Portable Sysinternals Windows System Tester Utility

 

Portable Sysinternals System Tester Utility v2.2

The USB Toolkit Every IT Professional Needs in Their Kit!

For years, I've been carrying USB drives to client sites loaded with various diagnostic tools - Sysinternals utilities scattered across folders, batch files I'd written years ago, and a mental checklist of tests to run. It worked, but it was messy, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Every diagnostic session meant running tools manually, copying outputs, and cobbling together reports.

I thought: "There has to be a better way."

That frustration led to the creation of the Portable Sysinternals System Tester. A zero-dependency PowerShell solution that transformed my thumb drive into a comprehensive, professional diagnostic toolkit. What started as a personal automation project has evolved into a production-ready tool that IT professionals across the region now rely on for field diagnostics, baseline health checks, and client handoff reports.

Version 2.2 is OUT NOW!

https://github.com/Pnwcomputers/SystemTester/tree/Version2.2

Tutorial: Virus Scans and System Cleanup (PC)

 

Tutorial: Virus Scans & System Cleanup (PC)

1. Running a Virus Scan with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Windows 10/11:

1. Click the Start Menu and type Windows Security. Open it.

2. In the Windows Security window, click Virus & threat protection.

3. Under Current threats, click Quick Scan to immediately scan important areas of your computer.

4. For a deeper scan:

   • Click Scan options under the Current threats section.

   • Choose Full Scan and click Scan Now. (This may take 1-2 hours.)

Notes:

• Ensure that Windows is fully updated by checking Windows Update.

• Threats found will be quarantined automatically or prompt you for action.

Free Technical Certifications

There are several free technical certifications available that can help build IT skills boost your resume and to start you on a path towards a career in IT. While some certifications are entirely free, others may require a small testing fee. Here are some of the best options:

Fake Tech Support Scam: What You Should Do!

A fake tech support scam is a type of fraud where scammers pose as legitimate technical support personnel from well-known companies to trick victims into giving them access to their computers, personal information, or money. Here’s how these scams typically operate and how to clean up your system if you did/do fall victim to this type of scam!