# Sample script to automate drive cloning
#!/bin/bash
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
   echo "This must be run as root" 
   exit 1
fi
dd if=/dev/nvme0n1 of=/dev/sda bs=4M status=progress

Keep these portable apps on an encrypted microSD:

• RSAT Tools for Windows admins
• Python 3.10 with pandas/numpy pre-installed
• Compiled versions of coreutils for legacy systems

// Quick network diagnostic in Python
import subprocess
import platform

def ping_test(host):
    param = '-n' if platform.system().lower()=='windows' else '-c'
    command = ['ping', param, '4', host]
    return subprocess.call(command) == 0

The human element matters:

• Heated vest with USB power bank
• Noise-canceling headphones with mic
• Collapsible camping stool (fits between racks)

Print these on waterproof paper:

1. RAID recovery commands for your specific controller
2. Default IPMI credentials matrix
3. LACP troubleshooting flowchart

When you're troubleshooting RAID arrays or debugging network stacks in a freezing colocation facility, your productivity depends on more than just technical skills. Here's what experienced sysadmins actually keep in their go-bags:

# Typical contents of a sysadmin's backpack:
- USB-to-serial adapter (Pro tip: FTDI chipset models work reliably)
- Labeled console cables (Cisco, HP, Dell variants)
- KVM switch dongle with common video adapters
- Magnetic screwdriver set (including Torx T10/T15)
- Emergency power bank with USB-C PD

These scripts have saved me countless trips back to my desk:

#!/bin/bash
# Auto-connect to common BMC/IPMI interfaces
bmc_connect() {
  ipmitool -I lanplus -H $1 -U admin -P password sol activate
}

# Network diagnostic one-liner
nic_diag() {
  ethtool $1 && lspci -vvv | grep -i ethernet
}

• Portable USB-powered coffee warmer (compatible with Anker power banks)
• Noise-canceling headphones with offline docs capability
• Pre-configured offline Wiki (clone of your internal docs)

Always keep these troubleshooting scripts on an encrypted USB:

// Python snippet for hardware diagnostics
import subprocess

def check_disk_health():
    result = subprocess.run(['smartctl', '-a', '/dev/sda'],
                           capture_output=True, text=True)
    return 'Reallocated_Sector_Ct' in result.stdout

1. Store your SSH keys on a Yubikey with physical touch requirement
2. Keep serial numbers of critical gear in Standard Notes (encrypted)
3. Create QR codes for complex rack diagrams - print them on your toolkit