Top products from r/computertechs

Oh you're very welcome!

For resumes, the cleaner the better. You want it to stand out, but, please, do not make it flashy. When I was a technical support supervisor, I was able to assist with the hiring and interview of techs. First we'd run through the resumes and throw out the ones that were covered in glitter, fancy paper, bright paper, and this one was covered in Windows logos... the paper was watermarked with a Windows logo and even the bullet points were Windows logos (we were a Windows-based web hosting company). These kind of resumes leave a bad taste in your prospective employer's mouth. Here's a great template that is similar to how I have my professional resume setup. Minus the sidebar and the header (this stuff I just placed at the top of the page formatted like all the other sections with the exception of my name and contact info), this pretty much lines up how you should have a professional resume. This one is probably a better example. I'd also suggest getting a LinkedIn profile if you don't already and mirror your professional resume on there. Head hunters do frequent LinkedIn and you could get a future job offer from there as well.

I would focus on getting your A+ and Network+ upfront because they substitute some experience. Just take note that CompTIA has changed the tests so that re-certification every 3 years (I think) is required to keep your cert(s) in good standing. This book is shipping in August, and should be considered the Holy A+ Bible. It is pricy ($60), but worth it. Before I get too further along, it's worth mentioning that the A+ is 2 parts. Part 1: Hardware, Part 2: Software (Windows). I heard rumors that CompTIA was supposed to finally axe Windows 9X from the exam (yes, I know... you have/had to know Windows 95 for the exam...) but no idea if they actually did or not. This guide seems like a great starting ground.

I used the "Exam Cram" series which include several practice tests along with lesson reviews and chapter tests. But there are a wide variety. I'd really suggest going to your local Barnes & Nobel and browsing the selection of A+ and Network+ books they have and find one you feel will help you learn the most out of.

Let me know if you have any questions!

I recommend getting the original from IODD, Zalman is reselling a slightly different version: https://www.amazon.com/Iodd-Iodd2531-Black-Virtual-Enclosures/dp/B00TDJ4BJU/

The IODD are much better from what I've heard. Apparently the Zalman versions also had sooner Firmware EOL. IODD also has a neat firmware recovery button that apparently Zalman doesn't have.

Tagging /u/HittingSmoke /u/bobowork and /u/Achileas7

Pro Tip: Connect the drive to the part with the display and connector before putting it in, I assumed it would automatically be in the right position and took way too long to troubleshoot lol.

You can, but no guarantee it'd boot. I was able to swap a W10 drive to another laptop also running W10, but W7 on a made for W10 device might have driver issues.

Best bet is to buy something like this and just plug it into the new laptop via USB and just move it all over that way.

I've had zero issuess with mine. Had it about a year. I used to double check with a voltmeter but I definitely trust the results now.

Don't get the Zalman one fyi, grab the IODD drive. It's the original one that they licensed from and has WAY more features and better support.

Iodd Iodd2531 Black - Usb3.0 - Hdd -Ssd - Virtual Cd-rom - Enclosures - made in Korea https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TDJ4BJU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ptnryb41KQSFN

Pick up a copy of The Practice of System and Network Administration. It's a great starting point for overall support and admin methodologies.

The datavacs really are quite nice. I use the smaller 3/4hp vac at work and just bought one for home. Its super portable and really gets the dust out. However, it does lack an actual vacuum and will kick dust everywhere! Link here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J4ZOAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (sorry I'm on mobile)

Edit: Learned to read previous comment. Corrected my comment on lots of dust.

I'd recommend something like this for the ISOs: https://www.amazon.com/Iodd-Iodd2531-Black-Virtual-Enclosures/dp/B00TDJ4BJU/

This for a tool kit: https://www.amazon.com/iFixit-Pro-Tech-Toolkit-2016/dp/B01GF0KV6G/ref=sr_1_3?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1511801169&sr=1-3&keywords=ifixit

As far as ISOs for the iodd, I'd suggest in addition to what you have already:

http://windowsmatters.com/2017/10/02/gandalfs-win10pe-x64-redstone-2-build-15063-version-10-01-2017/

If you work on Macs, a bootable USB of El Capitan and Sierra/High Sierra. You can create a virtual USB on the iodd for this.

Get one of these and clean all the things!

Summer is my busiest time of year, I can't believe you're looking for stuff to do! But as they say, "Time to lean, time to clean".

We image the entire district, do moves, build labs, deploy ~850 new systems (laptops/desktops/AIO's), pull cable, update/clean racks, and clean everything else we can get our hands on.

Buying a Metrovac was one of the best things I've ever done for my home gear:

http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1450813981&sr=1-5&keywords=air+blower

It's on sale for 56$! Never need to buy canned air again! WEeeeeeeeee

I use one of these on a daily basis.

Totally frickin awesome.

I would suggest an external HDD dock.

https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-Hot-Swap-External-Docking-Compatible/dp/B001A4HAFS (something like that)

It allows you to connect a HDD/SSD to it, then connect via USB to a computer. It serves the same function as an enclosure, but is easier to work with.

If you're getting a crimper, I highly recommend the Platinum tools ez rj-45 crimper and ez rj-45 connectors. This has changed my cabling making game.


crimprer

cat 5e connectors


[strain relief, optional but look prettt] ( http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034B3KYU/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_BLIrtb16NPMC2)



Platinum tool jacket stripper

We have 2 of these at work and they work great!

A buddy of mine is really into routers and he spends an inordinate amount of time researching and trying to eek out the most performance so I always end up buying what he has and flashing whatever ROM he's using. He and I are using the ASUS RT-N16 with TomatoUSB. It's incredibly easy to flash and my network has been fast and stable.

Ok, I just passed the A+ a few weeks ago (didn't need it, but figured I needed something to get me over the hump and actually start getting my certs).

I used Mike Meyer's CompTIA Cert Guide (I took the 2009 version of the test btw)

I used Transcender test prep (it was provided for free as part of the 5 day class I took)

I watched all of the Professor Messor videos on youtube.

I took a class (more on this below)

I used Exam Cram

The first exam is the difficult one. It's not difficult in that you'll need to have a lot of experience or that the questions are tricky. It's difficult in the sense that you'll need to know a little about a LOT of stuff. For example, do you know how many pins are in a centronics cable? Do you know if it's serial or parallel? Do you know what device it's primarily used for? (36, parallel, printer) I studied for about 2-3 weeks pretty seriously (daily sample tests, questions, etc...did it during free time at work and after work at home). This study took place after I had read both of the books cover to cover (it's boring).

The second example (practical application) is cake walk if you've a) passed the essentials and b) have worked in IT support at all. Just a bunch of scenario questions. I studied about 3 hours for this exam.

I passed both exams on the first try about 2 months apart (I took a vacation in between).

The class was pointless knowledge wise. I've been in IT for a long time so it really was just for people who have ZERO experience. It helped since my work paid for the class and it included the Exam Cram book, transcender test prep access, and vouchers for both exams.

So to summarize my huge wall of text.

1. Read the Mike Meyers book cover to cover.
   
   
2. Read the Exam Cram book cover to cover.
   
   
3. Watch all of the professor messer videos.
   
   
4. Allow yourself 2-3 weeks of serious study after having done the previous line items to memorize protocols, cable types, speeds, etc.
   
   
5. Take the exams :)
   
   There will be people who disagree or study differently. More power to them. This is how it worked for me though. I will say that it's probably possible to pass the exam without doing some of this, but I really hate wasting money and would have been devastated if I had to re-take the exam.
   
   Anyway. Here are some links. I'm sending you the 800 exam stuff since I imagine you'll be doing that instead of the 700 series (which is discontinued in a few months).
   
   Mike Meyers
   
   Exam Cram
   
   Transcender test prep
   
   Professor Messor videos

My friend, like/know it or not, you are a SysAdmin. Read this book and check out things over at /r/SysAdmin and you should be okay.

So far I've been happy with this. It comes with a digital edition and a discount for the exam fee, so it pays for itself.

You might also want to look into a local community college course if you'd prefer having a class.

I've had good experiences with: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW. Works well, and is fairly cheap.

If you want one that's not a toy, grab a Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster instead.

Highly recommended. Just be sure to have your earplugs handy, they're loud.

Did you buy this?
If you are trying to do case screws with that you should be using something stronger like DLSS linked.

Then just switch to a Zalman or IODD enclosure with a 1TB drive in them and stop caring all together. These drives have been such a huge time saver.

I use the Zalman VE300 for mounting ISO's. That way I never have to screw around with making new configs when I want to add something

https://www.amazon.com/Zalman-ZM-VE350-External-Enclosure-ZM-V350B/dp/B019C23H06/

For thumb drives, they are so cheap now especially for the 8GB and 16GB ones that I just buy a ton of them and make duplicates. There is plenty of times that I have to work on more than 1 computer at the same time and having a few of the same thumb drive full of files comes in handy. I put the WSUS offline updater on 3 drives so that I can do new computer setups quicker. I'm thinking i'll expand it to 5 so I have a little more flexibility. Also if you are going to put WSUS offline on a drive, know that you'll need a 32GB one as of last month. With selecting every OS's x86 and x64 version of updates, plus office updates for 2010,2013,2016 that it will take just under 19GB of space now.

Here is just some of the drives I have:
http://i.imgur.com/Vix512B.jpg

None of the below links are affilliate.

• PSU Tester
  
  
• Cat-5 (or 6) Tester
  
• Type 2032 CMOS batteries
  
• Compressed Air
  
• AA / AAA Batteries (When the client can't figure out why their wireless keyboard and mouse just won't work anymore ;) )
  
• USB image of latest Mac OS release (Sierra) and Yosemite.
  
• Patience
  
  If you're getting into more network layer stuff, you'll want a cable toner, RJ-45 Ends, Cat 5 or 6 Cable, RJ-45 Crimper as well.
  

This?


ASUS (RT-N16) Wireless-N 300 Maximum Performance single band Gaming Router: Fast Gigabit Ethernet, support USB-Hard Drive and Printer and Open source DDWRT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00387G6R8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YdDHxbFV89MTC

I have a crash cart bag handy for random issues

• Bag: (believe it or not) Universal Transporter for Nintendo DS
  
  
• Monitor: Lilliput 7" USB Monitor
  
  
• Keyboard/Mouse: Pro Mini USB wireless keyboard/touchpad
  
  
• Wireless: TP-LINK wireless usb adapter
  
  Adapters:
  
  
• DVI over cat5
  
  
• IDE SATA to USB
  
  
• Micro SD to USB with multiple cards
  
  
• Solar usb charger keyring
  
  
• HDMI 2 in 1 adapter
  
  
• DVI male to HDMI female
  
  
• DVI male to VGA female
  
  
• Displayport to DVI female
  
  
• DVI female to HDMI male
  
  
• USB hub
  
  
• Retractable RJ11/RJ45 cable
  
  And don't forget at least 1 tiny led flashlight :)
  

I would like to see someone from /r/computertechs review one of these: electric precision screwdriver

I find it's much easier to just drop a ISO into a folder and have it boot like a cd rom drive. You can emulate floppy drives and make persistent linux live installs. I do find some systems that won't recgonize the virtaul cd rom but those systems usually have issues booting USB drives.

https://www.amazon.com/Iodd-Iodd2531-Black-Virtual-Enclosures/dp/B00TDJ4BJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1498944043&sr=1-1&keywords=iodd

Install servers is a BIG DEAL. Unless you have someone in your shop who is taking charge, you want to familiarize yourself with some of the concepts of systems administration or else you will have a bad time.

Visit /r/sysadmin, /r/homelab /r/itdept.

Buy this book: http://www.amazon.com/Practice-System-Network-Administration-Second/dp/0321492668 <---it is the best book in the world

You can get a vacuum that's designed for use on computer equipment for under $100.

A quick Amazon search revealed:

Metro Vacuum MDV-1BA DataVac Pro 4.5-AMP Computer Vac/Blower

https://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-MDV-1BA-DataVac-Computer/dp/B00006IAOR

4.5 stars rating, $80 and Prime eligible shipping.

I've been using probably the same General Precision Screwdriver as you for awhile now and it works great for most small screws. There are a few that require a bit of a wrist flick to loosen. I havn't broken it yet but I was lucky to get this PLUS the General Cordless Engraver for $10 for both so not a big deal if it gives out.

For larger screws I either use a Black and Decker 7.2v Lithium Cordless Drill (very lightweight but powerful) OR a Ryobi Tek 4 Cordless Screwdriver (a bit heavier but has light on the chuck, removeable rechargeable battery, and a '2' speed setting for quick removal of loose screws).

I use light duty Velcro strips to tie them up. Then I toss them into a see-thru bin.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001E1Y5O6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?qid=1465361448&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Velcro+strips&dpPl=1&dpID=31SGEFLLv%2BL&ref=plSrch

Don't carry cans of compressed air, carry a DataVac blower: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW/

One of these hanging on the wall:
http://www.amazon.com/Akro-Mils-20-Inch-16-Inch-Hardware-Cabinet/dp/B003P2UOCO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405948969&sr=8-2&keywords=screw+organizer

and one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Sterilite-28308002-3-Drawer-See-Through-Drawers/dp/B001RCUNOI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1405948998&sr=8-11&keywords=three+drawer+storage

I use a air compressor that was specifically designed as a computer blower/vacuum. Depending on which side you connect your hose to, will designate whether it's a blower or vacuum.

Here's a link: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-MDV-1BA-DataVac-Computer/dp/B00006IAOR

I used to use this blower: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW

I still do, mostly out-side. If I'm somewhere that I can't remove the hardware I'll just try to use the vacuum feature on the first link I wrote above.

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http://www.amazon.com/Practice-System-Network-Administration-Edition/dp/0321492668

I just use a Power Supply Tester

https://www.amazon.com/Metro-ED500-DataVac-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW

Instead of buying cases of compressed air, get something like this. Vacuum computer dust, freakin toner, or just go to town on your whole office :o

You want a Vacuum/Blower both. Dick suckin machine sold separately

I noticed in one of the pics you had a compressor. I imagine that's for blowing dust out? We used to use one of those and it was pain worrying about moisture, etc. My friend, I introduce to you the most utilzed, highly regarded purchases we've ever made: This thang right here!

I bought EZ-RJ45 HD and it was a little more expensive! I can't compare it to the non ratcheting version, but feel it was worth every penny.

Also platinum tools makes this jacket stripper that is wicked fast.

Rule #1: Label everything.

Rule #2: If it doesn't have a designated area, it's just going to end up in a disorganized pile. Therefore...

• Parts Organizers for small things.
  
  
• Some shelving units with a few vertical organizers on them for high-density storage.
  
  
• Pegboard everything.
  
  Put cables in ziplock bags so they don't tangle or get dirty.

Another vote for a Zalman VE. All computer techs must have one of these to survive. Drop ALL your .ISO files on here and select one from the rocker switch. You can also write-protect your hard drive or switch it to virtual USB ODD only mode.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019C23H06/

I posted, but then deleted as I don't really think I understand your concern here.

Is your concern that you won't be able to use your ubuntu flash drive to boot a machine with a broken windows OS to retrieve data?

Do you have extra hard drives? What we do sometimes for a complete wipe/re-image is we remove the hard drive, put a new/spare one in and then once that image is up, we dock it with one of these and start transferring the data from the old drive.