My PC Toolkit - VERY LONG LIST

[Andy]

My PC Tool Kit - VERY LONG LIST

What do you think of my toolkit? Any suggestions for what I might want to add or change?
- I give a little description of most components, just in case no one's heard of them.


What I have now:

HARDWARE:

> HP dv6500t laptop
> Samsonite laptop case
> 500GB SeaGate FreeAgent GO - hate WD's glossy passports
> USB to EIDI/SATA adapter - connect any HDD to your own system. Can use it to recover data or scan for malware, and to make a ghost image.
> Male VGA to Female DVI adapter (need a Female VGA to Male DVI adapter) - if you only have a monitor that has DVI input or one with VGA, then you can use these adapters to work on systems that only have VGA or DVI.
> Some Ethernet cables, USB A to B cables

SOFTWARE:

> Win 7 Pro 32/64 Bit (free from college) + Vista Business SP2
> Windows XP Pro/Home SP3 VLK from my college
> Dell XP Home SP1a + Dell XP Pro SP2
> Win 7 Recovery disk
> Vista Recovery disk
> XP SP 1, 2, 3. Vista SP 1 and 2.
> UBCD4Win
> Bit Defender Rescue CD - haven't tried it yet
> MS Dart 5.0, 6.0, 6.5 - can only get it if your MSDN/Technet. Got it from my college through the MS Academic Aliance
> Todo Backup - a free cloning/backup program that has a damn good user friendly interface, as well as a smaller footprint then other image solutions.
> Ultimate Boot CD 4 + 5 RC 1
> Ubuntu 9.10 live CD
> Ping of Death batch file - lol
> 77 MB of malware to practice removing malware from my VMWare image of XP
> FREE Dial Up access from a program called Dial-In (only for Michiganders)
> Auslogics Disk Defrag
> HD Tune - to test HDD
> Western Digital Diagnostics - diddo
> SeaGate DiscWizard - for SG drives
> Unlocker - lets me delete files that Windows says I can't delete
> Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
> Open Office 3 - Microsoft Office alternative. Personally, I use Office 2010 beta
> Revo - to do a deep uninstall of software
> Java 18 - gotta have it
> MurGeeMon - let's me make a laptop change it's primary monitor to an external monitor. Some XP laptops can't do this.
> CCleaner - clean the Registry and unnecessary files
> DirectX runtime - installs all the latest DirectX components
> Lightscreen - great screenshot tool for XP
> Royal blue and Noir themes for XP
> Media Player 11 for XP
> K Lite Codec Pack Full - for XP if the system can't play DVD's without a codec
> VMWare Player 3 - to mess around with OSs
> Thunderbird 3 - to replace XP's outlook express
> Silverlight 3
> IE 8 for XP (I update IE even if it's not the browser being used, for safety reasons. Plus, some sites require IE)
> Firefox
> Chrome - my fav


PORTABLE APPS: (all freeware)

> Double Driver - to save drivers before you do a N&P (it's also on the UBCD4Win)
> LSP-Fix - Fixes internet connections damaged by malware
> Chrome - the future of Web browsers lol
> Thunderbird - check my E-mail anywhere - password protected
> Unknown Devices - this helped me find out which 2 devices I had on my computer that Win 7 wasn't recognizing
(my laptop's SD card reader)
> Wireshark - sniff packets on the go. Still new to it.
> CPU-Z and GPU-Z - info on the processor and video card
> Device Doctor - finds drivers for your system
> CCleaner
> Crystal Disk Info - info on the HDD
> SIW (System Info for Windows) - will tell you more than you need to know about your system
> PC Decrapifier - helps/guides you to remove bloatware
> Speccy - more system info (from same company that makes CCleaner)
> StartUpLite - from Malwarebytes - gives you info on what start up programs you might want to disable
> XP Quick Fix - fix various issues with XP
> 7 Quick Fix - diddo for 7
> RockXP4 - find Windows product keys - could also use Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder
> Ninite - auto download and install essential software (you pick and choose what you want)
> Recuva - from CCleaner company - recovers files
> Norton Remover - remove Norton AV
> TreeSize - shows you how much space you're programs are taking up
> Eraser - to delete and write over data
> ClamWin - portable AV

MALWARE removers/scanners: (all freeware)

- I prefer to leave the customer with AVG. I've heard good things about MS Security Essentials, but I think it's too knew to trust just yet. Once I get a printer I can print off the log showing that the AV found no malware, which I can give to the customer.

- Combofix (haven't tried yet)
- Hijack This installer and portable versions - "examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys" (scan results at www.hijackthis.de) - BE VERY careful when using this
- Malewarebytes Antimalware - fav. malware remover
- CWShredder - "find and remove traces of CoolWebSearch – the name for a wide range of insidious browser hijackers"
- Autoruns - from MS; "goes beyond MSConfig"
- Process Explorer - see what's running, how much CPU it's eating, etc; and allows you to kill the process
- rkill - shuts down actively running malware
- Killbox - delete files that Windows won't let you delete

- Haven't tried these yet > Rootkit buster/ remover/ revealer/ Sophos. Portable SuperAntispyware, SmitfraudFix, MS Security Essentials, Housecall Launcher (online AV scanner), MS Malware Remover.

>> On my ext. HDD I have some videos from Bryce on how to manual remove viruses and how to fix XP when it won't boot.


WHAT I WANT: (gonna use my financial aid to pay for it)



> CaseLogic 92 disc CD wallet - to store OEM recovery disks (which I will get by copying the customer's if they have it)
... If they don't I could use their vendor serial key to purchase the disk for myself + recovery disks like UBCD.
> Business cards and magnets from Overnight Prints - awesome quality, pricing, and quick delivery.
> Samsill Regal Leather Business Card Wallet
> A printer (not sure what I want yet)
> 1000 Feet of grey RJ45 Cat5e cable - in case they have a damaged cable. I could sell this and make a little extra $ Can be bought from Sewell at Ebay for only $45 w/ S&H
> Paladin crimper
> 100 RJ45 connectors
> 3-in-1 RJ45 Network / RJ11 and USB Cable Tester
> Superlooper, Gigabit Loopback Jack & Plug
> Superlooper, Ethernet Crossover Adapter
> Memorex OptiDisc lens cleaner
> Universal laptop AC adapter - to test if a customer's AC adapter is broke
> Belkin Anti-Static wrist band - protect computer components from ESD
> Paladin Tools computer tool kit - love the black and amber skrew drivers
> Bucket Boss 06049 GateMouth Long Boy Tool Bag
> 10 pounds of various computer skrews from Ebay (LOL)
> Verbatim 52X CD-R 100 pack
> AmazonBasics DVD-R 100 pack
> Pioneer external DVD burner (DVR-XD08) - for netbooks and to do direct to disk DVD burning
> Slim USB 2.0 to PS/2 Adapter - for computers that have a bad PS2 connector
> 10/100M NIC PCI Ethernet LAN Adapter - to test if a NIC is bad
> Cooler Master Elite 460 watt PSU - to test if PSU is bad
> CoolMax PSU tester - faster than using a multimeter
> CD-ROM drives (sata/pata)
> Spare HDD (SATA+PATA) - great for cloning the customer's HDD before you start trying to fix the OS
> Little LED flashlight
> A work bench (maybe a table)
> 1 LCD Monitor
> 4 Port USB KVM Switch USB/VGA w/ 4 Cables & PS2 to USB - work on 4 computers at one time, while only needing one monitor.

Awesome info to have on hand:

> Check out Technibble's archives (really, really, super good info)
... Good article from TN > Repair commands: http://www.technibble.com/not-so-wel...pair-commands/

> Chkdsk commands : http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

> Laptop repair guides: http://www.laptoprepair101.com/

> XP Command-line reference A-Z: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d....mspx?mfr=true

> E-mail server settings: http://www.emailaddressmanager.com/t...-settings.html

> How to Back Up or Copy Your Outlook Mail, Contacts and Other Data: http://download.cnet.com/Outlook-Express-Backup/3000-2242_4-10159751.html



Books to prepare me for A+ Exam (gotta pass it by the end of the year so I can get certified for life )
-I'm in my 2nd semester for Network Admin.

> The Ultimate CompTIA A+ 2009 Resource Kit by Jean Andrews (my fav. PC book author)
> A+ Guide to Software + the Guide to Hardware > both 5th Edition by Jean (I have the 4th editions; these ones just came out)



And the best of the best, Professor Messer's CompTIA+ exam prep tutorial videos @ http://www.professormesser.com/

So, did you make it to the end? lol - I hope this can be of some use to someone.

Let me know what you guys think?

 

[DarDar]

Looks like a lot of kit and software you've got there! For a lot of the hardware you want, you should try dealextreme.com and focalprice.com. They have lots of adapters and gadgets that are pretty handy. Some is not the best quality I'd admit but more that sufficient starting off and most is actually pretty decent. If you look you will see a lot of kit that your local maplin (uk's radioshack) will carry at much cheaper prices. The only downside is it all comes in from hong kong so shipping can be a little slow.

These are a couple of picks i would definitely go for.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1253 - even as gifts to friends these are brilliant
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4580 - for the screws that come out of laptops etc. Useful to be able to group them into hdd, bezel, keyboard etc
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27170 - for those customers with n routers if you don't have n on your own machines
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4439 - same as the one lindy sell for €69 http://www.lindy.ie/lan-usb-cable-tester/43009.html


I would definitely go for a cheaper lan cable tester anyways and i don't think you'll make much on the custom lan cables. in fact I'd suggest getting them from monoprice (I'm guessing your states based?). Unless you're a good cable maker, its much easier and reliable to have the premade. Its easier to mark them up too, when you pull them out in packaging in front of the customer, rather than fiddling with some crimpers and jacks. I'd still carry the tools though just for the one time you would need them

I'm actually going through the process of building up my kit at the moment and a lot of what you have down is what I'd be looking to carry also.

 

[KompuKare]

Just two thoughts:
Why a crappy Atom netbook when for that price you can get a used Thinkpad like the X60/X61? CPU-wise, T2400 is a whole lot faster than an Atom, and a you get a decent res screen. Ok, the risk of used but a ultra-portable which was made to retail at £1000 vs a cheaply made netbook? No contest.

Any, what is the point of doing backups onto anything less than Verbatim? So when the customer actually needs the backup, the disc is no longer readable?

 

[DarDar]

Any, what is the point of doing backups onto anything less than Verbatim? So when the customer actually needs the backup, the disc is no longer readable?

Thats a good point KompuKare! I have lots of old cheap cd's that won't read any more. Thank god for ftp

 

[Andy]

Just two thoughts:
Why a crappy Atom netbook when for that price you can get a used Thinkpad like the X60/X61? CPU-wise, T2400 is a whole lot faster than an Atom, and a you get a decent res screen. Ok, the risk of used but a ultra-portable which was made to retail at £1000 vs a cheaply made netbook? No contest.

Any, what is the point of doing backups onto anything less than Verbatim? So when the customer actually needs the backup, the disc is no longer readable?

Well, I've already got an HP dv6500t (2GB RAM, 128MB 8400GS, Win 7 PRO, Core 2 Duo @ 2.2GHz) so I really don't need another FULL SIZE laptop.

I want a netbook because it's ultra portable, can run Win 7, 6 hours + battery life (mine gets 1.2 hours and needs to be replaced because it's 61% wore out). It's easier to lug around.

DISKS> I would think the Amazon's would be fine. They sure make it sounds like it's good stuff.

 

[DarDar]

If the cd's/dvd's are for customer backups andy, i would seriously go with good quality media like the verbatim. i have used a lot of different brands over the years and they have all failed on one disc or another - except the verbatim and the tanyo yuiden discs. For a paying customer, this isn't really worth the risk.

Now if they are just for os installs or general boot disks you'll do just fine!

 

[Andy]

These are a couple of picks i would definitely go for.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1253 - even as gifts to friends these are brilliant
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4580 - for the screws that come out of laptops etc. Useful to be able to group them into hdd, bezel, keyboard etc
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27170 - for those customers with n routers if you don't have n on your own machines
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4439 - same as the one lindy sell for €69 http://www.lindy.ie/lan-usb-cable-tester/43009.html.[/QUOTE]

OMG I LOVE THIS SITE

 

[KompuKare]

Well, I've already got an HP dv6500t (2GB RAM, 128MB 8400GS, Win 7 PRO, Core 2 Duo @ 2.2GHz) so I really don't need another FULL SIZE laptop.

I want a netbook because it's ultra portable, can run Win 7, 6 hours + battery life (mine gets 1.2 hours and needs to be replaced because it's 61% wore out). It's easier to lug around.

Oh, did I fail to mention the specs of a Thinkpad X41?
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2362

Specifically: Width Depth Height Volume Weight
X41 267mm 211mm 27mm 1.51 litre 1226g
Toshiba N304 264mm 193mm 32mm 1.64 litre 1330g

Although with an 8 cell battery both the depth and weigh are higher. Negatives? Well, max 1.5GB and a rather slow 1.8" HDD.
Positives? A 1.6GHz Pentium M is a faster than an Atom, build quality and the fact that you can pick them up on ebay for under £100.

 

[jaydeee]

now I am prepared for my troubleshooting side job hehehehe.. never been prepared than today!

thanks for all the links

 

[DarDar]

These are a couple of picks i would definitely go for.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1253 - even as gifts to friends these are brilliant
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4580 - for the screws that come out of laptops etc. Useful to be able to group them into hdd, bezel, keyboard etc
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27170 - for those customers with n routers if you don't have n on your own machines
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4439 - same as the one lindy sell for €69 http://www.lindy.ie/lan-usb-cable-tester/43009.html

OMG I LOVE THIS SITE

Hehe, it can get addictive after a while. Although it can get scary when you see the cost of the cart in the end! If you take the time to read the reviews and the forum posts, you can weed out the crappier items.

I wouldn't buy the memory cards as a rule though as they tend to be fake even if they are reported as genuine. The savings aren't that great on them anyways and you get similar priced ones from the online memory specialist stores.

 

[Andy]

Oh, did I fail to mention the specs of a Thinkpad X41?
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2362

Specifically: Width Depth Height Volume Weight
X41 267mm 211mm 27mm 1.51 litre 1226g
Toshiba N304 264mm 193mm 32mm 1.64 litre 1330g

Although with an 8 cell battery both the depth and weigh are higher. Negatives? Well, max 1.5GB and a rather slow 1.8" HDD.
Positives? A 1.6GHz Pentium M is a faster than an Atom, build quality and the fact that you can pick them up on ebay for under £100.

> I've decided that I'm gonna get a 12 cell battery for my laptop because it's only $56 from Ebay and it'll give me over 4 hours worth of juice I can't afford a netbook right now

 

[Mushin]

I have never needed that much battery life with onsite work.

I just plug in and work as needed. Maybe put that $65 into some marketing.


TIP: First build your client base then let your business pay for added tools. Just make sure you have the essentials to get the job done when youa re first starting out.

 

[Andy]

That's what I'm doing right now. My financial aid is coming soon, which is what I'm gonna use to pay for the stuff I need to get started. I've already figured out most of what I need.

For the battery, mine's 61% wore out so I need a new one no matter what. Win 7 keeps telling me to replace it :/ I have a 6 cell right now, but I'd like to stay mobile for more than 2 hours at a time, so the 12 cell is what I want.

 

[DarDar]

Might want to test your battery with another os:

http://community.winsupersite.com/b...ft-looking-into-windows-7-battery-issues.aspx

 

[kagman]

Great and Awesome List

Andy, I love that very very very very long list. I think we all have similar items in our tech-bags. There is one thing you could add to your list. Its a great piece of software called Spinrite. Personal I think its the best hard drive recovery and maintenance program out there. It costs $89.00 and you can get it at grc.com. The guy that made it is a security guru and an expert in hard drives. It has saved my butt in hard drive recovery.

Again that list is awesome. For portable apps have you checked portableapps.com?

--Jose--