PC Tools

  PC Tools can cover a variety of tools. It is not just the software tools necessary to clean a virus from a computer. It is also the hardware tools necessary to repair a computer. Yes if you are working as a Technician repairing computers you will need various types of tools to perform the repair. Generally you will need a good screwdriver kit, various pliers, digital multimeter as well as some other pc tools. My advice is to invest in one of the Engineer Field Repair Tool Kits , because they have a good variety of excellent tools necessary to repair pretty much all service repairs. These are portable and therefore can even be brought into the service shop. I would make sure they are not left in the shop and are locked. I have seen way too many times when someone borrows something and it is never returned.

TOOL KIT

  I do not recommend using an electronic screwdriver when working on laptop computers. You have to remember you are working with plastic parts and they can easily be stressed and damaged. You will find that most warranty repair companies and manufacturers frown on using the electric screwdrivers and it is for a reason. If you are working on building computers then it may be okay for tightening the case screws. As for installing a motherboard in a case I would not recommend it. Not only can you physically damage a component if you slip, but you can stress damage the standoff feed holes. Remember that these are points where grounds run to all places within the circuitry. If you damage that you are out of luck and will have to replace the motherboard. So my best advise is to use hand tool screwdrivers. That is what I do and I have never had a problem. I feel that I can move faster doing it that way. The electric screwdriver is just an illusion tricking you into thinking you are going faster.
  Okay so lets talk about the software pc tools for a moment. There are some software pc tools that can be a big help in computer repair.  There are plenty of free software programs, but make sure they do not try to sell you malicious junkware programs. Below is a short list of some of my favorite pc tools.

1. Windows 7 PE http://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=security/winbuilder-win7pe-se-tutorial 
2. Windows 8 PE http://windowsmatters.com/2013/04/30/windows-8-based-pe-boot-disk-with-explorer-shell-and-all-my-favorite-apps/
3. Hirens 15.2 http://www.hirensbootcd.org/download/ 
4. Hirens 15.1 http://www.proyectobyte.com/downloads/download-hirens-bootcd-15-1?lang=en 
5. Passmark Software ( Not Free) http://www.passmark.com/products/bit.htm 
6. Heavy Load V3.3 http://www.jam-software.com/heavyload/ 
7. Speed Fan http://www.canadiancontent.net/tech/download/SpeedFan.html 
8. Bluescreen Viewer  http://www.canadiancontent.net/tech/download/BlueScreenView.html 
9. CPU Thermometer http://www.canadiancontent.net/tech/download/CPU_Thermometer.html 
10. Pendriveapps ( lots of free software) http://www.pendriveapps.com/ 

    There are some common software pc tools that every Technician should have. So below is a list of the virus cleaning software programs. They are all free programs that can be copied to a usb flash drive. I would recommend using at least a 16gb usb flash drive. You can find most of these programs through bleepingcomputer.com. Here is a link to their website http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/windows/ .

1. Combofix
2. Free Malwarebytes
3. Free Portable Spybot
4. TDSS Killer
5. Portable Tech Version Super Anti Spyware
6. Eset Online Scanner
7. A-Squared
8. Rogue Killer
9. Junkware Removal Tool
10. Adware Removal Tool
11. ADW Cleaner
12. Temp File Cleaner

   There are other virus cleaning software programs that you can download off the internet. Just make sure to uncheck any junkware software they may try and have you install. There are way too many individuals trying to either infect your computer or give garbage that will give you nothing but headaches. You can check out my other blogs for additions help. The websites are listed off to the right of the posts called best blog sites.
  Finally you should have Good Antivirus Software installed on your computer. Here is a list of my favorite anti virus programs. If you are looking for a good website to compare various anti virus programs here is a link http://www.av-comparatives.org/ . You do have to be careful because some websites will push a certain anti virus program above others, because they are trying to sell it.
Good Antivirus Software

1. Kaspersky Antivirus
2. Avast
3. AVG
4. BitDefender
5. Mcafee
6. Symantec
7. Eset
8. Sophos
9. Avira
10. Trend Micro

  It should be noted that there are free versions of Anti Virus programs that go a very good job. I would recommend using free malwarebytes or paid malwarebytes with your antivirus program. Just be aware that some antivirus programs such as Mcafee will remove programs like malwarebytes and spybot.
  Thank You for reading.    

Hardware

HARDWARE

   Yes the title of the post is simply Hardware. Hardware in computer repair can mean quite a few different things. If you are into building computers it can mean the screws and bolts that go into building a desktop computer. Now there is a different side to the word hardware in computer repair. It can also be the tools necessary to work on and service computers and laptops. It could be the hand tools or it can be tools such as usb flash drives or an external hard drive. So as you can see hardware in a computer shop can mean a variety of tools necessary to service a computer.


  Now I have seen some technicians using small electrical drills. This is not a problem on desktop cases as long as the torque is adjusted properly. Remember you are working with soft metal and it is very easy to strip out the threads. Now if you are working on a laptop computer almost all manufactures will frown on using a small hand drill. Remember with laptops you are working with plastic and small metal parts seated in a plastic standoff. It is very easy to stress the plastic and break it. If that happens break out the super glue or replace the part. Now you are losing money if you are working on a warranty or even an out of warranty computer.
  The other type of HARDWARE would be the items to save data on. With this I would recommend at least a 16gb usb flash drive. Especially if you are working as a filed service technician. Now this can also come in handy in the service shop as well. Aside from that I would have a good 500gb to 2tb external hard drive to save data on. Another item I would have is a good external optical drive. You never know when you may have to boot off a hirens disk or install some software.
  Another few HARDWARE items that you should have are more in the repair part of things. If you are doing repairs such as dc jack repair you will needs various hand tools such as side cutters. You are also going to need a good soldering iron as well as good solder as well as a good desoldering tool. Solder braid is another tool that will come in handy. I would also make sure to have a good esd wrist strap to protect your equipment from destructive static electricity. One handy hardware tool I would have is a good digital volt meter. There are times when you will need to measure the output voltage of some piece of computer equipment. Finally I would recommend having a good bench power supply to test a laptop with when an ac adapter is not supplied. You can also use the store below the posts to search for what you need.
  Thank You for reading.