Can you tell excel sheets which were created using a pirated version of MS Office? - eviltoast

My friend works for a company which requires her to use Microsoft specific application, she didn’t really want to switch to Win 11 and choose to just use Wine Linux package and install a 2016 version of MS office on her Linux laptop. That’s all well and good, but this company she is working for servers other clients at pretty high up places and she is terrified that she using the pirated version of MS would create a liability for her company as if Microsoft wants to target pirated software, they hunt for organisations rather than individuals.

So, what should she do? Is there a way you can hide the fact that the excel sheet was created on pirated software, is it even possible to tell excel sheets apart which are using pirated software?

PS: If there is a way to destroy all metadata related to the excel sheets, it would be very helpful.

edit: Thanks to everyone who chipped in for an answer, gonna suggest her to either ask her employer to give her the necessary software + hardware and if denied quit. I now realize this is not the norm in any company but hers. Anyways, thanks everyone.

  • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
    30·
    8 months ago

    I’m in the EU as well and am working for a company in the USA. They make us use our own computers for work - which includes installing time tracking software.

    I am actively trying to get out of the company and do not recommend working for a company that makes you use your own device. Since they are only registered in the USA, I have no legal protection from the EU and my country of residence.

    Sorry for the tangent, I just think it’s important for others to see as well.

      • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
        8·
        8 months ago

        Currently trying to leave. I’ve got a side gig but it’s not bringing in enough to leave this job yet.

        • Landless2029@lemmy.world
          7·
          8 months ago

          I completely understand being stuck there while looking.

          My recommendation is silent quit. Just do your responsibilities and focus more on still looking.

          If you must install that monitoring shit on your personal machine then I would recommend using a VM if possible.

          You can do windows eval forever and try to use Libre office instead of open office.

          • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
            3·
            8 months ago

            I’ve been doing just enough to not raise any flags over the past month or so. A lot of my energy has gone into job hunting and growing my business

    • Truck_kun@beehaw.orgEnglish
      5·
      8 months ago

      You said you are ‘in the EU’, as in currently living in the US for said job?

      Are you considered an independent contractor? Or an actual employee of the company?

      As a US citizen… I would just advise EU citizens to ‘in general’ avoid working for US companies, we have bad employment policies, and our companies think they can just do the same things in other countries. Obviously everyone should choose for themselves; if you think the extra income is worth it, that is your call, but our work culture is awful.

      At the very least, if you do decide to work for a US company… keep it remote. Cost of living in the US is really high, work culture is awful, it’s dangerous, and healthcare costs are crazy. Unless your household is making at least $150k USD/year, you’ll be considered poor to middle-class.

      • governorkeagan@lemdro.idEnglish
        3·
        8 months ago

        I’m living in the EU and work remotely for a US based company.

        I took the job as my I was unemployed. My contract came to an end at my previous company and they weren’t renewing any contracts unfortunately.

        This job I’m working now pays $15.50 an hour and they are super strict (micromanagement on a whole other level) about what we do during that time. I posted about it here.