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[W600]Whats In The Bag Game

by Alex Smith, Ale

If you fix computers regularly (or you're the type that often fixes computers for friends and family), you've likely developed a collection of software and tools to help you fix things more efficiently. Since I ocasionally play technician myself, I thought I'd share with you some tools that make it easier to troubleshoot everyday PC problems.

Have a good collection of software

Quality software will help you diagnose and fix many problems. If someone needs Windows reinstalled and you don't have the CD, then what? You may want to purchase a CD binder to hold all your software. Here's a sampling of what you'll find in my kit:

> Two boot CDs with diagnostics programs
> Linux live CDs including Ubuntu and Knoppix
> three versions of Microsoft Office (including 2003)
> Windows 95, 98SE, 2000, XP Home and Pro (plus a special corporate licensed version)
> Applicable service packs and patches for each version Windows on one CD
> two CDs with various benchmarks on them
> Visual Studio .NET
> Three utility CDs with antivirus/antispyware programs and commonly used applications like Adobe Reader
> Norton Ghost
> Partition Magic
> Many more random disks

Carry common cords

> USB cable - The most common peripheral interface
> Firewire cable
> Standard PC power cord
> Ethernet cable (might want to carry 2-3 of these)
> Wireless USB adapter - Helps avoid having to run 30 feet of ethernet cable just to get a machine online. Why use cabling if there's a wireless network in the area?

A way to move and store files

Some use a thumbdrive on a keychain, but I find that the size limit of flash memory is to constrictive when working on a PC. I carry a 160GB firewire/usb external hard drive as part of my kit. That way, if I need to backup someone's files or I just want to work on something from another computer, I have everything at my fingertips.

A few screwdrivers and things...

Every PC technician carries their trusted phillips head screwdriver at all times, right? The standard size fits most desktop screws, but you may want to get a mini-screwdriver kit to work on laptops. Three-prong screw grabbers (or tweezers) are great for when you drop a screw into or underneath the motherboard. Alternatively, you could just get a magnetized screwdriver and pick screws up with it. Carrying a small flashlight will help you see into the dark recesses of the case, and needle-nose pliers come in handy for hard drive jumpers. Lastly, have a notepad, post-it notes and a few pens and pencils in there.

Useful testers

> Power Supply Tester
> Network cable tester
> Motherboard tester (usually PCI, outputs BIOS codes)

Get a good bag

How are you going to carry all this around? In a good bag of course. I use a mid-sized briefcase, but any tough duffel will do.

These are the basics for day-to-day troubleshooting. For those performing more advanced diagnostic procedures, I might also recommend a soldering iron. You might also want to try carrying an iPod (or any music player) - but not for technical reasons. It provides an excellent source of entertainment while you're watching the progress bar creep.

Outside of the diagnostics, many technicians carry common spare parts such as:

> Wireless router
> CD-RW Drive
> Standard ATX Power Supply 300-500W
> Internal hard drives (40GB, 80GB, 120GB)
> Surge protector
> Speakers

What you have in your bag depends on your skill level. An occasional golfer will not need what a professional golfer carries. Finding the right fit for your body, your level of skill, and your personal likes can take time.

Even Phil and Tiger have changed their club situation a few times to ensure the best fit for their game. If it takes time for the great golfers of the world to find what they like then expect for it to take some time for you as well.

Low handicap golfers don't really need my golf tips. These are people who have at one time considered golfing as a profession or are just really goodhave a great golf swing. They know what they need and don't carry around clubs that don't work for them.

A mid level golfer, someone with not exactly a low handicap but not really high one either, could use the 3,5,and 7 woods, a pitching wedge, sand wedge, 4-9 irons, and a putter.

If you fall into this category than you most likely have a fairly good understanding of your clubs and what you need. A trap that some golfers who are fairly good fall into is, believing that if their bag looks like Tiger's then they will play like him. Wrong. Tiger could play well with anything.

Someone with a higher handicap will most likely be an occasional golfer. Their golf bag should contain the 3, 5, and 7 woods, 5-9 irons, a pitching wedge, and a putter.

Using smaller woods rather than a driver is a good idea for a higher handicap golfer. The rules of golf state that no more than fourteen clubs are allowed in the bag for a tournament.

If you don't know how to use fourteen clubs or twenty-five or however many, then don't put them in your bag. A full bag does not ensure a good game no matter what anyone else says.

Not too long ago Tiger had to tackle someone who tried to take off with his golf clubs. Your skill should dictate which clubs you carry not which PGA Tour member uses them.

Don't get carried away when creating your collection. Remember that choosing sticks that fit your game and that you are comfortable with are the two most important issues.

Article Source : Pg. 391

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Both Alex Smith & David Stargel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Alex Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Management, Tanning and Computers and The Internet. . Alex Smith's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.

David Stargel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Golf Guide, Gift Ideas and The Beach Resort. David Stargel publishes several golf related websites in addition to writing about all sorts of golf related topics.. David Stargel's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.