Solved: Starting_Out_Computer_Tech

[mountian]

Hi everyone I just passed my CompTia A+, Network+ and now the Security+. Basically I'm trying to get into the Networking field so I'm back in school! I am starting to do computer repair and I am seeking advise on any and all tools and software I should acquire. Help from Computer technicians in the know and Tech Support Guy people in general is So very much appreciated. Thank You all...

 

[etaf]

I would suggest you have a read through the posts here as you will see a lot of recommendations for software here as part of the diagnoses

UBCD = http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
UBCD for windows = http://www.ubcd4win.com/
has loads of useful software tools on

UBUNTU = http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=ubuntu&meta=
Useful to test PCs that will not boot - using virtual CD also useful for copying data off a not bootable PC

bitdefender = http://download.bitdefender.com/rescue_cd/
Standalone virus checker - that updates on loading if connected to network

Xirrus wifi inspector = http://www.xirrus.com/
useful for checking wireless adapters and channels

gparted = http://gparted.sourceforge.net/
GParted is a free partition editor for graphically managing your disk partitions.
http://partedmagic.com/doku.php


i'll post some more as i think of them - so watch this post - as i will just edit it and add to the list

 

[1002richards]

The BootMed Live CD is an Ubuntu Remix... It's main goal is to help the average Windows user to recover a computer that will not boot ... you can install BootMed to a bootable USB flash drive http://www.bootmed.com/WhatCanBootMedDo.html?fid=49

 

[mountian]

Thank You Thank You Thank You! for all the info.
Also I bought an anti static mat from Radio Shack, ordered a power supply tester Ide to sata adapters, multimeter tester; stuff like that. Any other usefull items? and what might I stock up on that I wouldn't be wasting money on?

 

[etaf]

Also I bought an anti static mat from Radio Shack,

and strap i assume

maybe a USB to IDE/SATA Adapter for example - NOT A RECOMMENDATION for the actual product as never used - but an example
http://www.amazon.co.uk/IOMAX-SATA-Adapter-Power-Drive/dp/B001A5SK56

LAN cable or two - straight and crossed
Printer cable
portable harddrive to copy data onto
portable CD/DVD drive perhaps

are you going to peoples homes OR are they leaving the kit with you

 

[mountian]

Thank You much etaf, I've gone to peoples homes for printer issues, router setup as well as putting up the wifi and the local laundry mat. I need to build experience as well as confidence so I can make myself available to small buisness, home or office. At the moment I feel better having them leave the Kit with me so I can work in the comfort of my space.

 

[etaf]

you build up the confidence as you get more work.

At the moment I feel better having them leave the Kit with me so I can work in the comfort of my space.

there's also the cost factor - sitting on site waiting for 1 to 1.5hrs for a scan to finish can work out expensive , but sometimes unavoidable

I dont do a lot of repair - try to avoid, and try to focus more on providing tailored training at peoples home, but often get involved in repair , and thats mostly what i have in my car - along of course with a decent tool set (but that was from when i was a computer engineer in the 80s , and need less tools these days)

 

[mountian]

Thank You etaf
Next week a graphic desiner i've worked with is going to design me some cards. I have a target market and plan on canvassing the area and contacting them. Can you elaborate on the Tailored Training that I could learn to offer as I have offered remote assistance a couple of times. Also I am a little concered about Prices can you direct me to some sort of industy standard pricing?
Thanks and have a nice rest of the weekend.

 

[etaf]

Also I am a little concered about Prices can you direct me to some sort of industy standard pricing?

that will depend on the geography and competition - just have a look and see whats in the area your are supporting and what they charge - it will be market forces that determines the price you can charge and also if you have anything unique that is not offered in the area
have a search on the web for your area , also any stores locally that offer the service and their charges

the training is on whatever the client wants , setting up PCs, word, excel , images , editing etc , mainly aimed at the elderly market

you may also want to get a website set up