Posts

Erik's Internet Challenge

Preface

Having your own Website and email at a domain that you own provides a lot of benefits. With email, you are no longer tied to your email provider, can create several users, and you gain (at least some) control of your data. With your own website, you have a voice that you control. You can use your website for anything that you want, and it can look however you want it to. You can also host services for yourself or others at subdomains.

Tech Kit Tools

As an onsite engineer, I carry a verity of tools and supplies to meet the needs of my clients. I’ll start with a list of what I have in case you just want to know what to get, and then follow that list up with the reasons I have each item. Hopefully you find this list helpful.

Tools

• Laptop computer with Ethernet. Mine is a Framework Laptop.
• A multibit screwdriver, preferably ratcheting.
• Pocket knife or multitool
• Guitar pick(s) to use as a prying tool
• USB to serial adapter as well as a console cable. One with the FTDI chipset is important to ensure support on Windows 11.
• Cable tester. I have a Klein LAN Scout Jr. 2 for basic continuity testing

Supplies

• Patch cables. I carry a few 7’ cables and 3’ cables, and a longer 14’ cable. Ensure they are high quality, and that you test the model of cables you buy. Have a bunch stocked at your office; I go through them like coffee filters.
• USB C to RJ45 Gigabit network adapter.
• A 1’ power extension cable. Ensure it can carry lots of current, to ensure it doesn’t create a fire hazard.
• USB C to A adapter.
• HDMI cable - 6'.
• DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.
• Velcro Cable Ties - Lots of them, and use them everywhere!

Laptop

A laptop may not be required for every site visit, but it is still an essential tool that gets used daily. It may be tempting to get a gaming laptop for the added video performance, but personally I find that I prefer reducing weight where possible and haven’t had performance issues with my Framework. I also prefer laptops that charge over USB type-C and have a compact gallium nitride charger in my bag rather than a standard charger. At least 1 USB C port is required, and an Ethernet port is a must. I don’t recommend anything with less than 16GB of RAM and an SSD.