Web Worker Emergency Survival Kit
April 12th, 2007 (9:00am) Mike Gunderloy 52 Comments
Despite our best plans, things go wrong in the real world. Laptops break down. Client computers get infected with viruses and worms. DVDs get stuck in drives. Internet connections die due to ISP incompetence. The list goes on from there.
Over the years, I’ve accumulated a variety of tools that don’t take up much space but that come in handy when an emergency comes along. On the average day, I don’t need any of these - but when I do, I’m happy to have them. Here are my suggestions for the web worker emergency survival kit:
A Backup Connection: Call me a cynic, but I’ve never yet had a way to get online that had universal coverage or 100% uptime. Over the years I’ve used everything from dialup accounts to satellite telephone to fill in the inevitable gaps, and been glad to pay for the insurance.
A Live CD: If your own laptop suddenly refuses to boot, it’s nice to be able to get into a familiar computing environment rather than taking luck of the draw with whatever your client has on site. This is simplest if you’re a Linux user, where you have everything from Knoppix to Ubuntu CDs to choose from. Windows users can use BartPE to build their own Live CD. (Mac users don’t get to play in this game, since you can’t boot OS X on random white box PCs).
A USB Key: Yes, we’ve all got them - but what to put on them? If you’re in the Windows world, you’ll want some antivirus and spyware scanning apps; choose your favorites from the many out there. For diagnosing issues on networks and machines, many of the tools on the Insecure.org list come in handy (this list covers all the major operating systems). I also carry a list of my credit card numbers together with the customer service numbers to cancel them, and a list of installation keys and download URLs for my purchased software applications; thus, my USB key is backup for lost wallet or crashed hard drive. But if you build such a list, be sure to encrypt it, just in case you lose the USB key!
A Multitool: Fixing computers, opening those awful clamshell packages, sharpening pencils, getting at batteries that need to be changed - I end up using my multitool very frequently. I’m partial to the Leatherman Wave myself, but if you dislike the utility belt look and don’t have a computer bag or purse to chuck a tool into there are plenty of other alternatives, from keychain models like the Leatherman Micra to Toollogic’s line of credit card tools to the Cybertool series of Swiss Army knives.
A Credit Card: With a decent sized open credit line, that is. Face it, sometimes there are problems where spending money really is the best solution. It’s tough to find yourself in a situation where you really need to have a new portable DVD burner overnighted to you at a remote client location - but even tougher to be in that situation and have no way to make it happen.
What’s in your emergency survival kit, to get you through those tough situations when you’re stranded in a strange coffeeshop and have to survive with only your wits and the contents of your laptop bag?
52 Comments Post your own comment
Jacob Patton says: April 12th, 2007 11:52am
1. Power adapter with extension cord - for those hard to reach outlets
2. Extra battery - when outlets aren’t available
3. Portable Hard Drive backup - with my Mac backed up using SuperDuper, I can use any Mac to boot off the back up and be up and running again–with my files and apps–in no time.
4. Parallels Desktop and Windows Vista - useful in more cases than just emergencies, but it’s definitely handy to be able to download and run a Windows-only app when there’s something you just have to do for a client (like, grr, deal with MS Publisher…)
Dale Cruse says: April 12th, 2007 12:57pm
Your Leatherman Wave link doesn’t go anywhere.
Matt Large says: April 12th, 2007 4:48pm
Might be a little too far but a while ago I got a 5 port 10/100 switch that can be powered from a USB port. Comes in handy for those times when there’s only a single ethernet port and you need to get several laptops connected. Often use it during meetings at client sites when their IT cannot patch in more sockets. It’s also a great talking point :)
Obviously I keep a few Cat5 cables with me as well.
Mike Gunderloy says: April 12th, 2007 5:16pm
Hm. Dunno what borked the Wave link. Try this one: Leatherman Wave
Amy says: April 13th, 2007 5:30am
small torch - for plugging things into the back of PCs in dark, dusty corners
Large make-up brush for dusting machines when you open them up :-D Just feels cool ;-)
Mark says: April 13th, 2007 7:31am
1. Know locations nearby with free or paid wi-fi where you can work when your ISP goes out. Test them ahead of time, so a stressful time is not further stressed by not being able to get online at your backup location.
2. Keep an older computer up to date as a backup just in case. Test it frequently.
3. Keep co-workers phone numbers & email addresses offline in case you need to contact them to tell them you will be offline until you get to a backup location.
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gordon says: April 13th, 2007 10:06am
this isn’t just for webworkers. i work for a private non-profit that helps people who can’t afford their heat and electric bills. our application is web based and our computers are decrepit. you wouldn’t believe what I have done to keep our stuff going. i’m a big fan of toothpics, dental floss and duct tape.
g.
http://www.buythatlocally.com
Nick_ says: April 13th, 2007 10:22am
Multi tool and cat5 cable. The multi tool is from Alien though, it’s for my mountain bike. The allen wrench sizes match up well - small details on a bike derailer work on a lot of machines.
Oh and a card reader, I never had one when I needed it. Now I keep one in my briefcase and one at my desk. I also use a DiskGo! watch, a little dorky but I always have memory. The dork factor is erased by the Bond factor with its occasional public use.
Brad says: April 13th, 2007 10:31am
Rather than carrying a LiveCD around, or even a laptop, sometimes all I need is a flash drive with the PortableApps suite. You can plug it into pretty much any PC and have access to a word processor, web browser, spreadsheet etc. I even installed a portable version of Audacity, so I can borrow a computer and do some audio editing on the go.
Jon K says: April 13th, 2007 10:35am
The most important bit of kit I use every day at work is a 2.5” 100GB USB portable hard drive. It gets power from the USB port itself, so no external power supply is required. I’ve got on there Thinstall versions of Office, Nero and other utils (Thinstall virtualises a program so you can run it on any PC without installing it or leaving any kind of footprint). Also got a Virtual PC image of a clean Windows XP install which is great for testing. Most importantly though, this HD holds my collection of MP3s which has definitely helped me though the day on several occasions!!!
IpNextGen says: April 13th, 2007 10:51am
This tool is crucial tool… SAVING alot of troubles anywhere…
http://techgage.com/article/vantec_sataide_to_usb_adapter
rofsky says: April 13th, 2007 10:52am
everyone should have an external usb 2.0 hard drive or cdrom encloser, opened up, and only the backend should be taken out, with the power cord, then when your at a clients remote location with your laptop you can plug in the lil guy, right into the back of the hardrive without taking it out, and now you can browse their hd on your laptop, make whatever backups, repairs necessary files etc. if your dealing with windows you better have a copy of every version in your cd case, cause you know your gonna have to use it for something, a dos boot disk, well if the computer even has a floppy anymore, some snacks, and a good explanation for whatever it is that happend, and a good excuse to leave, cuase your tired of waiting, and its not worth your time
rofsky says: April 13th, 2007 10:53am
oh yeah. and .. beyond compare .
coRank says: April 13th, 2007 10:56am
Web Worker Daily » Blog Archive Web Worker Emergency Survival Kit «
Some tips for those of us who work on computers in the field.
Johnatsea says: April 13th, 2007 11:02am
I use my Ipod as a backup hard drive. I have 30 gigs I look cool helping people while I can rock out. also when it is attached to their computer it recharges and I can listen to it as I work. they come in all different sizes and colors if that matters.
Aud1073cH says: April 13th, 2007 11:09am
I like to have a small tape measure. I have one that is only 6ft/2m with both English Standard and Metric - I may not use it everyday, but when I need one out somewhere, its nice to have something other than the back of my Leatherman.
When doing networking, you’ll have your cat5e patch of course, but I also have - a couple of RJ-45 couplers (female-female adapters) - that way I only have to carry a short 3 or 4 inch crossover cable, and a cheap loop back made from a single RJ-45 male end. - So with one 4 meter straight through, I also have a 4m extension and 4m crossover. as well as male and female loop backs :)
I actually prefer the “utility belt” look. I’ve got a 2.25″ wide military surplus Pistol belt that I’ve loaded with: Keyring to clip on caribeaner keyring, Leatherman, Mini-Mag flashlight, sharpie fine and ultra-fine markers, 2″ folding knife, 6′ tape measure, USB flash drive, and my cell phone holder. - Its all the stuff I’d ordinarily want to keep in my pockets, but I’d end up sitting on something, and have no spare pocket space. so the utility belt is great. Plus I can unload everything at the end of the day just by taking the belt off.
MrTroy says: April 13th, 2007 11:12am
A Credit Card
Um… or how about actual money? Why must I borrow (read: pay interest) when you KNOW that emergencies are going to come? Just be prepared with an adequate emergency fund with a debit card.
Johnatsea says: April 13th, 2007 11:17am
oh some other things that i have with me at all times are drivers for wireless devices if your computer crashes you can turn any computer into a wireless as long as you have the right software this I also store on my ipod. Just think of what you use to get on the internet and once you can make anycomputer get on the internet you should be able to get all you need I also have a multi tool I like the gerber it is like a Leatherman but less expensive yet the quality is still there.
G says: April 13th, 2007 11:18am
These are all great suggestions. However, you all forgot the most important thing for when ALL ELSE fails.
A bottle of booze, rack of beer … whatever your poison. If you can’t work, might as well get drunk.
Johnatsea says: April 13th, 2007 11:20am
what about games??? you know when you are waiting for the computer to finish downloading you need to keep or at least look like you are busy.
BabyGotMac.com says: April 13th, 2007 11:21am
Nice list, pretty comprehensive. Another nice addition for those of us with an OCD: a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Don’t even *think* about what other people do at their computers…just clean yourself. Ugh.
MasIndra says: April 13th, 2007 11:29am
Hmmm…thanx.
Thomas says: April 13th, 2007 11:33am
this is cool http://www.photo2text.com/
E. Martin says: April 13th, 2007 12:54pm
Besides the multitools, utp-cable, usb-stick and live cd’s I always have a USB-charger for my mobile phone (it’s not funny when your battery is empty and there’s no charger around) and I always have some paracetamol in case I have an head ache.
abu ameerah says: April 13th, 2007 1:16pm
interesting.
Techno Mojo » Blog Archive » links for 2007-04-13 says: April 13th, 2007 2:28pm
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tech says: April 13th, 2007 4:23pm
A Credit Card
Um… or how about actual money? Why must I borrow (read: pay interest) when you KNOW that emergencies are going to come? Just be prepared with an adequate emergency fund with a debit card.
live tv says: April 13th, 2007 7:08pm
How about dos boot disk for windows, from Dos I can do just about anything - bring back files that were trashed or lost because of spyware/virues, reformat and reinstall operating systems and anything else. A Boot disk (yes a disk not cd) is essential.
lee says: April 13th, 2007 7:56pm
Upload all your important documents to the Internet for backup. You never know when that trusty laptop is going to break down.
Memory says: April 13th, 2007 8:08pm
This list seems like the barebones obvious… connection, cash and (box) chopper.
Things I can’t live without:
BartPE, ERD Commander or something to boot what doesn’t.
Spybot, AdAware, AVG and the latest Symantec stand-alone’s to find most creepy-crawlies.
Process monitors such as KillBox and IBPM (Itty Bitty Process Manager) to wipe out rogues
Hard drive caddy to create backups for those who don’t
Penlight and a brush to find obvious motherboard fail points.
Lee’s Blog. - » Copper… and Links! says: April 13th, 2007 11:05pm
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Louish says: April 14th, 2007 1:18am
I think everyone forgot the obvious. What about a paperclip. You never know when you’re going to need to defuse a bomb.
Sean says: April 14th, 2007 6:57am
I carry for computer work:
USB Wifi finder
4 gig usb key (for copying large files)
512 mb usb key with personal data
Leatherman
Flashlight
Backtrack Linux Live CD
nomadicalloy says: April 14th, 2007 11:36am
some of these measures are extreme. try to simplify your process that always works for me.
Web Worker Emergency Survival Kit | Big Blue Machine says: April 14th, 2007 1:26pm
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hurricanecandice says: April 14th, 2007 6:53pm
Thanks for the tips :) I have a Leatherman Wave and LOVE it :)
Kelli says: April 14th, 2007 7:49pm
PDA with everyone’s contact info in it.
2g USB flash drive with portable Adobe Pootoshop (http://portableapps.com/node/1426) and Crimson Editor
USB Bluetooth dongle
A screwdriver with multiple heads
Mini-MagLite
Trac Phone
ID, cash, CC, map to readily available cheap sources of caffeine in large quantities.
Snorski says: April 15th, 2007 4:28am
consider taking the following….
- microfiber cloth … for cleaning glasses, screens etc…
- wet cleaning tissues … for the same reason as babygotmac already suggested
- dry tissues … for blowing your nose
- sanitary napkins…. I’m a bloke and can’t get myself to put some in my bag, but they are really brilliant in dealing with coffee spills
- antacids and painkillers … saved my day one more than one occasion
- mini usb hub … cuz you know you’re going to need more usb-ports than are standard on your laptop
- set of headphones …. to create a form of isolation in a crowded environment, for use with voip (like skype) or just to listen to your mp3-collection unobtrusively…
and finally:
- a decent mouse… really… they might be big and cumbersome to have in your bag, but somewhere down the line everybody who uses those tiny mice, or that stupid touchpad, or that ridiculous little nipple in the keyboard ends up with f***ed up hands
Barry Rueger says: April 15th, 2007 5:30pm
Sometimes lo-tech is better - a notepad and a couple of pens, because sometimes you just need to write stuff down, either because of a situation where you can’t CTRL-C copy text, or because you need to write down a password and carry it to the next room.
And gaffer tape, because sometimes you just need to make something stay put even for a couple minutes.
I’ll also toss for a small digital camera with flash because it is always good to document what you did, where you did it, and how you did it. Much better than trying to remember it three weeks later.
Or to document how things were arranged before you unplug a dozen cables and move them around.
Beautyfil Mind » Blog Archive » Web Worker Emergency Survival Kit says: April 16th, 2007 2:47am
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Oxide says: April 20th, 2007 9:33am
There’s a useful list of apps to store on USB or CD, over at http://www.sensibleprecautions.com/2007/04/usb_emergency_t.html
mcdave.net » links for 2007-04-22 says: April 21st, 2007 11:25pm
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Motorcycle Guy says: April 27th, 2007 10:17am
I’m not a big fan of multi tools they exceed at nothing.
paul says: July 25th, 2007 8:13am
i personally love carrying around a flash drive with another operating system, just in case. and having a wireless internet connection so that, if no wifi can be found, you’re not stuck in no man’s land. i will also be looking into a mobile sat internet connection in the next few years. i hadn’t seen the credit card tools - that’s neat. oh, and a cool beverage is a definite must ;)
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