When the time comes to return this property you will be able to prove that you are returning exactly what was assigned. Keep your files up to date whenever you replace equipment as well. In most cases you will never need this documentation, but you are protecting yourself against the one time when you will. You never know how a job will end. Something that started out well can end badly through no fault of your own.
Bad situations can happen at large companies just as easily as small startups.
The only way to protect yourself is to prepare for the worst and hope that you will never experience it. You will encounter people who do not share your ethics or morals. Your job is to avoid them, or failing that, do everything you can to prevent being caught in the trap these people are building for themselves. Douglas E. Welch is a freelance writer and computer consultant in Van Nuys, California.