From TechRepublic plus some other things that I find happy to have with me most days.
- Backpack to carry all this junk
- A laptop
- A smartphone
- Tripp-lite keyspan serial to USB converter
- Big thumb drive (32GB+)
- Maxtech 16521MX 32-Piece Precision Bit Set
- Ethernet cable
- Small variety of USB cables
- FireWire cable
- Male DVI to Female DB25 VGA adapter
- Extension cord
- Notepad and pencil- tried and true and always useful.
- Dropbox or Box.net- you can keep files there and access them anywhere with an internet connection. Also perfect for sending links for others to download patches and hotfixes.
- Ninite- this one-stop-shop for common downloads is the best thing since sliced bread; in one download you can get antivirus, iTunes, OpenOffice, and a host of other free utilities.
- Rubber bands I always keep a handful of rubber bands in my kit to keep things organized and many times the rubber band has been the most important tool I carry. How’s that you ask? How many times have you been replacing a hard disk in a server only to find the head of the screw is stripping? The fix? Place a wide rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw — and the rubber band will fill in the stripped area. Try it and you can thank me later.
- Portable Apps
- CyberTool or Multitool
- Telescoping magnet
- Zip ties
- Velcro ties
- Bent paper clip
- Linux boot disk. Many different options here.
- Carabiners
- Dedicated flashlight rather than app
- Anti-static strap
- Console cable
- Hemostats
- Ziploc bags
- Canned Air
- Duct Tape
- From Ron: Way back when, working my way through college installing air conditioning and heating systems (this is pre-computers), I had to run thermostat wires in some awfully tight locations. I found a 6-foot length of beaded chain, to drop down inside walls invaluable! Now I carry it to fish cables up from behind desks, etc. Just a cheap hunk of chain with an alligator clip on the end.