[ale] Linux technophile emergency tool kit

Tue May 28 19:35:05 EDT 2013

I don't go on many emergency calls, but if I have to, I'm bringing Ron.

...John
On May 28, 2013 3:51 PM, "Pete Hardie" <pete.hardie at gmail.com> wrote:

> That's why it's necessary to establish a baseline that makes it seem like
> you never mentioned <X> with intent ever, but always in a humorous manner
>
> Pete Hardie
> --------
> Better Living Through Bitmaps
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 3:39 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE) <
> atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com> wrote:
>
>> **
>> 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> 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>
>>> 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.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> Ale mailing list
>>>>>> 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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>>>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
>>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>   --
>>> Jay Lozier
>>> jslozier at gmail.com
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Ale mailing list
>>> Ale at ale.org
>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Ale mailing listAle at ale.orghttp://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists athttp://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 Frazier770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
>> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
>> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3
>> Bitcoin: 15s3aLVsxm8EuQvT8gUDw3RWqvuY9hPGUU
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Ale mailing list
>> Ale at ale.org
>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>
>>
>
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