A note on computer repair tools:
Standard phillips head screwdrivers (non-magnetic)
Good quality Phillips screwdrivers are the basic requirement. At the very least, you’ll need small and large Phillips screwdrivers of various shaft lengths. A few different sized flat-head screwdrivers are also helpful. Never use magnetic screwdrivers inside computers.
Cordless rechargeable screwdriver
Saves time, effort and are especially useful when fixing multiple PCs.
Paper clips
A unbent paper clip makes for a perfect tool for releasing the drawer of an optical disc drive.
Multitester/voltmeter
Absolute must – most commonly used for testing power supply. It can test voltage, continuity, resistance, and much more. Unlike multitesters, a voltmeter’s only function is to measure voltage.
ATX power supply tester
A simple tool that indicates if your power supply is indeed outputting power, and provides convenient terminals which help you to easily test – voltage using a voltmeter or multitester.
Cable testers
Testers available for most types of cables used within a computer. While there are other ways to test cables, like swapping them with known good cables, cable testers save valuable time.
Port-testing software
Used to determine if various ports are working correctly.
Breakout boxes
Another device used for testing cables & ports. Allows complete flexibility in changing electrical configuration of cables & ports for testing purposes.
Loopback adapters
Available for serial as well as parallel ports, loopback adapters simulate signals that are input into the computer. Works with port-testing software, described earlier.
Anti-static (ESD) wristbands or anklebands
Important tool to protect computer circuits against damage due to electro-static discharge given out by the human body!
Anti-static (ESD) spray
Effectively reduces static electricity on fabric and carpet.
Anti-static (ESD) mats
Provides a static-free surface. Can be along with anti-static wristbands. Includes anti-static floor mats.
POST card (POST – Power ON Self Test)
A simple card that can be plugged to an expansion slot. It contains a small display to a show a problem code, POST cards are time savers & provide accurate & specific diagnoses.
Diagnostic software such as Micro-Scope and PC Certify
There are tons of diagnostic software out there & these products can significantly save time needed to diagnose all kinds of computer problems.
Disk drive installation software
Software utilities provided by the drive manufacturers themselves and from other resources, many of which are available freely. These sometimes come with the drive, but can also be downloaded.
BIOS flashing utilities (by companies such as MR BIOS®)
Use these to flash BIOS and perform other rescue operations on BIOS and also CMOS chips diagnosed with problems.
USB network adapter
Allows easy network access on any computer which has USB ports but no internal network adapter. Used for data transfer & Internet access in networks set up for it.
Data transfer cables
Cables are of various types such as serial, parallel & USB allow for different methods of data transfer. Sometimes, the best solution for a computer diagnosed with serious OS trouble is to format the HDD (which erases all content), and then reinstall the OS & all necessary software. Data transfer is often most efficient method of saving data that will be erased during formatting of the drive. Various software utilities, of which some are supplied with Windows, allow data transfer through these cables.
Cleaning and maintenance tools, vacuums and dust-cleaning sprays
Computers can get dusty inside, dust build-up etc.. interferes with proper cooling. Use sprays such as Blow Off™, while vacuuming to clean and remove dust.
CD/DVD scratch repair kits
These can sometimes save damaged software & data discs.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
These provide continuous power to a PC when there is a power failure. Indispensable? especially when making changes to a computer’s BIOS, because if power fails during these operations will render a computer useless untill a replacement BIOS chip is strapped in, which isn’t always possible!
Data-recovery software
Software that can recover data from damaged HDDs
Data-recovery companies (such as Ontrack)
When a HDD crashes and the data on the drive is very valuable, these companies, can often recover lost data from your drives for a substantial fee.
Problem-solving software
Software programs like Norton Utilities™ and McAfee® Clinic can solve many different computer related problems & optimize performance.
