Linux Mint Forums

Since I got my new HP laptop, I was trying to put together a list of things to take with it when someone calls me for help. I have all of the basic cables/connectors like firewire, USB, ethernet, etc. I have a 2GB, and a 4GB USB stick, blank CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-R's. Distros will include Mint, Ubuntu, Knoppix, openSUSE, Mandriva, and either Puppy or DSL for older comps. Live utility CD's include Darik's Boot and Nuke, Gparted, System Rescue CD, RIP Linux, Super Grub Disk, Ultimate Boot CD, and Clonezilla. Does anyone have any suggestions, or see anything I left out?


EDIT: I forgot to mention I have pens and paper

Screwdrivers?
For desktops
PSU tester
If you can afford PCI test card - I've got one you put in a PCI slot and can make tons of tests but they are a bit expensive
A voltmeter - or rather universal meter is really helpful at times
Hard disk
Spare CPU
You can see that I used to have a computer company
A PCI - not express - video card
It all depends on how much you can afford

I've got a PC screwdriver kit. They like to put non standard screws in eveything I didn't think about the electrical meter, that could come in handy when checking a power supply. I was going to start small and cheap(married with three daughters). The only repair places around me are Best Buy and CompUSA. I've found people in my neck of the woods are very receptive to the idea of someone local repairing things instead of having them sent off for several weeks by the bigger companies. If the demand is great enough, I will invest in more expensive tools later. I have been watching the Phoronix Test Suite development. That looks promising. Thanks for the suggestions!


EDIT: I know I won't need ALL of those Linux CD's, but I thought I might need a good selection just in case I can convert someone