Webuser Forums: laptop at work

hi
I use a computer at work which is networked with 2 others in the building and then via a router plugs into an adsl socket. To use the computer you have to log onto the local area network and once(finally) logged on you can log onto the head office sever using anther loggin sequence to you can get works emails etc.
I have found that I can unplug the works computer from the network and hence the adsl and via ethernet plug my own laptop into the router which gives me instant broadband connection . This is so useful as i can get all my web based email whilst at work in next to no time rather than logging on for up to 10 minutes. I have asked my it dept about this but they seem to be a bit thick as they say it would not be possible to do this as it would not work . Seeing as it obviously does I need to know , is my laptop connecting straight to the internet and bypassing my hq server or will it still be going through the server . if it is conneting to the internet and bypassing the server i will be happy to do it as it seemingly poses no security risk to the works network , however i would prefer to know for sure.
If it helps I know that while my laptop is connected i cannot get any of the imfo that is related to the company like i could if i was connected to the usual wan and conversely i can connect to web pages that would not normally open.( nothing untoward !!!! my company bans links to eg ebay)

any help or advice would be appreciated
Thanks
A

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