[ale] Linux technophile emergency tool kit

Tue May 28 15:46:21 EDT 2013

Boom!

EXPLODING COMPUTERS

yeah. NSA reads everything. big whoop. If they don't know how to mess up a
computer by now, well, that's just lame.

Honestly, Google worries me more than NSA.

On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 3:39 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE) <
atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com> wrote:

> **
> You guys know the NSA reads all our messages, right?  Actually, I hear
> that they read all of everybody's messages.
>
> Ron
>
>
>
> On 5/28/2013 2:13 PM, Dennis Ruzeski wrote:
>
>  I keep a small toolkit (Don't forget the static wristband), an external
> hard drive, and my preferred distro for this kind of work is Backtrack. If
> you haven't checked it out you should.
>
>  FYI- I prefer thermite to explosives. You can't recover data from a
> puddle.
>
>  --Dennis
>
>
>
>
> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lozier <jslozier at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>  Nah,
>>
>>  nitrogylcerine good boom and good for the heart too
>>
>>  :)
>>
>>  On Tue, 28 May 2013 13:09:19 -0400, Pete Hardie <pete.hardie at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>  Also, C4...if all else fails, C4
>>
>> :)
>>
>> Pete Hardie
>> --------
>> Better Living Through Bitmaps
>>
>>
>> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE) <
>> atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com> wrote:
>>
>>> (PS thanks to those who answered my moving the home folder question.  I
>>> hope to be reviewing those more thoroughly shortly.)
>>>
>>> The question about what to take along on a maintenance trip was very
>>> open ended, so the answer will be too.  As JD said, it depends.  On: what
>>> systems you're working on, how much you can carry, customs regulations
>>> crossing borders, how old the equipment is, privacy concerns when the
>>> customs agents check your stuff, if you're flying or driving or going on a
>>> boat, how you get paid for the spare parts, etc.  Here are some things
>>> which come to mind off the top of my head.
>>>
>>> If I had the choice, I'd think like a plumber.  What I mean by that is
>>> that a good plumbing or electrical company will have the rep drive up in a
>>> van equipped with almost everything they could need.  They almost carry
>>> their own store.  You have to be reasonable, of course.  Try to diagnose
>>> the problem as much as possible before hand and take parts appropriate.
>>>  Here are some random things that come to mind if you could really take
>>> everything you want.  As a practical matter, you might have to fit it all
>>> in one or two suitcases.  These are in semi random order with just a bit of
>>> categorization.  I used to work on flight simulators for Delta, so some of
>>> this comes from a bit of a big iron perspective.
>>>
>>> BASIC DIAGNOSTIC AND INFORMATION TOOLS
>>> * laptop and / or tablet computer, perhaps a ruggedized unit
>>> * domain specific software
>>> * domain specific technical manuals and schematics, AND CONFIGURATION
>>> DATA
>>> * diagnostic software for pc's, vending machines, cash registers,
>>> whatever you're working on
>>> * appropriate probes, cables, and adapters to connect your laptop or
>>> tablet to the equipment in question
>>> * power supplies, batteries, and travel adapters required to run your
>>> equipment.
>>> * spare batteries for everything that has a battery if batteries are
>>> replaceable - laptop, tablet, cell phone, flashlight, power screwdriver,
>>> everything
>>> * chargers for everything that has a rechargeable battery, and OH YES,
>>> precharge the batteries before the trip
>>> * upgrading and repairing pc's is a great book of general info
>>> * how remote are you - do you need a battery and inverter to power your
>>> laptop, do you need a gas generator if the site power is out
>>> * durable travel cases to carry AND PROTECT all this stuff, hard shell
>>> foam padded cases are great
>>> * external cd - dvd - floppy - zip - etc. to attache to your machine
>>> * usb - serial adapter (as mentioned previously)
>>> * terminal device or emulator
>>>
>>> COMMUNICATIONS
>>> * contact data for all key people you need
>>> * world band cell phone, if applicable, with a pre established roaming
>>> agreement
>>> * make sure the cell carrier has coverage where you're going
>>> * world band cellular wifi modem / router with an appropriately large
>>> data plan for downloading iso's, drivers, etc.
>>> * walkie talkies for working with associate(s)
>>>
>>> SOFTWARE TOOLS
>>> * For software tools, you cannot assume that all equipment can boot USB
>>> or DVD.  You should be prepared with memory sticks, cd's, and floppy's too.
>>>  For memory sticks, get one that can be set to read only in case it's
>>> inserted into a contaminated pc.
>>> * ultimate boot cd
>>> * spinrite
>>> * backup software - I used to like Acronis but now I may switch to
>>> Terabyte Unlimited, etc.
>>> * software tools already mentioned by others
>>> * boot media for various linux's - mint, ubuntu, fedora, suse, whatever
>>> * perhaps boot media for windows (various flavors), mac, cisco, whatever
>>> * stand alone boot media for anti virus software (various flavors)
>>>
>>> HARDWARE TOOLS
>>> * General purpose technician's tool sets available from Jensen Tools,
>>> etc.  More money = better selection.
>>> * Domain specific tool sets are available as well, for example telecom.
>>> * various types and sizes of screwdrivers, including things like torx
>>> and micro sizes
>>> * various types and sizes of nut drivers
>>> * metric and english socket wrenches up to about 1", more if needed
>>> * hex wrenches
>>> * various types of pliers including cutting instruments
>>> * various adjustable wrenches including small ones
>>> * small cordless screwdriver
>>> * flashlight
>>> * tape measure
>>> * anti static strap
>>> * tag out lock out supplies - It's critical that someone else doesn't
>>> turn on equipment that you're working on.  At the very least, you should
>>> put signs on power switches and breakers indicating that work is in
>>> progress.  A better approach is to put a padlock on the switch and keep the
>>> key.  Put a sign on it that says who is working on it and where you are.
>>> * multimeter, domain specific test equipment
>>> * cable testers, telephone line testers, etc.
>>> * if applicable, high voltage test equipment and protective gear AND
>>> TRAINING
>>> * general and domain specific hardware like screws, other fasteners,
>>> thumbscrews, grommits, etc.
>>> * tywraps - so you can leave the equipment neat
>>> * mini vacuum cleaner
>>> * other cleaning supplies - microfiber cloths, paper towels, compressed
>>> air can, monitor / glass cleaner, etc.
>>> * garbage bags to put your trash and wire clippings, and dirty towels
>>> in, etc.
>>> * cable crimpers and spare parts like connectors, pins, etc.
>>> * lighted magnifying glass(es)
>>> * note pads - take notes when taking things apart
>>> * digital camera, memory cards, card reader - photograph things before
>>> taking them apart
>>> * rolling travel cart or collapsible wagon so you can haul all this
>>> stuff around
>>>
>>> HUMAN ACCESSORIES
>>> * lightweight leather work gloves for the more mechanical aspects of the
>>> equipment
>>> * protective gloves and other gear if working with dangerous chemicals,
>>> etc. (certain cleaners, fire suppression systems, etc.)
>>> * grungy clothing and / or disposable coveralls (great for working on
>>> hydraulics, yuck!)
>>> * knee pads
>>> * folding chair, folding table (in case you're stuck in an equipment
>>> room with no work area)
>>>
>>> LOGISTICS
>>> * addresses and directions to work locations
>>> * gps with power adapter, battery, and world map
>>> * permits, training, access badges, key codes, door keys
>>> * passport
>>> * methods, supplies, tools, agreements to account for your time and
>>> money and bill the customer
>>> * plane tickets, car and hotel reservations, budget, money
>>>
>>> SPARE PARTS - think building a unit from scratch
>>> * domain specific hot spares (cash registers, cable boxes, etc.) are best
>>> * cases
>>> * power supplies - various types, various connectors
>>> * motherboards - various types, sizes
>>> * memory chips - various types
>>> * cpu's - various types
>>> * cpu coolers - various types
>>> * case fans - various types
>>> * video cards - various types, including OLD motherboard connector styles
>>> * modem cards - if applicable
>>> * port cards - if applicable
>>> * sound cards - if applicable
>>> * keyboards - including DIN, ps2, usb connectors
>>> * mice - including serial, ps2, usb connectors
>>> * monitors / display panels - including vga, dvi, display port, hdmi
>>> connectors / adapters, dvi - vga adapters are handy
>>> * speakers
>>> * wifi adapters
>>> * lan adapters
>>> * hdd adapters - pata, sata, scsi
>>> * cd / dvd drives - pata, sata, scsi
>>> * floppy drives
>>> * hdd's - 5", 3.5", 2.5", mounting screws, adapter trays, scsi, pata,
>>> sata, scsi terminators
>>> * blank storage media - cr-r, cd-rw, dvd-r, dvd-rw, for optical media -
>>> remember the +r -r thing, large and small size and density floppy disks
>>> * printers, usb - parallel adapters
>>> * lan hubs
>>> * lan switches
>>> * lan routers
>>> * lan wifi routers
>>> * cable modems
>>> * dsl modems
>>> * telephone modems
>>>
>>> CABLES, CABLES, CABLES
>>> * usb A, B, mini, micro, adapters
>>> * gender changers - various types
>>> * scsi, scsi terminators
>>> * lan utp
>>> * lan coax, and terminators
>>> * sata
>>> * pata
>>> * esata
>>> * serial, adapters
>>> * parallel
>>> * vga, display port, hdmi regular, mini, micro
>>> * power - appliance power cables, long extension cords, multi outlet
>>> adapters, travel power adapters, transformers, wall warts, power strips,
>>> surge protectors
>>> * optical
>>> * telephone
>>>
>>> Well, that should get you started.  8-)
>>>
>>> Again, the needs depend on the mission.
>>>
>>> Sincerely,
>>>
>>> Ron
>>>
>>>
>>> On 5/28/2013 10:17 AM, Chuck Payne wrote:
>>>
>>>> For any admin today, you should carry the following. Think of it as
>>>> your towel and tooth brush.
>>>>
>>>> A bootable usb drive with your fav distro and tools to fix any anything.
>>>>
>>>> Knoppix Disk, GParted Live, Ghost for Linux, Clonezilla.
>>>>
>>>> A small tool set.
>>>>
>>>> USB Cables for phone.
>>>>
>>>> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 1:36 AM, JD<jdp at algoloma.com>  wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Not enough time to cover everything, but after the trip last month #1
>>>>> is a
>>>>> usb-2-serial cable. Aaron ended up soldering a cable together after
>>>>> buying 2
>>>>> other cables with the appropriate connectors. I have a photo and it
>>>>> worked
>>>>> perfectly on linux.
>>>>>
>>>>> Clearly it depends on the type of work performed and the location.
>>>>> Network,
>>>>> server, desktop and programing tasks all need different toolset s.
>>>>>
>>>>> On the current trip, a stronger external charging battery for smart
>>>>> phones
>>>>> is top for the 11 hr flights. Besides that, this trip has gone
>>>>> perfectly
>>>>> tech-wise with smartphone and netbook + normal power cables and travel
>>>>> WiFi
>>>>> router.
>>>>>
>>>>> Might add a travel Bluetooth keyboard next time. Typing longish emails
>>>>> on a
>>>>> virtual keyboard in the airport lounge sucks.
>>>>>
>>>>> Autocorrect sucks.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Jim Kinney<jim.kinney at gmail.com>  wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> So you're heading to a remote location to do some technical work. You
>>>>>> don't know the area so a dash to your fav parts store is not an
>>>>>> option.
>>>>>> What do you pack in your kit for a 2 hour drive away, 10 hour drive
>>>>>> away,
>>>>>> 3 hour flight away, out of the country trip, etc.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Software....
>>>>>> Hardware...
>>>>>> Tools....
>>>>>> Misc....
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This may turn into a meeting topic.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
>>>>>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Ale mailing list
>>>>> Ale at ale.org
>>>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
>>>>> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
>>>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want to
>>> call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from alternate energy
>>> mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new email messages very
>>> quickly.)
>>>
>>> Ron Frazier
>>> 770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
>>> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
>>> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3
>>> Bitcoin: 15s3aLVsxm8EuQvT8gUDw3RWqvuY9hPGUU
>>>
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>>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>   --
>> Jay Lozier
>> jslozier at gmail.com
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
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>> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing listAle at ale.orghttp://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists athttp://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>
>
> --
>
> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want to
> call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from alternate energy
> mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new email messages very quickly.)
>
> Ron Frazier770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3
> Bitcoin: 15s3aLVsxm8EuQvT8gUDw3RWqvuY9hPGUU
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Ale at ale.org
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
>
>

-- 
-- 
James P. Kinney III
*
*Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail. What you gain
at one end you lose at the other. It's like feeding a dog on his own tail.
It won't fatten the dog.
- Speech 11/23/1900 Mark Twain
*
http://electjimkinney.org
http://heretothereideas.blogspot.com/
*
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