It is not unheard of for individuals seeking information technology (IT) jobs to manage networks and IT infrastructures at multiple locations.
Whether your information technology degree lands you a position working for a company that has you moving from campus to campus or you take a job with a managed service provider (MSP), a third-party company remotely managing customers’ IT infrastructures and end-user systems, you’re going to need to have the right tools at your disposal.
Front-line IT professionals who perform tasks at multiple job sites must have the right hardware in their toolbox to do their job effectively.
This blog post offers a peek inside the toolbox that the typical IT professional carries to remote job sites, so you can better understand the tools you’ll need for success.
Helpdesk Management Tools
For many IT professionals, particularly MSPs, a significant amount of IT work is conducted remotely. As a result, IT professionals need to use various tools that can remotely control and manage a client’s PC.
Let’s consider the tools essential to daily helpdesk and field tech work:
- Remote Management & Monitoring (RMM): Whereever your base of operations may be, you’ll need RMM tools to manage the desktops or servers for which you provide support. With RMM tools, you can monitor hard drive status and backups, manage antivirus software and patches, and connect remotely.
- Ticketing Systems: As an IT professional, you may be required to manage requests, track progress, plan site visits, and stay on top of routine maintenance. That’s where ticketing systems come in. Ticketing systems help to streamline the support process, improve communication, and track performance.
- Documentation: IT administrators and helpdesk team members need robust documentation systems to manage passwords and integrate sharable instructions that they can easily send to network users and clients.
IT Tools for Field Operations
It is not uncommon for an IT professional to travel to visit a job site and perform their work on location. Many individuals with an information technology degree end up working as field techs which involves them visiting a variety of different locations to perform a wide range of activities, including:
- routine maintenance
- troubleshooting bad internet connections
- memory upgrades
- hard drive upgrades
- PC installs
- OS reloads
- cleaning infected PCs
When it comes to field tech positions, most of the work has been scheduled in advance, and the IT professional has an idea of the tools and equipment they might need for a particular job. However, not every IT issue is as it seems, and techs must be as well-prepared as possible.
That’s where an IT toolbox or grab bag filled with essential tools is necessary for success.
If you want to assemble the ultimate tool kit for IT technology jobs, follow this handy guide, broken into three categories:
1. Software Solutions for IT Professionals
- ISO Images of Popular Operating Systems: A USB drive containing ISO operating systems is necessary to boot a PC in recovery mode or reinstall an operating system.
- A Network Scanner: At some point, an IT professional will have to scan a network to determine the IP of a device, so you’ll need access to a network scanning tool.
- Antivirus Software: Adware and Malware removal tools are essential software solutions that every IT professional should have in their toolbox.
- Hard Drive Cloning Software: When users want to upgrade their hard drives, you’ll want to have access to cloning software so you don’t have to reload all of the already installed software.
- Password Reset Software: You’ll be surprised in working information technology jobs how many times you’ll need to employ password reset software.
2. What to Put in Your Laptop Bag
In addition to your laptop, your laptop bag should also have the following items:
- screwdriver
- USB drive
- cage nuts
- cable ties
3. What to Have in Your Toolbox
IT professionals working in the field should always have the above-listed essentials. However, most jobs are going to require a bit more.
Here’s what your IT toolbox should contain:
- various torx drivers and screwdrivers
- a portable labeler
- a USB mouse and keyboard
- cable or fabric ties
- a hard disk to USB adapter
- a 1TB USB hard disk drive
- OS DVDs
- a USB DVD/RW drive
- blank CDs/DVDs
- screws and cage nuts
- compressed air
- a crimper
- a punch-down tool
- a tone & probe kit
- a network cable tester
- network cable
- ADSL filters
- RJ45 connectors
- BT extension cables
- A wireless VDSL router
- RJ11 to RJ45 cables
- RJ11 cables
Understanding the Tools of an IT Professional
Ultimately, you’ll never have every tool you’ll need for every situation you encounter. Still, the tools outlined in this post are a good starting point.
At CBT Technology Institute in Miami, we’ll give you the most useful tool that any IT professional will have in their toolbox – a computer network support specialist degree. Our well-rounded IT training program in Miami will prepare you for the most competitive information technology jobs.
Contact us to start building your IT toolbox with hands on IT training in Miami today.