Is there any way I can view either my gmail account at work or my work email explorer at home?
Gmail and Hotmail are blocked as 'free email sites' so I cant check emails during the day . Before anyone says the obvious I work in a Government department and our internet usage is monitored so it is only ever in my own time.
Alternatively is there any way can I view my work emails at home -for example when off work I need to catch up on what is happening in the office so I know whats changed (and its always changing) for when I go back.
Basically ... the answer is no.
Your company's mail inTRAnet would require your IT to set up VPN access
as for gmail
Depending how big the company is ... e-mail filtering is pretty sophisticated.
The ban is there to stop virus & downloads of progs with trojans (and use of unlicensed software).
as well as posting business critical info (many are banning usb sticks and removing CD/DVDs from workstations also)
If your IT sees you forwarding\recieving mail regularly they will take notice.
Yes Actt I know - it sounds sad doesnt it..... but its not work exactly that Im interested in when Im away from the office Its more the 'non-work' issues that come up and that I would miss out on. I suppose Im just so downright nosey I hate to miss out on stuff.
Ask you computer admin guys if you can access your email from outside the department. If their servers offer access outside, then this is possible.
If the servers themselves aren't available, they may allow a VPN link as ACtheTROLL suggests, but depending how sensitive the information is that you deal with, perhaps not.