Building a Field Service CD

[SiliconJon]

Ok, it's time to update my Field Service CD, or as I plainly label it "Win Skel".

So, what apps do I need that are missing from my list. Only free software is used. If a demo version is functional enough to use, then I will do so. Paid software is kept seperate.

Drivers & related:
ATI
nVidia
Matrox
SiS
XVID ** I use the Gordian Knot Codec pack to install my codecs, as all I need are included.
DIVX : DivX Pro's free version has Gain spyware in it.
Via : All three "4-in-1" suites are advised
DirectX 9.0c : Complete package


Malware Removal & Protection:
Adaware
SpyBot S&D
AVG AntiVirus
Sasser Worm Removal
Blaster Worm Removal


Benchmarking & Hardware Testing:
SiSoft
MemTest86+ is best used on a bootable CD
MemTest
3dMark
BurnInTest & PerformanceTest : by PassMark
HyperTransport Bench : A great new util from VIA for Athlon 64 systems

System Utilities:
Western Digital Lifeguard & Diagnostics
Maxtor PowMax & SCSIMax
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Regmon - Linux, W98, NTK
Filemon - W98 & NTK
Netmon - "
Process Explorer - "

General Utilities:
Adobe Acrobat
Daemon Tools : ISO Mounter & CP Emu
Daemon Script : A must have for Daemon Tools
Winzip
RAR
OpenOffice : Office Suite
Gordian Knot : DVD ripping software & Guide

Multimedia Players & Related:
VideoLAN Client (VLC) : Video Player
Windows Media Player 10
XnView : Image Conversion

P2P (just in case, MAJOR SPYWARE CONTAINERS):
eDonkey
mIRC
WinMX

Also, Order Windows' Update CD

Work in progress, I know that's not 700MB...forgetting many, hafta go look

 

[mugs]

Oooh, this could become a useful list. But, why do you list P2P software?

 

[AFB]

Originally posted by: mugs
Oooh, this could become a useful list. But, why do you list P2P software?

Yeah, why do you have that?

 

[SiliconJon]

It seems that many people use their computers for little else other than file trading, so it comes in quite handy to have the latest version in my kit. They always get the spyware speech, though. I also warn them of the RIAA and MPAA, and often get hit in the head for that one

 

[DaveSimmons]

www.UltimateBoodCD.com might give you some ideas.

FYI, you've probbably seen that the MPAA is going to start suing people now too. You might want to start bringing along a flyer for netflix instead

 

[ElFenix]

network drivers

 

[KLin]

You may want to consider adding HijackThis to your spyware removal arsenal.

 

[SiliconJon]

Yes, HiJack This needs added to my collection. This is only half of it...I need to grab my CD from home to see what items I'm forgetting.

 

[WT]

I always keep a Stinger floppy handy. Its a standalone scanner from McAfee, and I don't have to install AVG before scanning a customer PC. You wouldn't believe how many people think their Norton 2003 will just keep on protecting them, even though it hasn't been updated in 10 months !

Stinger

 

[WT]

DOH !! How could I forget this one ???

Panicware Popup Stopper

FYI: I prefer the older version of Popup Stopper (2.6), as it does not add an annoying splash screen at startup.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

FFDshow is all you need for video playback - only install the other codecs if there's encoding going on.

- M4H

 

[imported_hscorpio]

Don't forget these;
Spywareblaster
CCleaner
firefox
zonealarm or
sygate
maybe a registry tool and MSBootvis too.

 

[SiliconJon]

I usually edit the registry manually. Though sometimes I do use some other program when looking to remove those deep problems. I didn't even know about Stinger...man, I really need to get out more. That's a great tool.

I also don't generally install pop-up blockers or firewalls due to their inhibitions. When doing so I tend to get far too many call-backs about problems with sites & apps. If they're bright enough, I'll suggest programs to them (such as Black-Ice if I really want to throw them a toughy).

 

[SiliconJon]

http://www.sysinternals.com/ntw2k/utilities.shtml

Filemon, Regmon, and Diskmon...very nice, newly discovered. Also grab the W98 and Linux ports.

 

[DJFuji]

another bump for ultimate boot CD. That thing is AWESOME for troubleshooting/reformatting. It has about every utility known to man included. I threw a copy of ghost on there and other misc utilities I needed and then made a complete separate CD/DVD for common windows applications.