Tools I use on the Job

S

SGV.T4nK.909

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As a computer tech, i come across some very cool tools to make my job easier. here is some that I use on a daily basis. I can offer a wide range of inisght and advice when it comes to and PC related issue, RAIDS, GFX, TCP/IP, HDD, Optical Drives, Configs, etc etc


Anti Virus Sweeps Software:

The best thing to make sure a computer is totally cleane dout of any hostile viruses/malware/spyware is a System Wipe. The involves, backing up your Important PERSONAL DATA and Resinatlling a fresh copy of your Operating System.

But if you don't have the time or patience to reinstall your OS, then try these tools to rid yourself on any bugs.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware

A great tool for sweeping harmful software off of your computer, removes an astonishing amount of malicious software, has saved many clients computers from the wipe/reload.

[ame="http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button"]http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button[/ame]

SUPERanti spyware

Just another step in removing unwanted malicious software from your computer, used in conjunction with Malwarebytes and the other malicious software removal tools. Make sure You use the FREE one :)

http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html

HiJackThis

This tools is kinda advanced, it helps you modify MSCONFIG, and your registry for any rootkits, and registry entries that may run, or be installed in locations not normally know by most users. Pretty safe to remove everything on the scan...just make sure u have a back up. Also this can out put a log file which can be uplaoded on many anti-malware forums to help you in removal efforts.

[ame="http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html"]http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html[/ame]

Spybot Search and Destroy

A great all around tool for removing spyware/malware/rootkits/trojans and pretty much everything.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html


I usually run all of these and if infections is still evident, I have wasted enough time, I then back up, and wipe the system out.

A great back up utility is Symantec Ghost 8.0 (I hate the newer versions). If you know anything about searching for software you can find this pretty easily. Other back up software is include din windows xp pro, vista (select editions). If oyu have Windows XP home, you can insert your disc and look for the NTbackUp utility to install the Windows BackUp on your computer.

Below are some totally FREE anti viruses that are regulary used by me and my technicians in replacement of paid for subscription based software:

Free AVG 8.5

http://free.avg.com/


Avast! Home Edition-Free

http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html


Avira Personal (Annoying Pop Up ads can be fixed, just google it )

http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html


Just remember after you use the tools to RUN YOUR ANTI VIRUS SOFTWARE. AND ALWAYS UPDATE TO THE LATEST DEFINTIONS.


Anyone need any help hit me up :)
 
That's a great list! I used to do tech work and I agree 100% with the majority which I also used.

In addition, McAffe Stinger is a standalone scan/removal tool (reactive only) which I have had pretty good luck with.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

For geekier people, or those not getting paid by the hour by customers, try the Sysinternals suite by Mark Russinovich, acquired by Microsoft (and completely free)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx

The most helpful to an average person are Autoruns, Process Explorer, Rootkit Revealer and possibly TCPView. When automated tools couldn't remove malware, I used applications in the Sysinternals suite to identify and help remove the malware.

In my current job, I use a lot of the Sysinternals tools on virtual machines or an imaged disk to locate potential malware for analysis and identification of the creator, and to determine when and how it got on the computer.
 
Clarko said:
Well we already have this stickied. http://edgegamers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=63455

But I like your experiences with the software in the post but I thought it this would be about actually physical tools to use on site for computer repair.

- .5

:(
Click to expand...

Once the physical realm of the IT infrastructure is established there is hardly any usage of physical tools. It is driven by software to maintain what is in place.

An IT person should always have a fully stocked kit of tools including software. This kit should include screwdrivers(from standard to small size including the security screw ones), pliers, needlenose, screwgabbers, ESD bands, wirecutting tools, RJ-45 ends, RJ-11 ends, safety goggles, electricial probes and cable testers, punch panel tools, extra screws and internal cables, etc. Basically go find an all in one kit that has everything or buy what you need as you need. Newegg and Tigerdirect sell decent computer tool kits. Overtime you will be able to build a very large tool kit. I have a sandwitch bag full of screws from computers. Keep the screws from computers your tossing out. Keep the back metal brackets that plug the card slots.

To add to this list of software I use boot cd's such as the following.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com
or
http://www.ubcd4win.com

I also use Glary's Utilities for home usage. I use the Tracks Eraser and Registry cleaner the most.
http://www.glaryutilities.com

I am at a turning point in my IT career where I am trying to go all portable. That means I can take with me the software I need to use where ever I am. Flashdrives and portable HD's make this possible. Get started learning about this type of technology at www.portableapps.com If you know of the U3 software they do the samething. I personally hate the U3 software. If your in an environment that doesn't allow flashdrives(security policy) well then obviously portable applications will not work for you.

Keep up to date by reading Tech news sites.(google news, cnet, tech republic) If your more IS then IT then keep current on the security realm sites including those that are UG. Just a recommendation for all IT/IS people you should be reading at least an hour(if not more) a day of current news about your field. Read white papers and even non-profit tech,state, and federal sites for tech news. Go to local tech events not just the big ones like the OS makers put on or something like Blackhat.

Education is the best tool you have for yourself and for your company. Learn it, use it, live it.
 
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Wow you're the only person that I know that knows about SUPERanti spyware. It's so great. Whenever I download something that has a virus by mistake I just run it and kills everything on sight.
 
so far youve coverd pretty well all the tools i use for the average cleanup. i do like malwarebytes tho its been pretty awesome.

and Combofix is great for combating the Fake Antivirus infections

great thread idea :)
 
Complete List of Tools

I used to work some tech support back in the day, and a lot of the tools mentioned are really exceptional (especially hijack). Below is a compiled list from what everyone mentioned as well as a couple more tools of my own.

Anti Virus
Free AVG 8.5
http://free.avg.com/
Avast! Home Edition-Free
http://www.avast.com/eng/programs.html
Avira Personal (Annoying Pop Up ads can be fixed, just google it )
http://www.free-av.com/en/download/1...antivirus.html
McAffe Stinger – A standalone scan/removal tool (reactive only) which I have had pretty good luck with.
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
Trend Micro Housecall – A good online anti-virus scanner that can help if you are unable to install other virus programs.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
SD Fix – Virus and Spyware removal tool.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/resources/link252.html

Anti-Spyware
Malwarebytes Anti-malware – A great tool for sweeping harmful software off of your computer, removes an astonishing amount of malicious software, has saved many clients computers from the wipe/reload.
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyte...=dl&tag=button
SUPERanti spyware – Just another step in removing unwanted malicious software from your computer, used in conjunction with Malwarebytes and the other malicious software removal tools. Make sure You use the FREE one
http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
Spybot Search and Destroy – A decent all around tool for removing spyware/malware/rootkits/trojans and pretty much everything.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
ComboFix – Multi-genre spyware and malware remover.
http://www.combofix.org/
Windows Defender – Underrated decent piece of anti-spyware software free from Microsoft.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
Glary’s Utilities – Spyware and other services protection software.
http://www.glaryutilities.com/gu.html

Boot OS
Ultimate Boot – To add to this list of software I use boot cd's such as the following.
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com or http://www.ubcd4win.com
Bart PE / Tech 182 – Bart PE is the basic builder, Tech 182 is a great premade build if you can find it. Let’s you boot an OS and access files even if your windows is destroyed. Can be used against WinLogon loading viruses to bypass file in use errors.
http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Cleaning Tools
BlasTemp – Removes basic Windows temp files
http://www.jayloden.com/blastemp.htm
CCleaner – Great general removal file, nukes temp files, duplicates, etc.
http://www.ccleaner.com/update/
ATF Cleaner - General Cleaning Program.
http://www.atribune.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=25

General Tools
HostFix – Restores Windows host file to default
http://www.jayloden.com/hostfix.htm
Unstoppable Copier – Sometimes can recover files from damaged sectors or put things where you need them to go.
http://www.roadkil.net/program.php?ProgramID=29
HiJackThis – Amazing tool! Kinda advanced, it helps you modify MSCONFIG, and your registry for any rootkits, and registry entries that may run, or be installed in locations not normally know by most users. Pretty safe to remove everything on the scan...just make sure u have a back up. Also this can out put a log file which can be uplaoded on many anti-malware forums to help you in removal efforts.
http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro...-10227353.html
Sysinternals Suite - For geekier people, or those not getting paid by the hour by customers, try the Sysinternals suite by Mark Russinovich, acquired by Microsoft (and completely free) Helps diagnose Windows / system problems.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s...s/default.aspx
Autoruns – Identifies autoloading and start-up programs on your computer.
http://download.sysinternals.com/Files/Autoruns.zip
Startup List - Identifies autostarting programs in Windows.
http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/Merijn/startuplist.zip
Process explorer – Identifies current processes running in Windows.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
IBProcMan - Itty Bitty Process Manager, shows processes and lets you stop and remove active processes. Toned Down sort of HiJack This.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Itty_Bitty_Process_Manager_d4690.html
Rootkit Revealer – Shows system rootkit from registry.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx
Pocket Killbox – Force File Deleter.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/resources/link221.html
DosBox - Oddly, in addition to being amazing for playing old DOS games, DosBox can also be used to access your system and execute dos commands.
http://www.dosbox.com/
Brute Force Uninstaller - Removes the hell out of things. Note: do not use with Norton AV removal, that requires a whole special PITA process.
http://www.merijn.nu/files/bfu.zip

Internet and Network Repair
LSP-Fix - Corrects issues with Layered Service Provider software
http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/spyware/lspfix.zip
Winsock Fix – If your network isn’t working and nothing else is fixing it, this is an easy utility to try and repair your Winsock.
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/WinSockFix-Download-15337.html

Targeted Tools
Aim Fix
http://www.jayloden.com/aimfix.htm
Block Remove
http://www.jayloden.com/blockremove.htm
Norton Individual Removal Tools – Updated list from Norton with downloadable virus-specific removal tools
http://www.symantec.com/norton/security_response/removaltools.jsp
CWShredder – CoolWebSearch and related file remover
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/resources/link169.html
Kill2Me - Look2Me virus remover.
http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/Merijn/kill2me.zip
Rapid Blaster Killer - Um...Kills Rapid Blaster?
http://www.wilderssecurity.net/downloads/rbkiller.exe
Vundo Fix - Removes Vundo and various Vundo related viruses / spyware.
http://vundofix.atribune.org/
 
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