10 Tools Every Computer Repair Technician Should Keep in his Arsenal
Today’s world runs on computers. It is a real world that exists on the outside, but the existence is at the behest of the virtual world of the ‘Internet’. A computer repair man is a ‘doctor’, a specialist doctor, who only knows how to maintain and keep your system running. It is in real a ‘high precision’ job that requires the deft and capable hands of a seasoned computer technician to ascertain the fault, and repair the system. To assist him in his profession, there are certain tools that he ought to have in his ‘kitty’. Some of the essential ‘hardware’ that he should possess is as under:-
• Standard screwdrivers (Non-magnetic): Screwdrivers come in various forms, shapes and sizes. As many varieties there are with regard to screwdrivers, there are as many sizes too. Screwdrivers of a longer shaft and those with a flat head are essential tools in the arsenal of a computer technician. A word of caution would be to ensure you do not use a screwdriver which has a magnetic tip inside a computer. Instead of repairing a computer, you may end up damaging it even more.
• Voltmeter/Multi-tester: A multi-tester is used for testing the power supply which includes testing the voltage, resistance, continuity of the power supply and many other things. A voltmeter on the other hand is used to measure only the voltage.
• An ATX power supply tester: This particular tool specifies whether the power supply is outputting power by providing functional terminals that permit an easy testing of the voltage with the help of a multi-tester/voltmeter. This is considered one of the most essential tools of a computer technician.
• Cable testers: Cable testers used along with a computer save time, and are usually manageable. A cable tester is a mandatory tool in any computer technician’s arsenal.
• POST card: A POST card, when plugged into an extension slot, shows the problem code on a miniature display which can then be used to identify and solve the problem. Not only is it accurate and specific in its diagnosis, it is handy by virtue of it being an excellent time-saver.
• Diagnostic software: As the term itself suggests, this software is used to diagnose any computer malfunction in minimum downtime. This software is either available in the form of a disk-drive which is downloadable, or is provided by the software manufacturers free of cost.
• A USB network adaptor: In order to facilitate an easy access on the network of a computer, a computer technician ought to have a USB network adapter as part of his tool kit.
• Data transfer cables: When faced with the problem of corrupted OS during PC repair, the best solution that is available to a computer technician is transfer of data.
A tool kit of any technician worth his salt would contain the above mentioned tools, in addition to which he would also be carrying all those tools that are required for him to function efficiently.