[geeks] Q: Desktop/Network toolbag

[John Francini]

On 8 Feb 2008, at 12:46, Lionel Peterson wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> As a nice, non-"Cheap Dell Servers" topic for the weekend, I was  
> wondering what tools folks think should be carried in a tool bag  
> for some one that works on Win/Mac desktops?
>
> The technicians recently got Paladin tool bags[0] but there is a  
> basic set of tools still needed. I suggested the following list,  
> and I was wondering what others think might be added:
>
>  - 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.
>
> Lionel

I would add Mac OS X boot disks for whatever versions were running on  
the desktops being supported -- Tiger and Leopard, most likely.   
Also, potentially, a disk-repair CD such as DiskWarrior.

Shannon had a good set of additional tools and such that I concur with.

Alternatives to masking tape for wire bundling: cable ties or double- 
sided Velcro tape.

John