[geeks] Q: Desktop/Network toolbag

[Chad McAuley]

Lionel Peterson wrote:
> 
>  - Philips head screwdriver (small, medium, large)
>  - Slot screwdriver (medium)
>  - Torx set (for working on Macs)
>  - Diagonal wire cutters
>  - Paperclip (for retrieving CD-ROMs from dead drives)
>  - Known-good Cat5e (or Cat6) patch cord (2 meters)
>  - Cisco console cable
>  - USB -> Serial dongle (for above Cisco cable)
>  - Boot CD-ROM with various tools for WinXP desktops
>  - Password cracker on CD-ROM for WinXP desktops
>  - USB flash drive (8 Gigs are only $30[1])
> 
> Anything else? The goal is to be able to diagnose problems at remote desktops and correct problems, not replace hardware on-site.

Looks good so far, although like Shannon said it will depend on the 
techs and your specific situation.  I do diagnostic as well as 
repair/replacement work in my job (among other things), so here's a few 
other things that I've found handy.

- Jeweler's screwdrivers (for laptop upgrades)
- A small flashlight, like one of the 2AA/2AAA Mini Maglites
- Tweezers for those clumsy days where I keep dropping screws


Specific suggestions for the boot CDs, in case you don't have anything 
specific in mind.  The Ultimate Boot CD [0] and Ultimate Boot CD for 
Windows [1].  The former includes the NT password reset tool, HD 
diag/install utilities for all major manufacturers, various hardware 
diagnostic/system/benchmark/stress test information utilities, and a 
bunch of other stuff.  Very handy to have if for no other reason than 
having the HD diagnostics and Memtest on one CD.  The later is a similar 
concept, but it boots into a XP environment loaded with tools 
(antivirus/spyware, browsers, cd burning, file recovery, system info, 
etc) that runs off the CD, ala Knoppix. It also has the Recovery Console 
on there, so you can get to that without having a XP disc handy.

I also carry the All Windows DVD set and the Windows XP 9in1 DVD (both 
available from your favorite torrent site) in my bag, but those come in 
handy more for the occasional side jobs I do for friends/family and 
coworkers than for stuff at work.  As long as the system has a DVD drive 
you've got install media for any version of Windows up to XP SP2 in a 
convenient 3 DVD set.  (The All Windows DVDs only have XP SP1, which is 
the only reason I also have the 9in1 XP disc.)

[0]: http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
[1]: http://www.ubcd4win.com