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