Must have programs for a Computer tech/Network tech

[Maniac]

Hey all.

Im saddling up for getting back into the IT buisness as a Computer tech / Network tech. Have been away from this line of work for exactly 3 years. Had 13 years experiance within the field before i decided to do other things.

My question to you now is, what aplications is a must have in your opinion. Trying to setup a good utilities CD/Disk.

Looking for everything from boot CDs, USB, DVDs. Recovery CDs, Password reset CDs and apps Etc.

Been downloading a ton of stuff today, but dunno if i missed something essential. What applications can you not live without as a computer tech.

Even if you only use said utility/program once for every 5 years im interested in it. I guess you catch my drift on what im after if your in this line of work.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Ruler2]

You may want to make yourself a "Trinity rescue CD" in case someone has lost their password or needs to access an admin account and can't. It's a linux boot that let's you edit the passwords and things, it's helped me a few times as my mom can't remember a password  

http://trinityhome.org/Home/index.php?wpid=1&front_id=12 Here's the link.

[Mustaine]

Angry IP scanner
Wireshark
Putty
Nirsoft (a bunch of theirs)
PsExec package
M$ Sysinternals
Cprocess

[gyrene81]

No tech (desktop or network) these days carries a "utility disc"...multiple flash drives and a laptop...maybe a portable hdd. Too many things changing too fast, what works on one doesn't always work on another...and there is always something better...I only use 3 flash drives but I have seen a few with as many as 10...and we all carry lightweight laptops.

Good luck getting back into it...with your prior experience you won't have too hard of a time getting knee deep into things...and have fun with it.  

[Maniac]

Thanks all.

Yes, im aware that USB is the way to go. So let me rephrase, im setting up a USB Utilities disk.

 

[gyrene81]

Might want to get a couple of 1 or 2 GB flashdrives that can be made bootable for hardware/firmware work as well.