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Technician's Tool Kit
Latest Tool Added: 2/26/2018; Latest Tool Updated: 2/14/2014
Submit a Tool
Welcome to the new and improved Technician Toolkit List! You wouldn't believe how long we've been working on this! Anyway, it's NOT READY. But we're impatient... and what YOUR suggestions for new tools!
(Well, it's almost ready - we're reviewing the old tools and editing where we can before adding them to the new list). If you want to review the old list, it's available here: Old Technician Tool Kit
So what makes this improved? Each tool has been assigned one or more categories and you can now FILTER on that category. For example, if you're a Programmer, then certain tools likely won't be useful to you. Click on Programmer and you will only see the programmer tools. IN THE FUTURE, we hope to have a mailing list so you can subscribe to tool updates. TODAY, you can SUBMIT YOUR TOOL easily using our new form.
If you discover any links that no longer work or have questions, comments,
suggestions, or additions about this page, this site, or us, please contact
us. (To put another way, SUGGESTIONS ARE MOST WELCOME!)
Please note: we try to avoid posting beta software recommendations - it may
happen from time to time, but for the most part we don't do it. Also, any new
or updated entries since in the last 30 days will include and graphics to help identify them.
CONTENTS
- Physical Tools - 25 items
- Hardware Devices & Diagnostics - 16 items
- Malware Tools - 5 items
- Recovery Tools - 3 items
- Security Tools - 2 items
- Networking Tools & Utils - 2 items
- Management Tools - 6 items
- Migration Tools - 2 items
- Other Resources - 2 items
- Spares - 3 items
- Supplies - 8 items
- Subscriptions - 2 items
- Web Sites - 3 items
- Free Software - 2 items
- Notably Missing - 0 items
- Disclaimer
INTRODUCTION Contents
Every so often someone asks what a technician should have in their tool kit. After working professionally in IT since 1994 and being a full time consultant since 2004,
I decided to put together this page of tools. The first version was static and due to my own time constraints, it wasn't updated too often. This is the new, redesigned
page that works dynamically and encourages you, the reader, to comment and add items (of course, anything added must be reviewed by us first).
This page is a compilation of tools and resources that we have come across, read about, had colleagues recommend, or have otherwise found in my time as a professional
servicing large enterprises, small businesses, and home users.
WARNING!!! The tools listed here have not
necessarily been tested by us. USE THEM AT YOUR OWN
RISK. Even if we have tested, a new version could be buggy and result
in serious harm to your system. Always test tools on a testing system and NOT a
production system before putting them in production and ALWAYS read the the usage
directions as a single wrong switch placed in the wrong place could wipe out a system!
CAUTION. In the case of all software below - FAMILIARIZE yourself with it.
Technologically, We're VERY conservative. NEVER delete things you can avoid
deleting. If you have to delete, make an image of the system. We've seen malware
that incorporates itself so tightly with the system that trying to remove
it causes a reboot loop. We've seen instances where you (or the client) THINKS
they have everything backed up, you format, and then you and the client realize
their outlook data wasn't stored in the "My Documents" folder and
was, therefore, LOST. When doing any major update - INCLUDING WINDOWS UPDATES
- perform a FULL BACKUP to preserve the system and allow you to restore it if necessary.
Imaging could be even better.
The list below includes all the tools that we use and some additional commentary
such as when we use them and comments on alternatives or why a particular
tool is, in our opinion, better than any other we've come across. Some may be
listed in areas that might fit into other areas - We chose the area we felt
most appropriate. It's also important to note that our toolkit may deviate
from yours. If you're more a cable installer and never deal with Windows,
you won't have a need for many of the Windows related tools below. Likewise,
if you are more an administrator type that doesn't work with hardware much,
except for determining if something has failed on your server, you might not
need tools such as crimpers and supplies like RJ45 connectors. But the SMB
Consultant is usually a generalist and covers a wide area. So these are the tools
we use (or feel we need if we don't already have) to make our lives easier and to
facilitate our ability to repair/install computers and networks without having to
"run out" and pickup supplies or order parts and wait for them to be
delivered.
Each tool indicates a technician type we believe this tool will be useful for.
This does not mean you should not use the tool if your job description doesn't
fall into one of the recommended categories. Indeed, we'd like to hear from you
if you use a tool otherwise not recommended for the technician type that you are.
The types are as follows:
H - |
Hardware Technician: 56 Items
Your job is install / repair / replace hardware. You might be a technician
that gets called in by a major vendor like Dell or HP to perform on-site parts
replacement. While you should know basics of how to use an operating system,
your job description is not to troubleshoot the operating system. At most,
you might be asked to reload the system using the manufacturer recovery disks.
|
W - |
Workstation Technician: 29 Items
Your job is to troubleshoot and repair workstations and laptops for end users.
Your clients may be those in an office or home users who bring computers to your
location or you may travel to theirs. A little knowledge about networking and
some basics about security would be advisable. You should be an expert in client
operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS.
|
A - |
Systems Administrator: 44 Items
|
N - |
Network Technician: 46 Items
|
P - |
Programmer: 11 Items
|
S - |
Security Expert: 15 Items
You focus on security - ensuring that your network and systems are protected from
outside and inside attacks. As part of your job, you are testing your own security
measures to ensure they are effective and not too restrictive for your users.
|
C - |
SMB Consultant: 43 Items
You are a jack-of-all-trades - you must master the Systems Administrator role as it
relates to smaller (0-5) server environments. You must know how to troubleshoot PCs,
Macs, and various hardware devices. You must understand more than the basics of
network security. Some scripting would be good to automate repeatative tasks. And
you must understand more advanced networking topics - BGP may not be needed, but you
should understand how to configure at least one major load balanced WAN router and
VPN system. |
|
Show All 79 Items |
TIP: Click the tool category description to filter the list to show ONLY tools for that category.
One thing to note - new software appears daily - more often even - and so
it's quite possible there's something new we don't know about and you do. If
you see something not listed below that has made your life easier, we would
appreciate you submitting it to us
so we can consider including it here.
Finally, all pricing and information (such as web sites and features, when
appropriate) is believed accurate at the time of inclusion on this page. When
possible, we will update such information, especially if someone informs us
it is no longer accurate. So if you see something out of date,
say something!
Physical Tools
- Multi-Tip Screw Driver
Added: 3/28/2016
$5 to 20 One-Time
There are many options for multi-tip/changable tip screw drivers. My favorite that doesn't seem to be available anymore is the Wilton W6 Screwdriver - http://www.amazon.com/W6-DRIVER-29003-Professional-W6-Driver-Screwdriver/dp/B000NV7P2C/ - but a tool like this is compact, easy to carry, and can be used in most places you need a screwdriver, flat-head or philips.
Technician Types: H N W C A
- Laptop Computer
Added: 7/10/2010; Updated 2/11/2014
$400 to 2000+ One-Time
Buy RAM. LOTS of RAM. These days, nothing less than a dual core, 64-bit CPU with advanced AMD-V or Intel-IVT virtualization technology (including Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). Minimum of 8 GB of RAM, as large and fast a hard drive as you can find (SSD preferred), USB 3 ports (at least one). Why so much RAM? I've hinted at it already - you'll want to run virtual computers on your primary system. This will allow you to have access to various operating systems and technologies from your laptop, even if the client doesn't have them on site. For more information on buying a laptop, see my tip on buying a laptop. In addition, though it can be difficult to pack all this into a small form factor, in general, the smaller, the better. Finally, you COULD skip this if you want to get an x86/x64 based tablet or transforming device that might function as both a laptop and a tablet.
Technician Types: H A N P S
- Flash Light
Added: 7/10/2010
$1 to 15 One-Time
Small ones should suffice. Handy when crawling under desks to reconnect things or looking inside computers for installing/removing hardware or for troubleshooting purposes
Technician Types: H N
- Tape Measure
Added: 7/10/2010
$5 to 15 One-Time
How long did you need that cable? Will that [blank] fit in that space?
Technician Types: H N
- Label Maker
Added: 7/10/2010
$30 to 100+ One-Time
Very handy to label ports, computers, in a neat and professional way. Supplies are extra and may cost another $20-50 depending on what you want to get.
Technician Types: H A N
- Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife, or similar
Added: 7/10/2010
$10 to 60 One-Time
When you forget the toolbox in a car or back at the office, one of these handy little devices can save the day - especially when opening those thoroughly sealed platic containers.
Technician Types: H A N
- Digital Camera
Added: 7/10/2010
$50 to 250+ One-Time
Helpful in documenting things, taking pictures of hardware and hardware error messages for identification and troubleshooting. I once had to dismantle a phone system and reconnect it... the photos of how the wires looked in their original location were extremely useful in helping me reconnect everything later. These days, your cell phone and/or tablet can probably take the place of this item, but if you like a separate device or something with a most likely unnecessary super-high resolution, this may be your best option since most cell phones/tablets are very good but not great.
Technician Types: H N
- #2 Phillips Head Screwdrivers
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 10+ One-Time
Consider a set that includes #2 size with the same size head but different length. There have been occasions where I've needed a longer than normal screw driver for replacing UPS batteries or a shorter than normal to get into tight spaces.
Technician Types: H N A
- Flat Head Screwdrivers
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 10+ One-Time
Consider a set that includes varying lengths.
Technician Types: H N A
- Nut Drivers
Added: 7/10/2010
$3 to 15 One-Time
A small set that includes 3/16 and 1/4 inch drivers. They can be handy for removing screws quickly and also for tightening the screw connections on the back of computers and I/O cards as they can get loose.
Technician Types: H
- Torx Screwdriver
Added: 7/10/2010
$3 to 15+ One-Time
Probably should get a small set that includes T10, T15, and T25
Technician Types: H N
- Set of Small Screwdrivers
Added: 7/10/2010
$5 to 10 One-Time
Both Philips head and Flat head are potentially useful, especially if you ever work on small electronics, like laptops and cell phones.
Technician Types: H
- Pliers (Variety)
Added: 7/10/2010
$3 to 20 One-Time
Get a variety of sizes and lengths - needle nose, curved nose, etc.
Technician Types: H
- Hammer
Added: 7/10/2010
$5 to 15 One-Time
Every now and then something gets stuck. It's good to know you can bang it out if necessary (note: I do not use one frequently, but I think it's important to have handy, just in case).
Technician Types: H N
- Small Mirror
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 10 One-Time
I especially like the ones that have an extending handle and adjustable telescoping mirror on the end (like a small dentist mirror).
Technician Types: H N
- Wire Stripers
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 10 One-Time
Technician Types: H N
- Crimpers
Added: 7/10/2010
$10 to 50 One-Time
Capable of crimping RJ11 and RJ45 connectors. Fancier ones may do more, but I rarely find myself using them for anything other than crimping RJ11 and RJ45 connectors.
Technician Types: H N
- Staple Gun
Added: 7/10/2010
$10 to 50 One-Time
Something that supports curved "staples" - I use these for securing cables or cable ties to walls, ceilings and other structural objects.
Technician Types: H N
- Pen and Small Pad/Sticky Notes
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 6 One-Time
"How many times have [you] been some place trying to find a working pen or something to write on to get a BIOS revision number or settings in BIOS if you need to reset? Frustrating if you can't find a pen or a piece of paper to write on!" -ArizonaGeek, www.tek-tips.com. An excellent point, I might add.
Technician Types: H A N P C
- Tweezers
Added: 7/10/2010
$1 to 3 One-Time
Can be one of the easier ways to remove jumpers and pick up dropped screws in cases.
Technician Types: H N
- Pair of Hemostats
Added: 7/10/2010
$3 to 5 each One-Time
"They're not only very handy for reaching down and retrieving that dropped screw, but they can also be an extra "set of hands" to hold onto small parts (especially if you're soldering), and also make an effective heat sink when soldering." - gbaughma, tek-tips.com
Technician Types: H
- Soldering Device (and solder)
Added: 7/10/2010
$10 to 40 One-Time
Honestly, I haven't used them in years, but it's not very expensive and I can envision circumstances where it might be useful.
Technician Types: H
- Three Prong Parts and Chip Retriever/Extract
Added: 7/10/2010
$2 to 4 One-Time
These things are usually included in small computer tool kits. These are the things that look like a syringe with 3 thing metal prongs at the end that come out when the button at the top is pressed (Most people usually wonder what these strange things are and frankly, I'm not entirely certain I've used the correct name for them either). They can be handy (like tweezers) in recovering dropped items.
Technician Types: H N
Hardware Devices & Diagnostics
- Zalman External USB3 Drive ZM-VE350
Added: 3/28/2016
$40 to 60 One-Time
This device is more than an external USB hard drive. Actually, you supply the 2.5" drive yourself - this device can emulate a BluRay player, DVD, and CD allowing you to scroll through and select bootable ISO images to boot systems from. Very handy - no need to carry multiple DVDs of versions of Windows, Linux, or other operating systems - put the ISOs on here, select, and boot!
Web Reference: Zalman External USB3 Drive
Technician Types: H W C S A
- HDTune
Added: 3/28/2016
$35 One-Time
Get performance and S.M.A.R.T. data for your systems hard drives.
Web Reference: HDTune
Technician Types: H W C
- SATA/EIDE USB Adapter
Added: 2/11/2014
$15 to 25 One-Time
These are like enclosures without the enclosure. If you come across a failed windows install and you need to recover data, one way to do it is to connect the drive to one of these devices. You can also use it as emergency storage or a place to stick an image if you need to make one, in conjunction with your spare hard drive(s) - see below. I love these things and use the ones I have frequently.
Technician Types: H C A
- RJ45 Coupler
Added: 5/17/2014
$5 to 10 One-Time
While they shouldn't be used in production as they can degrade performance, I carry one with me so I can extend the length of a cable if necessary when using my laptop.
Technician Types: H N W C A
- USB DVD-RW Drive
Added: 7/11/2010
$45 to 80 One-Time
Very handy when a system's optical drive doesn't work or you need to burn a disk and the machine you're working on just has a reader. Optical drives are on the way out though so while you can consider Bluray, odds are, you'd never need that. (I can't remember the last time I used my USB DVD-RW drive, especially for writing; I use flash media almost exclusively these days).
Technician Types: H A N P
- Floppy Drive
Added: 7/11/2010
$5 to 65 One-Time
While the USB drives are more expensive, your traditional drives can work on many newer systems - they often have drive controllers, just no drive installed. Still, if you have to choose, get the USB drive - they are definitely more useful overall... though becoming less so with time.
Technician Types: H A
- USB to Serial Adapter
Added: 7/11/2010
$10 to 30 One-Time
Very useful for configuring that router or other device with an old serial interface. Especially handy for the network tech with the NetBook.
Technician Types: H N
- RS232 Serial Cable
Added: 2/11/2014
$5 to 20 One-Time
For use in connecting to terminal
ports of routers and switches and other devices with serial based terminals.
Technician Types: H W A N C
- Cable Tester
Added: 7/11/2010
$20 to 200+ One-Time
In general, unless you're a network tech and expect to be working with coaxial cable or fiber, a cheap one should suffice, provided it can test cables using RJ45 connectors.
Technician Types: H N
- Multimeter
Added: 7/11/2010
$20 to 200+ One-Time
Used in checking voltage levels. I find I use this surprisingly often. For example - is your power supply dead... or is it the power outlet?
Technician Types: H N
- Power Supply Tester
Added: 7/11/2010
$10 to 35 One-Time
One that I recently found that looked quite useful is made by Ultra, part number ULT31553.
Technician Types: H
- Wire Tracer/Tone Generator
Added: 7/11/2010
$90 to 120+ One-Time
The ones I most often see are "fox and hound" models.
Technician Types: H N
- Ultimate Boot CD
Added: 7/11/2010
Free
This CD contains a wide variety of hardware diagnostics and even some software tools. It's updated periodically, so check back for new versions.
Web Reference: Ultimate Boot CD
Technician Types: H A
- RAM Tester
Added: 7/11/2010
$1000 to 5000+ One-Time
Technician Types: H
Malware Tools
- Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
Added: 7/10/2010
$0 to 300 One-Time
This CD is created by you - and it's customizable by you, which makes it even better. It uses a Windows XP Service Pack 1 CD or later to create a CD or DVD that boots up into a Windows environment. The default CD includes dozens of utilities for malware, diagnostics, and basic work (such as web browsing). It really is a great tool when you have to recover a system. The tool that creates the CD/DVD is free, but as it requires a copy of XP. If you wanted one specifically for use at clients, you would likely need a full retail license of XP (typically $300) to create the CD. Otherwise, you should be legally fine (consult an attorney to be sure) creating it with the troubled machine's XP media and/or using your own on XP only systems).
Web Reference: Ultimate Boot CD for Windows
Technician Types: H A N S
Recovery Tools
- RAID Reconstructor
Added: 5/17/2014
$100 One-Time
"Recover data from a broken RAID Level 5 or RAID Level 0 Array. Even if you do not know the RAID parameters, such as drive order and block size, RAID Reconstructor will analyze your drives and determine the correct values. You will then be able to create a copy of the reconstructed RAID in an image file or on a physical drive." --From product description on web site.
Web Reference: RAID Reconstructor
Technician Types: H C A
Security Tools
- Darik's Boot and Nuke
Added: 3/28/2016
Free
Great little utility for completely wiping a hard drive to help ensure nothing is recovered after the unit has been disposed of.
Web Reference: Darik's Boot and Nuke
Technician Types: H W C S A
Networking Tools & Utils
Management Tools
- System Information for Windows (SIW)
Added: 3/28/2016
$40 to 100 Technician Version One-Time
Great utility for cataloging system hardware and software. The licensed version can be scripted and output HTML and CSV as well as other formats. Regularly updated.
Web Reference: System Information for Windows
Technician Types: H N W C A P
Migration Tools
Other Resources
- Join an Organization
Added: 3/28/2016
$0 to 1000 As Needed
User groups (often specific to products, such as Exchange, SQL, PowerShell, Sharepoint, and Windows), industry groups (including OWASP and InfraGard), and other organizations can be a great place to get knowledge and make connections with other professionals.
Technician Types: H N W C S A P
Spares
- EIDE Cable (80 conductor)
Added: 2/15/2014
$2 to 8 per cable One-Time
These are used to connect EIDE (PATA) hard drives with ATA-5 or faster capabilities and the occasional DVD or CD writer. Older technology, it still can't hurt to keep one handy. Consider getting a longer length and one that is rounded. Save a few $ and grab one from a retired system.
Technician Types: H C
- SATA Cables
Added: 2/11/2014
$2 to 10 One-Time
I'd recommend keeping two handy and you might find it handy to have one or two that are 24 or even 36 inches long.
Technician Types: H C
- Mouse
Added: 2/15/2014
$4 to 20 One-Time
They are cheap and useful to keep as spares. While rare these days, avoid ball based mice and stick to laser based. And while BlueTooth and Wireless are nice, a plain old wired mouse as a spare is more than enough.
Technician Types: H C A
Supplies
- Network Cable
Added: 3/28/2016
$10 to 20 One-Time
25 to 50 foot network cable. Can be bundled up when length is not needed, but provides flexibility to cover most circumstances. Category 5E or better only.
Technician Types: H N W C A
- RJ45 Connectors
Added: 3/28/2016
$1 to 25 Depending on Qty As Needed
A handful of RJ45 Connectors can be quite useful if you need to re-crimp a cable or make a new cable or two on the fly.
Technician Types: H N W C
- Assorted Screws
Added: 5/17/2014
$0 to 10 As Needed
Consider collecting from old, retired systems. Otherwise, order a bunch from a computer supply store, web site, or even your local Radio Shack.
Technician Types: H N W C
- Compressed Air
Added: 5/17/2014
$3 to 5 One-Time
Very useful for cleaning out dusty systems. But be kind, do this outside or at least in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner (you might want to add that to your list, a small portable electric (non-rechargable - they suck and not in the good way) vacuum.
Technician Types: H N W C
- Electrical Tape
Added: 5/17/2014
$1 to 4 As Needed
In theory, you shouldn't need it or really use it for it's obvious purpose - computer cables that fail should just be replaced... but it's good at taping cables together when you need to use a pull line. And it's cheap enough to just keep handy.
Technician Types: H N C
- Blank Media
Added: 5/17/2014
$1 to 10 As Needed
Blank CDs, DVDs, and yes, even a spare 3.5" floppy disk.
Technician Types: H N W C A P
- CMOS Batteries
Added: 5/17/2014
$2 to 4 One-Time
They don't die often but more and more often you're finding CR2032 batteries in devices.
Technician Types: H W C
- Duct Tape
Added: 5/17/2014
$2 to 4 One-Time
For all the possibilities of how useful this can be, just watch an episode of Mythbusters. That said, I cannot remember the last time I used it.
Technician Types: H N C
Subscriptions
Web Sites
- EventID.Net
Added: 5/17/2014
$0 to 49 One-Time
Provides a great reference source for the various event IDs found in your Windows Event Logs with real world suggestions for resolving the issues as well as links to documents available at Microsoft and on other web sites.
Web Reference: EventID.Net
Technician Types: H N W C A
Free Software
- Spiceworks
Added: 5/17/2014
Free
IT management software that's free, can (to some extent) inventory and report on your company's hardware and software, monitor and help troubleshoot problems, and even help you run the helpdesk with a ticketing system. Easy with a quick setup for most systems. No device or time limits.
Web Reference: Spiceworks
Technician Types: H N C A
Notably Missing
CREDITS Contents
Creating this list has been on my mind for a while now, and finally, a question
on Experts-Exchange
kicked me in the butt to put this together. To that end, I'd like to specifically
thank the participants of that question both for asking it and for making
suggestions for tools, resources, and devices that I may have had in the back
of my head - OR NOT - and considered potentially useful to include here. So,
thank you, r-k
and ben_stanton,
for jogging my memory and posting things I didn't think of including initially,
and thank you, coolbluesurface,
for asking the question that got this started!
In addition, I'd like to thank members of the New York Small Business Server
Users Group (NYSBS) for questions and comments that lead to additional updates
on this page.
DISCLAIMER Contents
The information provided here is as accurate as possible, but still may contain
errors. Use of the information provided is entirely at your own risk.
You may copy the content of the page in whole or in part provided you include
a link directly back to this page.
Created: May 10, 2007; Code Last Modified: March 28, 2016