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Faux pas to avoid in the tech workplace

From sending huge attachments to tagging your colleagues in inappropriate statuses, these are 10 techy faux pas you should avoid in the working environment.
By Zack Whittaker, Contributor
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1 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

The Generation Y unfortunately only seem to use one social network, and that's usually Facebook. The site isn't just designed for your friends and family; it's also for your extended acquaintances and colleagues. But it doesn't always work out that way, with a mix of both and sometimes too much information being disclosed to the wrong people.

Keeping a LinkedIn account allows you to create an online resumé and display yourself for who you are, without committing social faux pas numero uno by adding your potential employer as a friend. Professional networking site works great for professionals and colleagues. Facebook should really be all about your social life.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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2 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

I caused a fair few problems over the summer, when a good portion of my Facebook friends were removed from my profile without warning. Some people take the social networking more seriously than others; gaining as many friends as they can to boost their social status.

Well for me, my friends on Facebook are my actual friends - people I see, have coffee with, go out with, trust and respect. It also protects my privacy to ensure that only people I want to see everything can do. But removing friends can lead to negative social repercussions and an air of uncomfortable atmosphere when there is an inevitable reunion.

Instead of removing them and causing hurt, create a limited profile so they can remain connected to you but at arms length. There is a full methodology to follow over here.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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3 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

Tagging people in statuses, an idea that started off with Twitter and the ability to seamlessly slip people's handles into the conversation, can be handy. It can also be damaging, in that it doesn't just appear on your profile but that person's profile too.

If you were to tag something, either a friend or a colleague, they could land themselves in hot water if their privacy settings allow anyone and everyone - or even specific people like their boss to access their profile if someone else tags an inappropriate message. It's a flaw, yes, and can be hilarious at times, but can become very awkward if they get in trouble as a result of your 'practical joke'.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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4 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

Sometimes you need to send an email to a bunch of people but keep it anonymous. If you are sending around lecture slides to people with a registered disability, or you are putting forward a complaint and need to be discreet, it is relatively easy to send the email to yourself and simply add in the blind carbon copy (BCC). Some even use a mailing list for such purposes. It protects privacy, at the end of it.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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5 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

Well, the verb derives from the URL of the website, used to display a very graphic, semi-disturbing image on a person's computer. The idea is, like other shock sites, that you trick them into clicking on it by accident or as they vacate their computer for a spare minute, you take advantage by navigating to these kind of sites on their behalf.

The problem is, is that not everybody finds it funny. Though the recipient of this prank may well laugh and find it hilarious, if you are in a hotdesking environment then you can bet your lucky stars that not everyone else will do. You could get them fired, and you could get yourself fired - because the chances are, accessing this graphic kind of content on work's time is a breach of their IT policy.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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6 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

The divide between 'friends' and 'colleagues' can be tricky to define at the best of times. Even though you may share the same office, it doesn't mean you can't go out for drinks afterwards - and in some cases, even date each other. "College is where you find your future husband or wife", as goes the saying - but when it doesn't, you normally find that romantic interest at work.

But be careful of sending 'kisses' in form of additional x's. The psychology behind the 'end of text kiss' can be frought with danger, concern and misunderstanding - and it could leave yourself in hot bother. Just remember that work is for work, and it's best to stay professional.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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7 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

But even when you are out of work, remember that you represent the company you work with or work for. Even when you are not working, you carry that burden around with you wherever you go - so don't be doing anything silly now, yes?

(My friend Dan Schawbel, of which we've come together on his blog before, has a new book out which you should take a look at. The new revised book called 'Me 2.0' will show you how to turn your online social media outlets into a means for bettering your name as your brand, and making you more employable. Check out page 105 when you see it...)

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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8 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

Even though we live in a world with super fast broadband (ha!)... well, most of the time it's relativey adequate, we can download large PowerPoint or PDF documents in seconds rather than minutes or hours. But it doesn't mean that you have to send over large attachments still. If you have a SharePoint or some online collaboration suite for your organisation, upload it there and send the link via email. If it's hosted elsewhere, copy and paste in the URL to the email.

I know it sounds simple, but it's massively annoying when you are on your mobile and it churns up your data stream for an hour, or you have limited space in your mailbox storage because your IT administrator is an idiot. Besides the point, it's just common courtesy not to send huge attachments.

To read more about your online brand and faux pas in the techy workplace, head on over to the iGeneration blog.

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9 of 9 Zack Whittaker/ZDNET

We've all been there: whether it's on a train or in the office, there will always be one person with the most excruciatingly annoying ringtone that keeps going off every minute of the day, to the point where you want to ram it where the sun doesn't shine. You want to know what my ringtone is? It's this - and it's nice and simple.

If you have the 'Crazy Frog' ringtone or something equally as abhorrant to the ears go off in a meeting, not only will you look like an utter dork, but it will lower your standing in the office. "Oh there goes John with the worst ringtone in the world", and that's how bullying starts. Think it through!

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