but all those Word documents and PowerPoint presentations are actually a collection of Flash games. By clicking on one of the "files" you can play a game in what looks like your Windows Explorer window. If you hear your boss, you can hit the back button and you'll be brought back to the file listing.
Some new computer games are even including a so-called "boss key." It's a keyboard shortcut that quickly hides a gaming program by displaying work-like screens on your computer such as spreadsheets and Word documents.
Then there's Anonymizer.com, software that helps to fool the IT folks at work. The software redirects your Web traffic through its servers to not only safeguard your IP from outside sources, but also to get your employer's IT people off your trail.
