What tools should you absolutely know as a Windows/Linux Sysadmin? [closed]

What are tools/utilities that you should absolutely know while working as a Linux or Windows Sysadmin.

I'm thinking for example about GNU/screen that you'll need if you're working on Linux servers.


Solution 1:

vi - I know not everyone likes it, but its pretty much going to be on any *nix server you come across, and when everything else is broken you are going to need to edit config files. I would also suggest csh and sh for the same reasons

Solution 2:

As a Windows Sysadmin, you absolutely need to be familiar with SysInternals. Both for programming and for diagnosing what is going on with a machine, these are invaluable.

Solution 3:

PuTTY: A great free SSH client for Windows. Just about everywhere I've worked has used this to connect to Unix servers from Windows.

Solution 4:

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Don't forget a sysdamin needs to get physical with their computer boxes!

You need to make sure you've got at least one

  1. Philips head screwdriver
  2. Standard (Flat head) screwdriver
  3. Tweesers (to pick up those screws that have fallen into some dark hidden spot on your mobo)
  4. Spare SATA cable
  5. Spare Network RJ45 cable (and cross over cable)
  6. Compressed air -> get rid of all that dust.

Some dude also writes about the top 10 things he/she thinks everyone should have in their toolbox.

Solution 5:

Scripting.

I learned that even Windows' standard command shell can be really useful. No need to install PowerShell or cygwin to get a decent scripting functionality, especially when the scripts are supposed to be deployed on client machines.