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