Online Tools

By far the very best in Anti-Virus and Spyware software:

Below is a list of websites that I have found to be very useful when troubleshooting a variety of technical problems.

HijackThis.de - This is a Log Analyser for the utility HiJack This! When you run the utility make sure to enable the logging feature, once complete you paste your Hijack This! logs into the website and it will tell you what is potentially malicous and what is safe.

Speedtest.net - Speedtest allows you to test the speed of your internet connection, choose multiple mirrors to test from and compare your results to other people in the area.

Driverguide.com - A site with a huge collection of drivers for all sorts of hardware.

RouterPasswords.com - Contains a list of the default passwords for various router models.

DLL-Files.com - Contains many different DLL’s which are available for download. Handy when an application is missing a certain DLL that is preventing it from running.

EServiceInfo.com - A large collection of Service manuals, electronic components datasheets and equipment schematics. Very useful when clients lose their manuals.

ProcessLibrary.com - A searchable list of Windows processes. Just enter the name of the process (for example, svchost.exe) and it will let you know whether it is malicious, safe or unneeded.

Windows Post Installation Wizard

This application gives users a choice of what applications, tweaks and scripts to install using an automated system. This is a great tool to use when building or re-installing a windows based operating system.

Combofix

Combofix is a freeware, portable application designed to scan a computer for known malware and, if found, attempt to remove it. I personally use this application very frequently in conjunction with SmitFraudFix to remove Win Antivirus 2008 and its variants. In addition to removing many different rogueware products, it also shows you a log of files that were created or modified in the last month to help you locate potential malware it didnt detect. For example, if there is a randomly named .dll file in the system32 folder that was created on the day of the infection but all other files are dated years ago when Windows was installed, its probably something to do with the virus. To begin installation, click the link above and select "RUN".

Due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer.

Deep Burner

DeepBurner Portable is a free, portable CD/DVD burning application which happily runs from a USB drive. It has many the features you would expect in burning software like Nero such as creating and copying data CD/DVDs, creating and burning ISO files, overburn and multisession disks. It also has the ability to create autorun menus for your CD as well as creating CD covers. I have used this a few times to get data off clients computers that don’t have any burning software.

Laptop Manuals

Dell Laptops

HP & Compaq Laptops (must have approved credentials)

Toshiba Thinkpad Laptops

Tims Laptop Service Manuals – Large list of laptop repair manuals. Scroll about 1/4 down the page to see the manuals.

Inside My Laptop – Guide on how to replace various laptop parts.

EServiceInfo – A large (somewhat unorganised) archive of service manuals.

IFixIt – IFixIt has teardown guides for Apple computers, PCs and many other consumer electronics.

Large List of Downloadable Computer Repair CDs

Some of these are free to download, some are not. Be sure to read the EULA for the CD’s you download and the applications you use to make sure you are allowed to use them in the manner you plan to use them in. Many of the CDs contain a variety of different programs and some of the applications are free to use as you please, but some of them disallow commercial use. So be sure to read and abide by the EULA for whatever you use.

Also, some of these CD’s may set off an antivirus false positive due to their virus removal, password cracking, system file changing nature. Konboot is one such CD that will set off antivirus software. Its best to scan the CDs that are setting off your antivirus using a site like Virustotal.com and make your own decisions.

Antivirus Boot Disks

Avira AntiVir Rescue System

Go 2 Technology Consultants

FAST AND RELIABLE COMPUTER/NETWORK SERVICES