Your Computer Toolbox

One tool I would not be without on my PC at home (and at work if the boss would agree to purchase it) is something like System Mechanic.

This is, in fact, a lot of tools rolled into one app. Call it a general system de-junker.

It will rid you of unneccesary registry entries, random temp files, and such. It may even also control Startup Items, etc.

It is amazing how fast a PC that is being used 'normally' (I.E not being used excessively) can build up these temp files. And also amazing how much they can slow a system down, or even cause instability.

Is this what you were looking for?

Hong

Why I put the "Tools" I use in my toolbox? Because I've found as GG1 says, most computer users, new and old alike don't have a clue what spyware or malware is. When going to a clients/friends house, I take along the usual screwdrivers/tools. Then I take also a cd or floppy full of software tools.

Floppy emergency bootdisks.

CD contains spyware detectors; Spybot Search and Destroy, Adaware, CWShredder, and McAfee's Stinger. AVG free version. And finally SpywareBlaster.....installed, updated and setup before I leave clients/friends house/computer. And the CD contains one more piece of software: Everest, to detect what kind of computer, what ram, what motherboard, what video card, what sound or sound card. Ok, one more thing I put on the cd is a text file, opened with any computer with Notepad, on how to use these spyware detectors, and what to do weekly.

A can of compressed air; comes in handy for those dust bunnies. A tube of Artic Silver? yeah, that's a good idea and never though of that, thanks for who suggested it. I don't carry extra parts, as so far I've not had any of those problems.

Sometimes, I carry extra CD's full of those spyware/malware and antivirus software to give to clients. You wouldn't believe how many times I have heard, "Can you come install that so and so program? I think I deleted it, I didn't think I needed it."...:rolleyes: Some of my clients live pretty far out, or used to and leaving them a cd with that software on it saves me and them time.

QUOTE
Let me rephrase my question again...

If you were advising someone looking to put a "toolbox" together, what functions would you say the tools they put in it should perform (both for the basic and advanced case)? What should their "toolbox" enable them to do?
Thank-you Dr
I do not wish to fuel this thread,but I would like also to know what and how the tools are used,not what is just whacked in there tool box,we all know what a "spanner" is,but how is it used,am sure this is the way to go..

:cool:http://www.towerdesign.co.uk/spanner.gif

Thanks Photolady

I like the text file in the "toolbox" idea. I have never thought of that. Saves you from having to remember things until you need them. Nice input.

Bingo hongman - exactly what we need.

And guess what I got a couple of ideas to try based on what you both said. Thanks.

PhotoLady, I would certainly suggest that you use a USB drive instead of a CD. Much easier if you have to add programs, or basically move anything from your computer to the clients. Its also great for those numerous program updates.
I also make a folder on every persons desktop that I go to called "PC Maintenance" where I put Malware programs (Spybot, Adaware etc) Everest and any other programs that I deem necessary. I have also made a small txt file explaining how to use the various programs for those customers that don't know.

Believeitornot, I think we have turned the corner on what we need to have here. Thanks for your input and what you need out of this thread.

Well, I be usil. Had not thought of a USB drive. But you sure have a point.

Glad to hear it..:cool:

The text file is for the customers. I place it on their desktops, which contains the instructions on how to use the various softwares I've installed; and a weekly clean up routine including dumping TIF, cookies, scandisk, chkdsk, and defrag and my phone number and email at the bottom of this file. A usb drive would be handy; however, only for myself as I couldn't leave that with a customer; hence, the reason I use cd's.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Train
Philgo
I have had wipe out not do what it is suppost to do a few times in the past initially.
But after using Delpart to remove the partitions, it worked just spiffy.

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Thanks Train, I'll have to add Delpart in case I have problems with Wipeout.

Ive only just had the chance to read this thread, and just like to say great input guys, lots of great stuff here:)

I'm currently in the middle-ish, of getting my main system up to scratch, I know its bad practice but I havnt really spent much time maintaining it:( So its time to do a winter clean-up;)

Ive been working on my own toolbox, hardware/software that will get me up and running from scratch, in as little time as possible.

Currently I have my usual pc building tools and gadgets, but i really need to look at the software side of things, I really like your boot CD Philgo:)

I will be looking closely at this thread, keep up with suggestions guys:)

P3-450, the toolbox needs tools for malware defense and I think you might have some. :D

Ifyou have time that is left over from helping people with their malware such as the HighJack This forum it sure would be nice for a couple of your goodies. :)

Nice Photolady nice. What do you get for feedback from those whose computers you have installed the text on?

Quote:

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Originally posted by greengoose1
P3-450, the toolbox needs tools for malware defense and I think you might have some. :D

Ifyou have time that is left over from helping people with their malware such as the HighJack This forum it sure would be nice for a couple of your goodies. :)

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On every install, as well as Windows Updates, the first programs that get installed, are Firewall, AV, Spyware Blaster, Adaware, Spybot S&D, Spyware Guard, HijackThis, Registrar Lite, Registry Mechanic.

Maybe I forgot some stuff but they where at the top.

I usually get relatively good feedback GG1. Customers thank me for writing it in a language they can understand.

Something else I have done in the past but haven't kept up with and thinking about it now, I should. I have created and laminated sheets of screenshots on "how to check and setup email" "what the options in IE show" "Where to find certain system tools" these include the control panel, defrag screens, and various other computer options/help. The laminated sheets were met with great enthusiasum by clients. If there were many sheets, I put them in a small one inch notebook, labeled what was in there.

I enjoy working in my garden.

My garden shed is full of tools. Some I use every day. Others maybe twice a year. A young couple moved in next door. Hadn't got a clue about gardening. The grass grew. The weeds spread. The shrubs took over. It was a mess. It was nasty. The log pile had nearly a thousand different bugs. They saw me do my garden, then said, the house is decorated now. It's time to start on the garden. We're going to town to get some tools. What Do We Need....You can imagine the rest for yourself.

Many of us folk are like that young couple. What do we need.

To PC Gardeners, the virtual doctors, the terms and words and programs in this thread are well known. However, to those who live next door, it's a different world.

Maybe you can summarise what is essential for a basic everyday toolkit to keep the PC Garden neat and tidy. Then perhaps say what tools are required if you start to grow and get a USB Greenhouse and grow your own hard drives. And maybe then tell us what it would be nice to have, something special that we can put on our Christmas wants list.

Must go now I said I show 'em how to prune the roses, and they have no stout gloves nor secateurs. :)

D4\/!d, computer tools like gardening tools. A great simile. And you need to know how to use both. :)

I try to get programs that will work on machines as slow as a 486 with 16mb ram

I would also have one of those FREE from microsoft windows update CD's that has all the updates on it.

Like Photolady, I too leave a folder on the desktop of computers I work on. I name the folder "Utilities" and place short cuts to all of the utiity programs I have installed on their computers. In this folder I also place a "Readme file" with detailed instruction on how, and how often, to run each of the programs. Works for me. :)

D4\/!d,

Exactly what I am trying to draw out here first. The specific names of tools or any procedures used would seem to logically follow this. But first the basics.

As there are free programs out there that allow to make a .avi of your desktop, or csrtain actions on the desktop, I have made avi's of using diskclean up, scandisk and defrag in 98.
In XP, disk clean up and defrag only. And along with that a html pages explaining things with Print screen captures to help explain things. They are all linked together just like a webpage. Not real professional looking, but they do get the idea.


I have been using a old USB burner to save folks stuff for some years now. One of the better tools I have used as is my digital multi meter. Surprising how many bad outlets I have found over the years!

Software wise, I do believe everthing has been brought up already.

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Software wise, I do believe everthing has been brought up already.

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Not quite....I generally install Diskeeper, run it once, and set it to Set it and Forget it. Never again do I get a defrag question or complaint.

I also make use of DiskSpan. When a PC has a 4 or 6 Gig drive, and the user's getting that 2% dialog box, it's easier to pop in a second small drive (lots of older ones lying around) and run DiskSpan to merge the two into 1 virtual drive. No more explaining why they suddenly have an extra drive letter, how to move files around, etc. Just instant space.

I carry a few USB keys with me, loaded with a lot of the above software as well as some other stuff. On 2K/XP machine's, it's the way to go.

Hi all, just had time to catch up with reading everything you've all posted. :)

Hongman, good job with your overview of the "Preinstall Environment", well said.

zipulrich, What "live" CD(s) do you use? just wondering what's available...

DrMDJ, is the following what you had in mind? :)

My "software toolbox" requirements are:

Initial Hard Drive Setup: Something that allows me to partition and format drives...

OS Installation/Backup/Restoration: I like to be able to do so with as little effort as possible, so either using disk imaging software or unattended installations is how i do it.

OS Maintenance: To help keep the OS quick and healthy for as long as possible. Mainly things like checking the disk for errors, defragmenting and removing temporary files. Also making sure any critical windows updates are installed.

OS Repair: A way to access the files and registry of a non booting OS in the hope of fixing it. Say you just made a change in the registry or installed something and afterwards the system refuses to boot, having an alternative way to access the system can be useful for undoing changes.

File Backup: I use either CD or a removable hard drive at the moment, other than the hardware required to do so a CD Burning program is the only software i need for this.

File Recovery/undelete: To recover any important file(s). Needs to be able work with the relevant "file system" and to be able to store any recovered files somewhere, so a second partition/drive, network access, CD burning or USB Drive capabilities are useful depending on the size of the files.

Firewall: To prevent internet based attacks, also useful to alert the user of any nasties on your system trying to call home.

Antivirus: For when you do bump into nasties, with a bit of luck having an up-to-date AV program running will prevent viri from doing any damage.

The only other thing that springs to mind at the moment is: Some way to test software, check for malware and try new ideas without interfering with the health of your daily system.

Regards :)

I use something like either Phlak or Knoppix STD.

Cheers zipulrich, i'll take a look :)

zipulrich could you expand on USB Keys and their content please?

LotusAstra, I think that is the direction that should be gone in too. As stated before in this thread we all have all different skill and knowledge levels. We have seen a couple of posts that in effect have said
"whoa now, some of these posts are beyond me" And as we are doing a toolbox for everyone, if they want it, should we not start at the beginning or novice level of computer experience?

In other words what kinds of programs will a person need to start out with to keep his computer running well. I think sometimes we take it for granted that a reader will understand what we say, but in reality many times we lose them.

There has been excellent inputs so far but, can a new person that has just gotten a computer grasp all of it or not? I remember I sure couldn't when I first came to this site seeking help because I messed my computer up not knowing what I was doing. And it took alot of questions to get me started and alot of frustration on my part as I just could not understand what was being said many times.

Couple that with the fact that in mainstream media now are reports of how inadequately computers are being taken care of. It has been stated more than once that at least 80% of the PCs out there are infected to some degree with malware. People just plumb don't take the time to learn or maybe think they won't be affected in any way. I really don't know why but it is scary when you think about it. What we are doing at least offers everyone
what they need to keep their PCs in top shape.

I still think we will not waste time and can do a really good job for folks by starting at the begining and explain it, as has been stated before, and work from the idea that we want to make sure what we do is understood.

This will certainly result in a good tool box. And that is why this thread was started. Because we have the talent among the members of VirDr to create a good toolbox that all can use.

And one more thing the reader of this thread has a responsibility to speak up when something is not clear and ask questions. A person does not hurt himself by asking questions but does by not asking questions. :)

Greengoose, I suggest that you add the new ideas raised to your first post. This thread will get bigger and bigger, and it will be difficult to go through every single post and pick out the relevant things. If you had a clean format of things needed it will be easier for everyone to follow. You can also collate all the information and make it on a new closed thread.
For example, you can have the following format:
Basic programs (must have)
Anti-virus:
Norton
Mcafee
AVG
etc.
Firewall
Seagate (or is it Sygate?)
Zonealarm
Etc.
Malware Programs (must have)
Spybot
Ad-aware
SpywareBlaster
Other Malware programs
SpywareGuard
HijackThis
etc.
Windows Maintenance Programs:
Acronis True Image
Norton Ghost
Everest
PartitionMagic
etc.
Useful Hardware:
Zip drive
USB Storage device
External Hard Drive
etc
Useful Tools
Chainsaw
PowerDrill
Sledgehammer (for those really dificult days :D)
etc

Thanks usil, Nice roadmap by the way. Will look at what you suggest.

What I have been trying to get across is this.

What functions are needed by any computer to stay running? Then what program of the thousands out there will do it? Not just a name but what it does and how do you do it. If everyone is on the same page there will be a really good result. I believe that because of the people we have on VirDr.

I want the reader to know beyond a shadow of a doubt what he needs and the choices he might have to keep that computer running.

Why put a tool in the toolbox if you don't know how it works or even worse what it is for?

I recognise that we do have what it takes to do this and help alot of people. And that is what VirDr is about. People sharing with and helping other people. :)

Yes Lotus, your post was along the lines I was trying to lead.

Well said Goose! I just think the thread would be easier to follow (and more logical) if we start from square one and build, eg. what is a "toolbox", why should one have one, what are the suggested functions the programs/utilities in ones tool box (basic --> advanced) perform, what tools are people using to perform these functions, why they selected these specific tools (over others), yada, yada, yada.

As a new member, I was impressed with the help immediately given by 104456 following my posting of a problem.
The idea of a tool box, especially in the format suggested by DrMDJ i.e. in basic, intermediate and senior stages, is something that will benefit all concerned.

I have spent many hours perusing this Forum, and am amazed at the state of complexity in the field of computing that has developed since I started some 15 years ago. I have also enjoyed the humour that comes through from time to time.

I have also noted that many assumptions are made e.g. answers to some problems seem to assume that there is prior knowledge to allied factors.

This is where Basic should really mean Basic - spelling out in the most simplistic terms, thus leaving nothing to require answering.

A tremendous amount of time will be required in the planning of this project for it to be successful. From what I have seen to date, there are so many dedicated members upon whose shoulders this project will rest. I wish them 'all the best!'

May a quick but comprehensive 'glossary' should be considered, to help people understand what some of the 'techie' terms mean. Or maybe even a link to another site that has such facilities...?

Quote:

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Originally posted by hongman
May a quick but comprehensive 'glossary' should be considered, to help people understand what some of the 'techie' terms mean. Or maybe even a link to another site that has such facilities...?

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The best IMO is Webopedia

Also Whatis.com isnt bad.

This is a pretty good discussion going on. I'm impressed at all the comments by members. I would just like to thank a few of the members for mentioning my project. WindowsUBCD
Bart's PE boot disc's are very useful at helping people fix problems they are having with their computer. The only draw back is that it can sometimes get complex. That is why I started my project over 6 months ago. Most BPE plugins require a little work on the end user's part. My download is a complete package of many useful tools. My website has detailed instructions and help for newbies on how to create my CD. I also have a forum, where we've helped many people with their mistakes.

I noticed that someone also mentioned Hiren's CD, but noone mentioned that it contains a lot of warez. My project is completely legit, except for the project name. Which I am fighting MS about at the current moment. Thanks again to everyone and I encourage you to check out my project a little more so you understand it better.:p

Welcome to VirtualDr SteelTrepid. Anything that helps is what we are interested in.

Ok, back to this thread. Have thought about this all day and what has been posted. We have had some nice inputs but we are milling about thinkin' an talkin' an postin' and what have we got. Quite a durn bit but no real focus or goal looks like. But this milling about is what creates a project and this is a very worhtwhile project from the looks of it. Let's give this a little form then.

Let's divide this into three sections. That of a Beginners Toolbox, Intermediate Toolbox and finally the Advanced Toolbox.

Within this frame work we can work in each section adding tools that are needed and picking the best couple of tools for each part of the hardware and software that we bring up. I suggest that each tool we consider is discussed in terms of why do we need it, what does it do, when do we use it and how it is aquired and how to use it.

Feel free to jump in and refine this. Keep in mind, we will use the format over and over for each tool. Therefore if you can improve this please do so. This will keep the mechanics of this thread fairly easy to work with.

A day maybe two for this so all get a chance to respond as some are sleeping as I write this and the world turns. What say you Virtual Drs? :)

Hey SteelTrepid... Great project, I'm well impressed with it and i thank you for taking the time to put this together, and especially for sharing it!

That is the reason why I started the project, to help people. I've been trying to get as much exposure for it as possible. Really the only thing that has worked is "word of mouth." So I've pretty much given up on promoting it, now I just look at sites that are referring it and make sure that people understand and give the project a chance. A new version should be released in a few hours.

Cool, looking forward to seeing what new features get added, all the best of luck with it BTW. :)

I just found something else you need to have in your toolbox. A keyboard. There are some Office keyboards out that have a scroll wheel on the left side of the board. For some reason the F8 key will not allow you to get into the start menu so you can get into safe mode.

So having an extra keyboard with ya is very handy if you run into this.

and a adaptor for those old serial keyboards.

The toolbox is dependent on what your doing..

If only for your self:

You need the hardware to get you up and running (without investment in a whole pc).. spare mouse, keyboard, cr2032 battery (ok more a tecks tool kit), power lead, phone lead .. these could be new in packets.. perhaps a 2nd hand (tested) FDD, and or a CD rom..
These all just incase a failure.. you have the starting points to test, or get yourself backup.

Software tools: you need the software to recover from the malware attacks.. clean the system.. or even system restoration softwarre.. that is restore from backups.. (we do keep out data on a seperate HDD or partition) .. I have seen various recommendations for these sftware tools..

Now If your planning on helping friends, or doing PC repairs as a second income or professionaly..
Hardware: a complete PC in Spare parts..hmm I joke..
in my situation:
CDROM, FDD, 40G hdd, CD-RW drive, Various Ram sticks, ATX PSU and assorted leads including USB, audio, PC/Molex Power, PS/2, IDE, SATA, Mains power, powerboard. a PCI and a couple of cheap AGP video cards, a x1 and a x4 .
This was built up over time.. and the devices used most will vary with time of year .
Some of these are for testing, some as replacement parts.. I normaly keep an old 20Gb hdd for data backup, drive imaging, testing
In the kit is 2 Digital Volt meters and an analogue Multitester,. the Analogue meter is for current testing .. watching for changes that the digital ones miss..
I recommend only a cheap DVM for starters that is what one of the digi meters is.. You will want at some time to kick start a PSU and check for life.. or test for Juice from the wall socket..boy the number of faults caused by lack of the Mains juice..
A cheap 4 port Hub, and network cables..

Software: CD's, Floppies, and USB drives

Drivers.. disks and disks of drivers... you have a clean install or called in after a clean install and some dodgy hardware.. leeching driver sites, copying driver cds has paid time and again..

OS disks.. Yep saw some one else with this.. You need these for repairs warm instals.. BTW.. if the Product key is not there.. ASK to sight it.. dont be a party to piracy..
CD's with patches, updates, Service packs.. regardless of the internet connection speed, a cd update is quicker than downloading .. and less risky

Live CD OS:
My current prefered is BartPE.. more because it is windose, we are able to get tools to edit the registry.. use other malware scanning tools.. Hirens boot CD is my second choice.. HDD tools, HDD regen, an extra AV source.. Partition tools, etc

Knoppix, FIRE, Plack.. tried each of them.. they are ok.. esp for file recovery, and spotting that hidden (even from BART) file that belongs to the new virus

General software: NTFSDOS.. you will need to run a dos utility on a dead NT machine.. I cried at the inital cost.. but it has paid for itself several times over now..

All the Adware/Spyware utils,

Virus Removal tools.. leeching Symantec, AVG, F-Secure and others helps.. some times one tool just wont clean it.. generaly Symantec tools 95% of time will ..

Boot Floppies.. just because.. some machines still need them.. in here I also keep the NTFSDOS boot floppies, some good ol'e dos tools including, registry tools mainly for 9x repairs..


And a well trained user..
read any and all pc magazine articals.. and question the comments.. some of those guys would learn a lot from this site.. Visit several online forums, you will wade through rubbish.. but the golden information is there..
Don't forget there are the hardware news sites, tech news,

Your education is the most important tool in the kit..
I have home crash test network.. this is for learning and is seperate to our Home network..
Having a machine that can be fiddled with is still a handy learning tool..

That covers some of my thoughts on this area.. oh and there are only 24hrs in a day.. the brain works best when some of the day time is spent with family and friends..

cheers

OK, I like the thread and the way it's going. It took me a few pages to realize there are (to me) 2 types of toolboxes being talked about. One is a physical toolbox, the other software.

So, for a beginner, I'd say you want the following in a PHYSICAL toolbox:

One of those black case toolsets with a couple of different sized screwdrivers. You want at least 2: one with a short arm and another with a long arm (something that extends maybe 6 inches from the base of the handle to the tip. Cases always get in the way). OH! Just about everything in a computer is attached with Phillips head screws. Keep a flat head on hand all the same!
Some strong sturdy pliers
A pillbox (like people use for taking pills) to hold screws, jumpers, etc. (and to have the same on hand should you need them).
Tweezers!!!!! Either the real kind or the ones that you can push down on and extend into small spaces to pick stuff up (I have large hands, which is not good when you drop a screw between memory slots or pci cards).
Can of compressed air. I hate working in/with dusty motherboards and fans!
Permanent market.
Pen or pencil, with some paper to make notes.
AntiStatic bag (in case you need to take something with you.
Scissors! (You just never know).


Now, for a beginner, dont' worry about getting the best or priciest stuff. For one, it makes no sense. You don't know what you like best yet!!! I've been at this for nearly 20 years now. My first toolcase is still the best one I have ever used. Cost me about $9.95 (US) (and that's adjusted for today's dollars). I've used some with 20 different tips for the ratcheting screwdriver. They had 5 different screwdrivers in this kit, as well as wet wipes, hex wrences, ..... I used it one time and got fed up with it. I have it, but never use it.

The compressed air comes in handy for blowing out fans that are making noise (funny how heavy dust can be!). It's also good for blowing screws out of tight places when they drop and are just out of reach of your stubby nubs.

Speaking of reach, I use both types of tweezers. The ones found in a ladies cosmetic case as well as the ones with the wire grabbers on the end.

Antistatic bag because if you pull a card, memory or anything else, you'll want to protect it (even if it's defunct, you don't want to add to it's problems).

Marker, pen, pencil and paper: Sometimes you forget what cable is going where! Nice to make a mark on it saying this is the master connector, this is the slave and this is the controller (I still come across older systems with those generic colorless cables). And, hey, I'm an old man. I need to write down everything!

If you are just starting out, make sure to not get drowned in what others say. Keep your toolbox small starting out. When you find you are forgetting a necessary item 3 or more times, then add it to your standard setup.

If something makes life easier FOR YOU, add it to your standard setup. I used to keep screws in a little plastic bag tied up with a rubber band. Finally, I found myself tiring of sorting out jumpers, so I got the pillbox and split them up as needed.

Now, that covers the physical. In software, I'd suggest the same as a few others have:

Something (disk or cd) to allow you to:
scan for spyware/malware
antivirus tool
Windows xxxxx cd (the original that you can boot from) - xxxx would be the operating system the user is using.

I have some suggestions for each, but you've seen them all by now i f you've followed this thread this far!

Again, these are the basics. When you find yourself attacking the same thing over and over, add that package to your cd.

Oh, yeah, I suggest the original cd for whatever operating system as a final catchall. I happen to work on a lot of older systems. I can't always be assured that their drives will be able to read my CD R/RW discs. So, just in case .......

Now, as you move along, you will get familar with manufacturer utils such as MaxBlast for checking Maxtor hard drives. Or IBM's Drive Fitness Test utility. But, there's no reason to add them to your first utils cd until you've used them. I mean, if you are in a Maxtor shop, you will just be wasting space having IBM's utility.

Well, enough from me on a beginner's setup.
If you are new to the game, what do YOU think you should have?

So far I've only worked on mine and my office's computers, but if I were to branch out, I'd use quite a few of the suggestions from this thread.

Sorry if I'm sidetracking a bit, but...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dlymor

One of those black case toolsets with a couple of different sized screwdrivers....A pillbox (like people use for taking pills) to hold screws, jumpers, etc. (and to have the same on hand should you need them).
Tweezers!!!!! Either the real kind or the ones that you can push down on and extend into small spaces to pick stuff up (I have large hands, which is not good when you drop a screw between memory slots or pci cards).

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I recently found a toolkit distributed by Fellowes for under $20, containing a multitude of screwdrivers, including the little tiny ones; a grabby-claw tool for picking up small lost things; two types of tweezers; and a "pillbox" with four compartments and four each of extra jumpers, screws, spacers and washers; and a tube with a lid for those spare parts that have no place. All the tools are demagnetized, easy to handle, and strapped in with elastic...though I've added a couple of my own to the bunch.
http://www.fellowes.com/FellowesAsse...e300/49095.jpg
I don't know HOW I did without it anymore. =^.^=
Twisty-ties in varying lengths are a good thing to have also, to get those loose cords out of the way, whether temporarily or for good.

I've found an external hard drive case to be a godsend when trying to troubleshoot a drive with problems, in addition to being good for additional storage when I'm not actively working on a troubled system.

My software is carried around in a little Case Logic mini-binder with removable, labelable pages, so it's easy to take with me and I can keep everything organized, including product keys and such on the individual CD sleeves.

As for software, I keep the OS installation discs on hand, all software installation discs that I've put onto systems I've worked on, labeled accordingly; Windows security updates and SP2 (I prefer to install these before connecting to the internet)...and a couple discs with "Essential software" which, for me, includes the latest versions of the following (my preference in brackets): browser (Firefox), anti-virus (AVG), firewall (Zone Alarm) anti-spyware (Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D), PDF reader (Adobe), system configuration monitor (Everest), and file explorer (2xExplorer). I consider these all to be essential when working on a new system, or even when someone lets me clean up their system (which has only happened once, so far). On this disk I also keep some not-so-essential programs that might come in handy ~ Access Manager and my password database, so I can access my online resources; a list of said online resources in an html file; MSN Messenger in case I need to call on a friend for help; TweakUI, because there are some features I'm just so used to I can't do without them anymore. =^.~=

And I'll always be adding more.