If you read this diary, then you are probably one of those people who will be asked to fix various family computer problems [1]. Maybe you avoid it by just telling them that you never graduated and still work as a waiter. But then again, that doesn't work so well once you hit 40. So what do you take with you when you visit family? Any tools / software / hardware that you like? Leave a comment to this story or let us know via our contact form [2] [1] http://theoatmeal.com/comics/computers ------ |
Johannes 4504 Posts ISC Handler Dec 23rd 2009 |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
> Knoppix live disk
> Puppy Linux live disk > Canned air / screwdriver kit > Flash drive or USB hard drive ...business cards. 8^) Happy Holidays! |
Anonymous |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Usually depends on the problem but, in general;
1. Toolkit 2. Laptop 3. Linux live CD's (got around 300 of them, some work on older machines, some don't ;o)) 4. Flash drive (contains security/diagnostic apps etc) 5. Windows SP CD's (grabbed the SP ISO's from MS for everything from 2000 -> Vista) |
Anonymous |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Laptop, BB, various LiveCDs, usb drives / sd cards, various cables, torch, 3G modem... claw hammer, valium and beta-blockers. Relying on them (and Sainsbury's) to supply the alcohol.
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James 1 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Malware removal software and Alcohol
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James 7 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
None!! this year excuse is that I'm mentally stress recovering from drugs abuse.
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vmforno 8 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Nothing, they know better than to ask during the
holidays. If they mention it i tell them to call me after. |
vmforno 17 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
2 CDs (Not USB because of malware issues) containing:
(CD1) Firefox Malwarebytes (CD2) Ubuntu 9.10 live boot First thing, see if you can find the orginal restoration CDs, as you probably will need them anyway. Second thing, boot the Ubuntu CD and check the hardware for compatibility.. try to convince your family member to switch. If they refuse, go to step 3. Third, try to assess the scope of the damage and attempt to clean the PC. This will inevitiably fail. Proceed to step 4. Step 4, backup data and reload the OS. Spend the rest of the afternoon downloading 80+ updates to Windows. Second thing, |
vmforno 4 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
The address of the local Apple store. I hate to sound like the stereotypical fanboy, but the people I've convinced to switch from Windows to a Mac have not had problems. And if they did, I would just direct them to the Genius Bar. Unfortunately, one of my regular clients was an attractive sports massage therapist who used to barter with me for computer services. My back hurts just thinking about it now. I should have told her to upgrade to Vista instead. Back when I actually cared enough to help Windows users with their home PCs, this is what I carried: 1. Some type of Live CD(s). In the day, I used Knoppix. Nowadays, it would probably be xubuntu and/or <a href="http://sysresccd.org/">System Rescue CD</a>. I tried using BartPE, but it never had the network drivers I needed. 2. A laptop. I'm trying to convince my boss, who is also in charge of desktop support, to issue cheap netbooks to everyone in his group. This should allow the technicians to determine if they're dealing with a PC issue or network issue. 3. Some type of router with extra ethernet ports. This was in case I wanted to connect both my laptop and the user's PC to the network at the same time. (Not a problem in a work environment, but home users don't have multiple network jacks, and didn't always have routers back in my day). 4. An extra USB hub, and some extra USB cables. I've been to enough homes where people had several USB devices, but the furniture did not allow for slack in the cables. Did I mention that I really hate desks with back panels that I can't reach over or under? 5. Although they weren't available back in my day, portable USB powered hard drives, in case I have to back up data on the spot. |
vmforno 7 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Helix CD FTW.
Also, Knoppix... Several copies of Each, on business card CDs so I can leave them behind... |
Henry 3 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Screwdriver kit, BartPE, laptop, and OS X install disk for the relatives with Macbooks
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Sue 1 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
XP / Vista / 7 (32/64 Bit)
Ubuntu / Ophcrack / G-Parted / D-ban nuke Driver backup utility driveimage xml system internals toolkit MalwareBytes Firefox w/ NoScript Ccleaner 7Zip Ninite.com - quick install apps LogMeIn - Free (for later support if I'm lazy) |
Anonymous |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
Before leaving, I load up the following on CD.
Malwarebytes app as well as the most current rules CCleaner After cleaning, I download PSI from Secunia to hopefully help them keep their 3rd party apps up to date. Also suggest to switch to a different OS like Ubuntu. Also suggest using Firefox with several add-on's like NoScript, ABP, and Flashblock. |
Brice 1 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
I'm getting to old for that. I bring a sledgehammer.
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Brice 6 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
They are forgetting the most important tool, an invoice. I may never collect however, they do appreciate what my time is worth after I am done.
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netsec_ct 2 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
They are forgetting the most important tool, an invoice. I may never collect however, they do appreciate what my time is worth after I am done.
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netsec_ct 2 Posts |
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Dec 23rd 2009 1 decade ago |
none, the holidays are at my place and the bringing of dying computers does not constitute the bearing of gifts. Of course after the holidays...
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Alan 57 Posts |
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Dec 24th 2009 1 decade ago |
Essentially the same as MysteryFCM's but with a multi-interface (2.5 and 3.25 IDE and SATA) to USB2 drive sled.
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Alan 1 Posts |
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Dec 28th 2009 1 decade ago |
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