[ale] Linux technophile emergency tool kit
Ron Frazier (ALE)
atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com
Tue May 28 15:39:17 EDT 2013
You guys know the NSA reads all our messages, right? Actually, I hear
that they read all of everybody's messages.
Ron
On 5/28/2013 2:13 PM, Dennis Ruzeski wrote:
> I keep a small toolkit (Don't forget the static wristband), an
> external hard drive, and my preferred distro for this kind of work is
> Backtrack. If you haven't checked it out you should.
>
> FYI- I prefer thermite to explosives. You can't recover data from a
> puddle.
>
> --Dennis
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lozier <jslozier at gmail.com
> <mailto:jslozier at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> 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 <mailto: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
> <mailto: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
> <mailto: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
> <mailto: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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>
>
>
>
> --
>
> (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 <tel:770-205-9422> (O) Leave a message.
> linuxdude AT techstarship.com <http://techstarship.com>
> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3
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>
>
>
> --
> Jay Lozier
> jslozier at gmail.com <mailto:jslozier at gmail.com>
>
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--
(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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