Techie Tool Kit

[sea69]

Hi all

was looking for input on what you would have on floppy or cr-r to bring with you if you were the person doing diagnostics/troubleshooting on various OS('s)??

and maybe some admin apps ??

I expect a FLOOD of ideas from you all... hehe
"must have" apps and admin tricks and where to get them !!

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)



[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-17-2001).]

[sea69]

above was supposed to read "cd-r" not
"cr-r"

and where is GH, Reid, Pete, Randy, tjay, mjc, , bassman, bassvax, and anyone else.. {{rmatt}}?????.......... ummmmmmm

hehe http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

edit: for win9x and NT, .. (GH- stop pretending to be working .. ) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)




[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-17-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Well first not all of these tools are free. Some maybe out of your price range but hey you asked http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (I won't post the links since a search on google for the program's names will take you to them. Hey I can't do all the work for you http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )


Ok my "toolbox" is a laptop with Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Red Hat Linux 7.0 installed. I also carry 2 boot disk. A DOS 6 disk with all the DOS utilities on it and also a program called "NTFSDOS" which lets me boot to DOS and read NTFS drives. The second boot disk is a Windows 98 one.
Also I carry the 3 Windows NT install disks.

Here is my network toolkit.

Visual route
Sniffer Basic
NT Resource kit
Microsoft Technet (latest edition)
Hex Workshop (good for reading raw packet captures from the wire and looking for Text strings in binaries.)
Hyena ( a sort of remote NT domain admin program)
Snagit ( the best screen capture program out there and free too)
Sam Spade (a name server lookup tool,good for quering DNS servers)
And most of the support programs loaded from the Window 2000 Install disk.



This is my security toolkit. These tools are installed on the Linux partition. I use them for auditing my network and others with their permission http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif




Nmap ( network scanning tool)
Netcat (can be used for almost anything including scanning and data transfer,)
Hping (allows me to create tcp packets with different flags set)
Nessus (vulnerability scanner)
Whisker (web server/CGI scanner)
Saint ( another vulnerability scanner)
Firewalk (good for scanning firewalls to see what their "rules" are)
Isic (icmp scanner can create icmp packets)
TCPDUMP ( a command line network Sniffer)
L0pthcrack (NT password cracker)
Brutus ( another brute force password cracker)
Traceroute 1.4a5 (good for trying to bypass packet filters)



That's it. Most of the Linux tools are free, most of the Windows ones aren't.


Hope this helps http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[sea69]

WoW !! GH!!

this should keep me busy a few minutes.... hehe

thanks!!!!!!

(oh, and $$ is not an issue)

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 05-17-2001).]

[tjaymadison]

I'd be some kind of fool to try to add to any of that! Wow !!!! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

I was gonna start with CPUID and Norton SI, maybe Sandra. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

So nice when you can actually see in print "$$ is not an issue". http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

Hats off to the 'Ghost' -- VERY impressive. What's that phone number again? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

[sea69]

hehe GH is the one!!!!

tjay: I was thinking like you were.. and want ALL thoughts on this.. I had thought sisoft sandra, Sam Spade(blighty design), SuperScan, End it All, Beacon 5.2, X-Teq set up, WinZip 8.0, Easy Cleaner, NeoLock Express, Print Key 2000, and "Test Run by BB".

I already have/use these.. and now GH has given me more things to get !!.. hehe

keep 'em comin'!

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[AwARe]

Heya sea http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Heres my 2 cents, I know you can't wait to read on haha

I would recommend at least (4) boot disks for working with Win9x
(Primarily what I work on)

You won't need most of them often, but when you do you'll be extremely glad they're in your kit.........

*DOS 6.22 Boot Disk (If you work on any "older" systems, I would recommend a complete version of 6.22)
*Standard Win98 Boot Disk
*Win95b boot disk with FAT32 support and CD Drivers (No virtual Drive)
*Win98 boot disk that Loads HYMEM.SYS (For running programs that need the EMM Loaded)

I have several other boot disks in my kit, many of them I made myself, but those 4 for me are a must have....

I have a couple apps I keep handy, but the apps you would need are going to be for the most part, specific to the computers you are working on and what they are being used for.......and the utils "already" in windows are useful enough on their own in most situations.......(Point being..Why carry some big bag when you don't need it! heh)

One program I do recommend having though, is something called "regview"
It has alot of helpful functions, but the most important is, you can make a change or install a program etc, and then it will tell you quite plainly and easily "exactly" what changes were just made in the Windows registry

I have found it extremely useful many many times.........

I also wanted to add (and I know you didnt ask) but you did say "bring with you if you were the person doing diagnostics/troubleshooting on various OS('s)??"

I highly recommend you take with you (If you are going onsite for repairs) a hardware kit.....

My hardware kit contains:
1 Known working CD reader
2 Known working Floppy drive
3 Known working keyboard with adapter
4 Mouse that is capable of both ps2 and serial
5 Complete set of ribbons and cables
and other misc parts I have chosen over time to include (Screws and etc)

Also supplies for cleaning contacts etc etc etc.....Im sure you get the idea

Hope that is useful and helpful to you!


[This message has been edited by AwARe (edited 05-17-2001).]

[mjc]

About the only thing I can think of to add to the above is an anti-virus that runs in DOS, (F-prot (which can be put on one floppy but why do all the work when it can downloaded from Bootdisk.com already set to go)is a good one)

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Vive diu prosperaque!

[sea69]

Thanks for your very thoughtfull reply http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

Very good point about the 4 boot disks (as well as GH's inclusion of the 3 NT disks)

hehe .. no "bigbag" (small one)..I should clarify. My "small bag of tricks" will be usefull apps. for diagnostics, and security/network tools.

I am compelled to be real interested in the laptop set up that GH mentions, as I will have access to the latest laptops (everything)., and this sounds good.

(if GH would be kind enough to elaborate on the easy way this is used from
the the laptop to whatever machine I'm trying to work on.) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

so because I will be working out of a SHOP for the most part (for anything TIME consuming) that will have whatever is needed to do what needs doin'.
(whatever it doesn't have I can get )

so the hardware : drives, cables, etc, will be in abundance.

regview sounds similiar to Test Run by BB.. and can be a system saver.

thanks very much to all that have responded thus far.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif




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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[Ghost_Hacker]

Well first all the tools in my toolkit are for working on networks and solving network problems. These tools will work if your


connected to the same network segment as the other computers.

or

can access those computers thur the internet.



The Resource Kit and Technet have tons of information on every Microsoft product/OS. Any Windows error code can be found using them.Technet also has the all of the Microsoft Knowledge base articles included in the install. So finding information to troubleshoot an MS problem is much faster than surfing the MS web site .The Resource kit also has tools that can be copied to another computer or can be "pointed" (using an "UNC" or computer-name and path) to the computer your working on. Again as long as your on the same network segment. The support tools , from the install disk, can also be copied over to another machine. ( you'll find that every Windows OS install disk has these support tools. I only use the NT ones). But like Aware said most of the tools for fixing Windows are already there. Technet just helps to locate and use them.




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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[Paleo Pete]

Magnifying glasses and small flashlight! Try finding that clear CMOS jumper without them...I use a Mini-Mag 2-AA light, it's indestructible.



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So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[AwARe]

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif hahaha

pete has brought up the most important tool of all!

.....and lets not forget the tiny needle nose plyers with which to pull those jumpers off their pins and a tiny mirror lmao (especially on a desktop box and theres one under the power supply)

The 1st time you forget that flashlight and need it is the last time you forget it heh

[bassvax]

Can't think of anything to add except maybe the anti-static gear of your choice...I picked up a cordless wrist band from www.cyberguys.com (http://www.cyberguys.com) that supposedly works off the Corona Principle of discharge via a crystal in the face (sorta looks like a watch with cover). If money were no object there are POST cards that test mobo's for you...an expansion type card with a LED readout and a error message booklet that comes with it...one of my PC maintenance class instructors had one, but I only remember the name was POST IT or something like that. The same guy that wrote the Upgrading and Repairing PCs books (Scott Mueller) has a pocket reference that is amazing as far as HD tables and pinouts...I have the 12th edition hard back and I would like the pocket reference as there is a great deal of diff info (mainly geared for the tech support guys). Maybe take along a floppy with all your web reference shortcuts so you could access them from the repair site.

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savoire faire ist everywhere...

[tjaymadison]

Don't forget the tool of last resort -- a 5-pound mallet! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (also good for AGP cards)

A half-pint of your favorite 'beverage' always comes in handy. Put it in a Nyquil bottle. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

[mjc]

Here is another program that I've found useful:HwInfo (http://www.hwinfo.com/html/overview.html)


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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Vive diu prosperaque!

[sea69]

added to list: mini maglite.. lol

static 'watch; (sounds soooooo techie) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

HwInfo- (nice mjc)

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[Ghost_Hacker]

You might also get yourself a backup program. (I use Ghost). There is no better feeling then knowing you can always restore a client's data or return the computer back to the state it was in when you got it. It also frees you up to try just about anything to fix a problem.




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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[sea69]

I was wondering {{GH}}, and the rest of you think of this app, please go HERE (http://sites.netscape.net/berniebuilt/index.htm), I have used this and think it's GREAT!!

how about you ??



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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[Ghost_Hacker]

Too bad it doesn't run on NT/2000. Thanks for pointing this program out. You had talked about it before,but I had forgotten the name. Anyway this one is worth having and it's been added to my second toolbox.
(Just a bin full of apps that fit on one floopy, too many to carry around but handy in my "workshop" http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif )


Think I'll try it on ME.

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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[AwARe]

Just wanted to mention guy's
Since youre passing that link for Test-Run..

That program I mentioned earlier "regview" also has a quick "backup the registry" option in it, and a Restore to backup

You can also make a change and then with one click of the mouse have regview restore the registry back to the way it was only a few secs ago

1st make a backup copy when you 1st start, only takes a min.....
Then make any changes you want in the system
Then ask it what changes were made in the registry
(It shows you a 2nd window, with a compair of the new and old reg's)
........and then boom tell it to undo the changes
It's really great for that kinda thing.......

Heres a link since im so terrible about adding them alot of times hehe http://www.xnet.com/~vchiu/regview.zip

Its basically "just like" regedit, but it has alot of other functions that regedit doesnt have

[This message has been edited by AwARe (edited 05-18-2001).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

Very Nice....and it looks like it will run on Win2k.

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Comment heard from a Klingon programmer.

"Our users will know fear and cower before our software! Ship it! Ship it and let them flee like the dogs they are!"

[mmrmike]

I would add a super leatherman multi function knife/tool or somthing like that. It has come in handy many times.

[Paleo Pete]

And nobody has mentioned one of the most useful tools of all...A notebook and a good pen!

Why? Write down configurations for individual machines if you're doing regular maintenance, keep a log of every hardware or software installation, component upgrade, driver update, Network settings, repair etc. Anything that goes wrong with a certain machine you have its hardware and configuration, dates of any upgrades or software updates etc...

By the way, I use medical hemostats for pulling jumpers and retrieving small screws that jump out of my hand. (Yep, they do that all the time...) A small plastic box with compartments inside is great for carrying spare screws and jumpers. A box about 3"x4" is small enough it's not a major ordeal to bring it along and holds plenty screws and jumpers to handle any on the spot replacements.


------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[sea69]

ok here's what I'm thinking.

I'm sure that most people here will agree, the MAJOR problem will be the machines users. 4000 people using winblows OS's add up to many that have no idea what they're doing on them.

and sometimes even more dangerous, are the ones that think they know. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif

So, what I'm thinking is to make all of the machines in each department be able to do exactly what they are supposed to(need to), and HIDE-(restrict) all other options and disable any way they can change ANYthing.

Perhaps ghosting an image of each areas working set-up, and have that for back up........

any additional thoughts ??

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif




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sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)

[bassvax]

I suppose this list could go on forever...
The Belarc Advisor is a great piece of auditing software. It is free for personal use and available for $$ for corporate use. It does an excellent job of listing components and software installed. The components listing is sometimes generic, but the software is pretty detailed. There is a side benefit of having the BIOS identified and sometimes even the mobo model and other info. It is a very small zip file. Let me know if you wanna look at a profile...I can e-mail you a text or html format profile of one the dinosaurs here at work.

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savoire faire ist everywhere...

[tjaymadison]

Click Here (http://www.belarc.com/Home.html) for Belarc. Looks great, thanks 'vax. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

[sea69]

thanks, looks like an interesting one to have.... will try it on a few.

thanks for all the replies, all suggestions are/have been appreciated.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

------------------
sea1_69@hotmail.com

homepage (http://www.seanweb1.homestead.com/3.html)