Thing's I'll absolutly need for pc tech support

SimonTemplar · 04-13-2002, 02:44 PM

Hi all,

I'm starting a job with a local pc store and would like to know what you all think are the essentials to have before I begin. I have alot of software diagnostic apps, but would like to know what you think are the best. Also what toolkits and hardware diagnostic tools to get. I've seen the pci mobo tester on the TechImo store and I'll probably buy it. Is there anything else? Any help would be greatly appreciated. ThanX!!!!!!!!!!

vass0922 · 04-13-2002, 02:56 PM

Do they require you to bring your own tools?
I would think most shops would have their own hardware/software

thekemp · 04-13-2002, 02:59 PM

get some good screwdrivers like snap-on then you'll never need to hunt for one!
my tech tip no1!

SimonTemplar · 04-13-2002, 03:12 PM

As far as what they have. I'm not sure, but I would assume the standard stuff. I would like to own my own equipment in case I move along to another outfit. Any specifics as to which pc toolkit is the best? This is my first job doing this and although I have a real good understanding of the job and can do it well, I would like others in the industry for their opinions. Thanx guys for the responses!!!

willy_ph · 04-13-2002, 03:18 PM

A grounding wrist band. Don't want to fry a customer's computer while trying to fix it.

samwichse · 04-13-2002, 03:19 PM

Also, make sure your screwdrivers are non magnetized. When your doing things like pulling hard drives and such it's not much worry, but when you're putting on heatsink clips and screwing motherboard screws, I don't much like to have even a weak magnet there.

As for tools...
http://www.users.intercom.com/~ranish/part/
http://www.webattack.com/get/regcleaner.shtml
http://www.winzip.com/ (95/98 machines might not have this installed)
http://www.belarc.com/Download.html
http://www.98lite.net/ieradicator.html
http://www.voodoofiles.com/5937 (det destroyer)

Also, a good list of how to completely remove AOL software would be a good thing to keep in your toolbox.

Ruahrc · 04-13-2002, 03:26 PM

mm isn't it the other way around? You can wave all the magnets you want right around the mobo or any expansion card- so long as it's off

. All data stored in ROM chips is not magnetically sensitive- and when the comp is off no data is stored in any RAM chip. The CPU or northbridge or any "processing" chip contains no data to be corrupted! The only thing that uses magnetic methods to store data is your HD and floppy disks.

Even the hard drive shouldn't be affected by a screwdriver magnet- there are magnets that are FAR more powerful than your screwdriver will ever be INSIDE the case of the HD itself! (Still, as a precaution, you should be careful when installing/removing HD's with magnetic screwdrivers)

Ruahrc

DanU · 04-13-2002, 03:29 PM

For PC work, my three most important pieces of hardware are my 6-in-1 screwdriver (two phillips, two flats, & two nut drivers) , mini long-nose pliers, and digital multi-meter. This is FAR from a complete set, but I can handle most jobs with just these three tools.

Samwichse, there's no need to worry about magnets inside a PC. Nothing inside a PC will get damaged with such a weak magnet. In fact, I find magnetized tips very useful since they hold onto the screw until you can get it started in it's hole.

SimonTemplar · 04-13-2002, 03:31 PM

Thanks for the links and info!!!!!!!!!!! As for removing aol software I usually use format c:\ LOL!!!

AuraEdge · 04-13-2002, 03:31 PM

I used to work for a local store/PC Tech support place, and they are usually pretty well stocked with tools because theyve been doing support long before you or I have.

First day of work, I brought a screwdriver and a utility knife. Realized they had everything though, including an electric screwdriver (the big Black & Decker ones) powertools and drills that could cut thru anything, not like my utility knife, and assorted screws, electric tape, cleaning agents, POSTcards (Like the one at TechIMO's store) and anything else I would have needed; so I just went empty handed by the second week.

When the boss sent me out for some solo on-site work, I usually just carried a screwdriver and a CD pouch full of the diagostic things drivers, and windows disks..customers can never find them when the machine asks for it.

If you were running a PC Repair shop from home though, that would be a different story. A short list of things you would need in that case are.

- Spare Keyboard/Mouse/Monitor (Or a KVM switch if you have another computer in the same room)
- Utility knife..ever so useful, even if just for hacking open UPS boxes.
- Spare parts, especially a harddrive and/or a network card to ghost harddrives before you do work on them.
- CD-RW on some computer to burn drivers and whatnot for the computer being troubleshot (Troubleshot? Sounds weird)
- Couple spare floppys to make bootdisks out of.
- Assorted software Diagnostic tools
- A small pair of extra speakers, no matter how bad, just to test if sound is working.
- Some heatsink compound for CPU's
- Isopropyl Alchohol to cleanstuff with
- Compressed air to blow dust out of tight places
- Hand vacuum to suck up the dust off the ground so it doesnt re-enter the air.
- Electrical tape. Not really sure what I used it for concerning computers, but its on my "tool shelf"
- Set of small screwdrivers. I have a set of 6, they work well with small screws or screws in hard to reach places.