[clug-talk] Query: Mac & Windows Diagnostics Tools

[Gustin Johnson]

On 10-05-04 02:07 PM, TekBudda wrote:
> The boss wasn't specific about the feature sets they were loooking for
> & Norton Utilities was the closest thing I can thing of.  I think what
> they are maybe are looking for is something that does the following:
> * Disk Cleaner
Do you mean wiping a drive so that data cannot be recovered?
> * Registry Defragmenter/Cleaner
No point IMO
> * System Optimizer
No POINT IMO
> * Performance Test
What do you want to test, exactly?  What is the role of the machine?

> While not a core part I would imagine the following would be helpful as well:
> * Service Manager
This is built in to windows.

> * Startup Manager

If you need more than what Windows provides, look at the sysinternals suite.
> * Hardware Profile
OCS inventory might be what you are looking for here.

> * Partitioning Tool

Everyone does this, knoppix, systemrescuecd, BartPE, etc.

> * Data Recovery

Systemrescuecd, Knoppix, Ubuntu Live CD, BartPE can all do this.
> 
> I did try and press for more details of excatly what they are looking
> for, but he was prtty busy & couldn't really outline things much more.
>  My best guess is that they are looking for some sort of preventative
> maintainence product that could be used to diagnose issues & allow
> tech's to be somewhat proactive  at addressing issues.
> 
You really want some sort of IDS/IPS solution.  You cannot trust each
workstation to accurately report on its status.  Have a look at Alien
Vault.  It has a steep learning curve but it is very much worth the time
and effort.

> I am kind of envisioing what you did Gustin...a single cd/usb that you
> could pop in the drive & perform said functions.  I know it would

I do not have a single solution.  I carry with me a variety of tools (3
USB keys in total each with different tasks).  I have 37 Gigs of ISOs on
my laptop so that I can make whatever tool is required for the job.

For data recovery nothing beats a USB to SATA enclosure.

> likely be possible to build something out of some protabl tools & such
> out there, but I wanted to see if there was something already
> available.

Like any project, you need to know what you want.  Once you identify
your needs, you will find that the solutions sort of present themselves.
 Also, never rely on a sales person to tell you what you need.

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: signature.asc
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 262 bytes
Desc: OpenPGP digital signature
URL: <http://clug.ca/pipermail/clug-talk_clug.ca/attachments/20100504/936859a2/attachment.bin>