Discussion: best tools for techie?

[Redeyes_Gambit]

}{'lo all, I was browsing around the forums asking some questions when a post from Merlin_2 got me thinking... There are dozens of quite profesional PC techies here who all have their favorite software tools for diagnosing, repairing and fixing stuff and some are realy cool gizmos! So I said to myself, "Self, lets start a discussion about the best software tools one can get... Good idea self!" and so here we are.

I personaly recomend MemTest, a RAM tester that checks for errors. Though there are probably dozens of testers out there I've used this one and havent had any problems with it so here it is:

http://hcidesign.com/memtest/

How about you? Got any good gizmos?

(Oh another good thing that EVERY thechie should have is... PRAYER lol you think i jest but it never hurts and lets face it there arew just some things that nothing else fixes! Though I've noticed there arn't many places to download it )

[merlin_2]

Windows does contain its only diagnostic software

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

for graphics /audio testing dxdiag typed in the run box:

msinfo32 typed in the run box:

download sites.....snapfiles/majorgeeks/download.com

to mention a few.....most>> Its >>>>>use this >http://www.petri.co.il/download_windows_2003_reskit_tools.htm

[Raptor]

Here are the basics of what I often use/install on systems:

AVG Free
-- Anti virus scanner
Adaware SE Personal
-- Anti spyware scanner
Microsoft Antispyware
-- Anti spyware scanner. Windows XP Home and Professional only.
Spybot Search & Destroy
-- Anti spyware scanner
ZoneAlarm Free
-- Free firewall - more user friendly
Sygate Personal
-- Free firewall - more configuration options

And the applications I use to edit the registry are:

Ccleaner
Registrar Lite.
-- Perfect for manually editing the registry.
EasyCleaner
-- Very swift program.

The only memory diagnostic application I have ever used, is the one provided by Microsoft and recommended by Merlin. It seemed to work well.

I also recently started using WinPatrol, after it being recommended by Fed. It intercepts programs that wish to add theirselves to Windows start up. Quite useful, but more useful if a computer is allready infected.

Other than that, I do not use any other applications that I can think of at the moment. Most tools that I use are part of Windows. Bound to be more compatible.

[Redeyes_Gambit]

Cool, i didn't know that! Thnx Merlin.

[Redeyes_Gambit]

And thnx 2 u 2 Raptor!

[Fed]

I use a tool that everybody has yet so many seem to forget, it's called http://www.google.com
It also has a built in game called 'Googlewacker'.  

[Dusty]

Add to the list Everest and/or Aida32 to find out what's in the beast you're diagnosing.  Some users can't even tell you what OS is installed.