| If you fix computers regularly (or you're the type that | | | | hard drive as part of my kit. That way, if I need to |
| often fixes computers for friends and family), you've | | | | backup someone's files or I just want to work on |
| likely developed a collection of software and tools to | | | | something from another computer, I have everything at |
| help you fix things more efficiently. Since I ocasionally | | | | my fingertips. |
| play technician myself, I thought I'd share with you | | | | A few screwdrivers and things... |
| some tools that make it easier to troubleshoot | | | | Every PC technician carries their trusted phillips head |
| everyday PC problems. | | | | screwdriver at all times, right? The standard size fits |
| Have a good collection of software | | | | most desktop screws, but you may want to get a |
| Quality software will help you diagnose and fix many | | | | mini-screwdriver kit to work on laptops. Three-prong |
| problems. If someone needs Windows reinstalled and | | | | screw grabbers (or tweezers) are great for when you |
| you don't have the CD, then what? You may want to | | | | drop a screw into or underneath the motherboard. |
| purchase a CD binder to hold all your software. Here's | | | | Alternatively, you could just get a magnetized |
| a sampling of what you'll find in my kit: | | | | screwdriver and pick screws up with it. Carrying a |
| > Two boot CDs with diagnostics programs | | | | small flashlight will help you see into the dark recesses |
| > Linux live CDs including Ubuntu and Knoppix | | | | of the case, and needle-nose pliers come in handy for |
| > three versions of Microsoft Office (including 2003) | | | | hard drive jumpers. Lastly, have a notepad, post-it |
| > Windows 95, 98SE, 2000, XP Home and Pro (plus | | | | notes and a few pens and pencils in there. |
| a special corporate licensed version) | | | | Useful testers |
| > Applicable service packs and patches for each | | | | > Power Supply Tester |
| version Windows on one CD | | | | > Network cable tester |
| > two CDs with various benchmarks on them | | | | > Motherboard tester (usually PCI, outputs BIOS |
| > Visual Studio .NET | | | | codes) |
| > Three utility CDs with antivirus/antispyware | | | | Get a good bag |
| programs and commonly used applications like Adobe | | | | How are you going to carry all this around? In a good |
| Reader | | | | bag of course. I use a mid-sized briefcase, but any |
| > Norton Ghost | | | | tough duffel will do. |
| > Partition Magic | | | | Outside of the diagnostics, many technicians carry |
| > Many more random disks | | | | common spare parts such as: |
| Carry common cords | | | | > Wireless router |
| > USB cable - The most common peripheral | | | | > CD-RW Drive |
| interface | | | | > Standard ATX Power Supply 300-500W |
| > Firewire cable | | | | > Internal hard drives (40GB, 80GB, 120GB) |
| > Standard PC power cord | | | | > Surge protector |
| > Ethernet cable (might want to carry 2-3 of these) | | | | > Speakers |
| > Wireless USB adapter - Helps avoid having to run | | | | These are the basics for day-to-day troubleshooting. |
| 30 feet of ethernet cable just to get a machine online. | | | | For those performing more advanced diagnostic |
| Why use cabling if there's a wireless network in the | | | | procedures, I might also recommend a soldering iron. |
| area? | | | | You might also want to try carrying an iPod (or any |
| A way to move and store files | | | | music player) - but not for technical reasons. It provides |
| Some use a thumbdrive on a keychain, but I find that | | | | an excellent source of entertainment while you're |
| the size limit of flash memory is to constrictive when | | | | watching the progress bar creep. |
| working on a PC. I carry a 160GB firewire/usb external | | | | |