[ale] Linux technophile emergency tool kit
Jay Lozier
jslozier at gmail.com
Tue May 28 14:01:21 EDT 2013
Nah,
nitrogylcerine good boom and good for the heart too
:)
On Tue, 28 May 2013 13:09:19 -0400, Pete Hardie <pete.hardie at gmail.com>
wrote:
> Also, C4...if all else fails, C4
>
> :)
>
> Pete Hardie
> --------
> Better Living Through Bitmaps
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE)
> ><atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com> wrote:
>> (PS thanks to those who answered my moving the home folder question. >>
>> I hope to be reviewing those more thoroughly shortly.)
>>
>> The question about what to take along on a maintenance trip was very
>> >>open ended, so the answer will be too. As JD said, it depends. On:
>> >>what systems you're working on, how much you can carry, customs
>> >>regulations crossing borders, how old the equipment is, privacy
>> >>concerns when the customs agents check your stuff, if you're flying
>> or >>driving or going on a boat, how you get paid for the spare parts,
>> etc. >> Here are some things which come to mind off the top of my head.
>>
>> If I had the choice, I'd think like a plumber. What I mean by that is
>> >>that a good plumbing or electrical company will have the rep drive up
>> >>in a van equipped with almost everything they could need. They
>> almost >>carry their own store. You have to be reasonable, of course.
>> Try to >>diagnose the problem as much as possible before hand and take
>> parts >>appropriate. Here are some random things that come to mind if
>> you >>could really take everything you want. As a practical matter,
>> you >>might have to fit it all in one or two suitcases. These are in
>> semi >>random order with just a bit of categorization. I used to work
>> on >>flight simulators for Delta, so some of this comes from a bit of a
>> big >>iron perspective.
>>
>> BASIC DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMATION TOOLS
>> * laptop and / or tablet computer, perhaps a ruggedized unit
>> * domain specific software
>> * domain specific technical manuals and schematics, AND CONFIGURATION
>> >>DATA
>> * diagnostic software for pc's, vending machines, cash registers,
>> >>whatever you're working on
>> * appropriate probes, cables, and adapters to connect your laptop or
>> >>tablet to the equipment in question
>> * power supplies, batteries, and travel adapters required to run your
>> >>equipment.
>> * spare batteries for everything that has a battery if batteries are
>> >>replaceable - laptop, tablet, cell phone, flashlight, power
>> >>screwdriver, everything
>> * chargers for everything that has a rechargeable battery, and OH YES,
>> >>precharge the batteries before the trip
>> * upgrading and repairing pc's is a great book of general info
>> * how remote are you - do you need a battery and inverter to power
>> >>your laptop, do you need a gas generator if the site power is out
>> * durable travel cases to carry AND PROTECT all this stuff, hard shell
>> >>foam padded cases are great
>> * external cd - dvd - floppy - zip - etc. to attache to your machine
>> * usb - serial adapter (as mentioned previously)
>> * terminal device or emulator
>>
>> COMMUNICATIONS
>> * contact data for all key people you need
>> * world band cell phone, if applicable, with a pre established roaming
>> >>agreement
>> * make sure the cell carrier has coverage where you're going
>> * world band cellular wifi modem / router with an appropriately large
>> >>data plan for downloading iso's, drivers, etc.
>> * walkie talkies for working with associate(s)
>>
>> SOFTWARE TOOLS
>> * For software tools, you cannot assume that all equipment can boot
>> >>USB or DVD. You should be prepared with memory sticks, cd's, and
>> >>floppy's too. For memory sticks, get one that can be set to read
>> only >>in case it's inserted into a contaminated pc.
>> * ultimate boot cd
>> * spinrite
>> * backup software - I used to like Acronis but now I may switch to
>> >>Terabyte Unlimited, etc.
>> * software tools already mentioned by others
>> * boot media for various linux's - mint, ubuntu, fedora, suse,
>> >>whatever
>> * perhaps boot media for windows (various flavors), mac, cisco,
>> >>whatever
>> * stand alone boot media for anti virus software (various flavors)
>>
>> HARDWARE TOOLS
>> * General purpose technician's tool sets available from Jensen Tools,
>> >>etc. More money = better selection.
>> * Domain specific tool sets are available as well, for example
>> >>telecom.
>> * various types and sizes of screwdrivers, including things like torx
>> >>and micro sizes
>> * various types and sizes of nut drivers
>> * metric and english socket wrenches up to about 1", more if needed
>> * hex wrenches
>> * various types of pliers including cutting instruments
>> * various adjustable wrenches including small ones
>> * small cordless screwdriver
>> * flashlight
>> * tape measure
>> * anti static strap
>> * tag out lock out supplies - It's critical that someone else doesn't
>> >>turn on equipment that you're working on. At the very least, you
>> >>should put signs on power switches and breakers indicating that work
>> >>is in progress. A better approach is to put a padlock on the switch
>> >>and keep the key. Put a sign on it that says who is working on it
>> and >>where you are.
>> * multimeter, domain specific test equipment
>> * cable testers, telephone line testers, etc.
>> * if applicable, high voltage test equipment and protective gear AND
>> >>TRAINING
>> * general and domain specific hardware like screws, other fasteners,
>> >>thumbscrews, grommits, etc.
>> * tywraps - so you can leave the equipment neat
>> * mini vacuum cleaner
>> * other cleaning supplies - microfiber cloths, paper towels,
>> >>compressed air can, monitor / glass cleaner, etc.
>> * garbage bags to put your trash and wire clippings, and dirty towels
>> >>in, etc.
>> * cable crimpers and spare parts like connectors, pins, etc.
>> * lighted magnifying glass(es)
>> * note pads - take notes when taking things apart
>> * digital camera, memory cards, card reader - photograph things before
>> >>taking them apart
>> * rolling travel cart or collapsible wagon so you can haul all this
>> >>stuff around
>>
>> HUMAN ACCESSORIES
>> * lightweight leather work gloves for the more mechanical aspects of
>> >>the equipment
>> * protective gloves and other gear if working with dangerous
>> >>chemicals, etc. (certain cleaners, fire suppression systems, etc.)
>> * grungy clothing and / or disposable coveralls (great for working on
>> >>hydraulics, yuck!)
>> * knee pads
>> * folding chair, folding table (in case you're stuck in an equipment
>> >>room with no work area)
>>
>> LOGISTICS
>> * addresses and directions to work locations
>> * gps with power adapter, battery, and world map
>> * permits, training, access badges, key codes, door keys
>> * passport
>> * methods, supplies, tools, agreements to account for your time and
>> >>money and bill the customer
>> * plane tickets, car and hotel reservations, budget, money
>>
>> SPARE PARTS - think building a unit from scratch
>> * domain specific hot spares (cash registers, cable boxes, etc.) are
>> >>best
>> * cases
>> * power supplies - various types, various connectors
>> * motherboards - various types, sizes
>> * memory chips - various types
>> * cpu's - various types
>> * cpu coolers - various types
>> * case fans - various types
>> * video cards - various types, including OLD motherboard connector
>> >>styles
>> * modem cards - if applicable
>> * port cards - if applicable
>> * sound cards - if applicable
>> * keyboards - including DIN, ps2, usb connectors
>> * mice - including serial, ps2, usb connectors
>> * monitors / display panels - including vga, dvi, display port, hdmi
>> >>connectors / adapters, dvi - vga adapters are handy
>> * speakers
>> * wifi adapters
>> * lan adapters
>> * hdd adapters - pata, sata, scsi
>> * cd / dvd drives - pata, sata, scsi
>> * floppy drives
>> * hdd's - 5", 3.5", 2.5", mounting screws, adapter trays, scsi, pata,
>> >>sata, scsi terminators
>> * blank storage media - cr-r, cd-rw, dvd-r, dvd-rw, for optical media
>> >>- remember the +r -r thing, large and small size and density floppy
>> >>disks
>> * printers, usb - parallel adapters
>> * lan hubs
>> * lan switches
>> * lan routers
>> * lan wifi routers
>> * cable modems
>> * dsl modems
>> * telephone modems
>>
>> CABLES, CABLES, CABLES
>> * usb A, B, mini, micro, adapters
>> * gender changers - various types
>> * scsi, scsi terminators
>> * lan utp
>> * lan coax, and terminators
>> * sata
>> * pata
>> * esata
>> * serial, adapters
>> * parallel
>> * vga, display port, hdmi regular, mini, micro
>> * power - appliance power cables, long extension cords, multi outlet
>> >>adapters, travel power adapters, transformers, wall warts, power
>> >>strips, surge protectors
>> * optical
>> * telephone
>>
>> Well, that should get you started. 8-)
>>
>> Again, the needs depend on the mission.
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Ron
>>
>>
>> On 5/28/2013 10:17 AM, Chuck Payne wrote:
>>> For any admin today, you should carry the following. Think of it as
>>> your towel and tooth brush.
>>>
>>> A bootable usb drive with your fav distro and tools to fix any
>>> >>>anything.
>>>
>>> Knoppix Disk, GParted Live, Ghost for Linux, Clonezilla.
>>>
>>> A small tool set.
>>>
>>> USB Cables for phone.
>>>
>>> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 1:36 AM, JD<jdp at algoloma.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Not enough time to cover everything, but after the trip last month
>>>> >>>>#1 is a
>>>> usb-2-serial cable. Aaron ended up soldering a cable together after
>>>> >>>>buying 2
>>>> other cables with the appropriate connectors. I have a photo and it
>>>> >>>>worked
>>>> perfectly on linux.
>>>>
>>>> Clearly it depends on the type of work performed and the location.
>>>> >>>>Network,
>>>> server, desktop and programing tasks all need different toolset s.
>>>>
>>>> On the current trip, a stronger external charging battery for smart
>>>> >>>>phones
>>>> is top for the 11 hr flights. Besides that, this trip has gone
>>>> >>>>perfectly
>>>> tech-wise with smartphone and netbook + normal power cables and
>>>> >>>>travel WiFi
>>>> router.
>>>>
>>>> Might add a travel Bluetooth keyboard next time. Typing longish
>>>> >>>>emails on a
>>>> virtual keyboard in the airport lounge sucks.
>>>>
>>>> Autocorrect sucks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Jim Kinney<jim.kinney at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> So you're heading to a remote location to do some technical work.
>>>>> >>>>>You
>>>>> don't know the area so a dash to your fav parts store is not an
>>>>> >>>>>option.
>>>>> What do you pack in your kit for a 2 hour drive away, 10 hour
>>>>> >>>>>drive away,
>>>>> 3 hour flight away, out of the country trip, etc.
>>>>>
>>>>> Software....
>>>>> Hardware...
>>>>> Tools....
>>>>> Misc....
>>>>>
>>>>> This may turn into a meeting topic.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>> Ale at ale.org
>>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>>>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
>>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want
>> >>to
>> call on the phone. I get about 300 emails per day from alternate
>> >>energy
>> mailing lists and such. I don't always see new email messages very
>> >>quickly.)
>>
>> Ron Frazier
>> 770-205-9422 (O) Leave a message.
>> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
>> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3
>> Bitcoin: 15s3aLVsxm8EuQvT8gUDw3RWqvuY9hPGUU
>>
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>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>
--
Jay Lozier
jslozier at gmail.com
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