Necessary Tools for any Admin!! 1

[gadzooks1]

Hey All,

I wanted to poll the board and ask what tools would you deem necessary to perform your job? I am referring to any form of network administration, IT security, and desktop management.

I am creating an open-source software toolbox to assist me and I wanted to get some advice.

 

[jshurst]

I just downloaded SpiceWorks last week and it is awesome. It basically catalogs everything on your network (computers, routers, software, etc) and also has a help desk built in. It does display ads, which some people don't like, but that is google's model too and they seem to be doing quite well... Check it out here:

http://www.spiceworks.com/product/

It's not open-source but it is free.

J

 

[jet042]

Also not open-source but available at no cost are the Sysinternals tools from Microsoft. They have a tool for just about anything you want to do on an XP or Server 2003 box.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/default.mspx

 

[Sympology]

Angry IPScan. Godsend!

Shame some ill informed AntiVirus companies label it as a threat..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[vacunita]

Good working knowledge of Command prompt commands.

Most Networking tasks can be achieved through the command prompt, if you know what you are doing.

I so can't live without New View and Net Use. also "ping" and "tracert" are invaluable to diagnose funky Networks.

----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[Trevatwork]

I like look@lan

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/lanlook.html

And also knoppix STD

http://s-t-d.org/download.html

Trevor

 

[BadBigBen]

Not to forget WIRESHARK (ex Ethereal)...

http://www.wireshark.org

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[electronicsfreak]

Also my favorite cd that any admin or computer tech alive should have. Hirens cd

http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

http://maxt.dk/archives/2007/05/28/hirens-bootcd-91/

This cd has saved my butt a few times.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon

 

[ArizonaGeek]

The two disks I couldn't live without are Winternals ERD Commander (which got bought out by Microsoft and not for sale any more) you can find copies on Ebay and Active@ bootdisk

Both have saved my rear more than a few times. Looks like you guys have some good tools as well, gonna have to try a few of them.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[Scotsdude]

puTTY - telnet/ssh client
srip32 - screenshot software
LCISOcreator - freeware to create CD ISO files
all the pstools (i have a handy lil batch file menu system for the main ones, if anyone wants it)
wireshark - network sniffer
treesize - hard drive space manager (upgraded this to Pro though - fantastic software)
notepad ++ - notepad replacement
GIMP - free photoshop replacement


there are others (paid programs) but these are all free., also, with a bit of configuring, most can and will run directly from a USB key without installing, which is just plain excellent

------------------------------------------------------
Matt
Life is all shadows and dust.
Live it up with women and wine while you can

 

[gadzooks1]

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

 

[mpnut]

I'd have to add TightVNC to the list. I have over 100 remote locations that I support and being able to take over a PC and work instead of talking someone through it is invaluable.