I need to build a specialized diagnostic computer. Experts please?

Question

I am looking into going into computer repair, i am not talking about best buy's geek squad, i am talking about a real, nerd's "run from his basement" computer repair shop.

I am aware that the certification is, if not a must, then almost a must, and will be taking the courses necessary.

What i need though, i a computer that is capable of externally hooking up an internal hard drive, the same way you might hook up an external one. I need it to be able to run security suit software, to clean those hard drives, i need it to be fast, with a good bit of ram, i am thinking 2.66 core 2 quad and 6gigs of ram, i can skimp on the hard drive and the graphics card, because this thing is only going to be scanning other computers.

I know i am going to need serious tools, tools i already have or will acquire.

I was telling you all that, to get the bull crap out of the way, so i dont have a bunch of no nothing 2bit hacks telling me that i "get a fast computer"

What i need to know, are good brands of external hard drive "docks", and what is the correct terminology for them, i know my way around the inside of a computer, but i need to be able to build a computer that can slave an internal hard drive externally.

I also need to know what kind of diagnostic software is available for error checking the registry of a hard drive that is in slave mode

Computers are my passion, and it pains me to see those people at best buy, 90% of them doing a job that a trained monkey could do, I want to really offer personalized help, and creative solutions.

I also plan to do advising, and upgrade installation in computers.

Also, if anybody knows any good books on the subject manner, that would really rock too

and this is a warning to spammers, i will delete and report spam answers.

Answer 1

If you want to access another computer's hard drive, just stick it in an external enclosure. There are also USB to SATA/PATA kits you can buy, though cable length could be an issue.



It doesn't much matter what kind of computer you use for the heavy lifting. A C2Q is probably a good idea, but I don't know why you'd need 6GB of ram. You WILL want a big hard drive if you intend to image other hard drives for recovery, which most or all professionals do. The only other recommendation is that you should support as many technologies as possible: floppy, Firewire, ZIP, MicroSD, so on.

Answer 2

Umm, why do you even need all that hoss of a computer to run DIAGNOSTICS? You realize that most diagnostics still run in some form of DOS environment or run from their own OS and putting it on some honking machine could just cause more problems.



Certification is not nearly as much of a must as actual "knowledge". Anyone can pass a test by studying but actually applying and using the information is different.



Either way, your external hard drive "dock" that you're looking for is called an _____ Enclosure Kit (changing ____ with whatever connection you're using, i.e. USB, Firewire, eSATA, etc.etc.). Any computer with those ports will be able to read the drive that's put in the enclosure kit.



Simple get started diagnostic software is here:

1.) All HDD manufacturer's diagnostics tools

2.) memtest86

3.) Some sort of linux live cd such as Knoppix

Answer 3

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