Some versions of Windows contain other diversions, including the card game hearts.Īccording to Microsoft, the games are intended to help new Windows users become familiar with the point-and-click functions of the computer's mouse. Over the last three years, several state offices have upgraded their computers and purchased Microsoft Corp.'s popular Windows operating software, which includes two games: solitaire, a card game, and Minesweeper, a logic puzzle made up of square tiles. 'It's a question of where you draw the line.'Ī spokeswoman for the governor said the ban was conceived because Allen and Chief of Staff Jay Timmons had received complaints from some state employees that their co-workers were spending too much time playing games - many of which were pre-installed on new computers. 'I've never heard of anything like this applying to so many people,' said Russell Glitman, executive editor of PC World magazine. But several computer industry watchers call Virginia's sweeping ban - which eliminates playing even during lunchtime and breaks - unprecedented.

Others have taken to reminding employees to refrain from playing games during work hours. Some corporations turn a blind eye, hoping that a few minutes of game-playing will increase workers' morale and productivity. workplace, managers increasingly are having to deal with issues of game-playing at work, industry specialists say. 'What's next? Will we be asked to submit a requisition when we walk away from our desk or be asked to keep a tally of every second of our day?'Īs computers with high-resolution color screens and sound cards become ubiquitous in the U.S. Ake, a chemistry professor and chairman of the faculty senate at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. 'It's getting to a level of micromanagement beyond the usual,' said Robert L. The memo was passed out to agency heads in mid-December but, because of the holidays, began making its way to workers only last week, raising the eyebrows of everyone from secretaries to university professors. An administration memo called computer game-playing 'nonproductive and nonefficient' and stated that 'time spent by employees playing such games should be considered an improper use of taxpayer funds.' George Allen (R) has ordered that games be deleted from every state-owned computer. And Kevin Chisnell was wild about Minesweeper competitions with his co-workers.īut for all three and thousands of other state employees in Virginia, the games are over.Ĭoncerned that some state workers were playing when they should be working, Gov. For Kim Emerson, it was a game of solitaire before work started.

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