Your Computer Toolbox

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. :)