Your Comprehensive Guide For IT Fieldwork
This handbook is designed to equip independent IT technicians with essential resources, troubleshooting tips, standard operating procedures, and best practices for efficient on-site service. Access guidelines for diagnostics, repair, and system optimization, along with quick-reference materials for hardware, software, and network troubleshooting.
A centralized knowledge base for IT professionals providing:
- Standard operating procedures
- Diagnostic and repair guides
- On-site service protocols
- Customer communication templates
- Tools and software references
- Best practices for quality service delivery
- General Diagnostic Procedures
- Improvised Diagnostics: OODA Loop
- Laptop Faults & Diagnostics
- Electronics Diagnostics - Multimeter Testing
- HWInfo - System Log Diagnostics
- Mac/Apple - System Log Diagnostics
- Hardware Testing Programs
- External Blog Resource: USB Diagnostic Tools Guide
- "SystemTester" Sysinternals Testing/Diagnotics Utility (example open-source toolkit)
- BIOS Access Guide
- Clone Hard Drive: Hardware & Software Methods
- HDD/SSD Health Checking
- How to Test Power Supply (PSU)
- Motherboard Testing
- No Power Troubleshooting
- POST Failure Guide
- Networking 101
- Router/Modem Access
- Router Setup
- Modem Installation How-To
- Network Migration (Old → New)
- Network Location Settings
- Local WiFi Network Info & Logins
- Networking Diagnostic & Testing Tool(s) Usage
- External Blog Resource: Windows File & Print Sharing Troubleshooting
- External Blog Resource: Wireless IoT Devices Troubleshooting
- Windows 10/11 Failing To Boot
- Windows 11 Product Key Retrieval
- Windows Update Troubleshooting
- Windows File & Print Sharing
- Editing Windows Host File
- Setting Network Location (Private/Public)
- Diagnostic Websites & Assistance
- Microsoft Outlook Troubleshooting
- External Blog Resource: OneDrive for Business Troubleshooting
- External Blog Resource: Windows 10 ESU Program: Free & Paid Options
- External Blog Resource: Windows 10 & 11: Security Policies Block Unauthenticated
- Apple ID Login Troubleshooting
- Mac Computer Start-up Repairs
- Mac/Apple - System Log Diagnostics
- Mac System Clean-Up - MBAM Free & Onyx
- Mac/Apple System Log Diagnostics
- Mac MS Office Troubleshooting
- Mac Outlook Troubleshooting
- Data Backup/Restore (Mac)
- New Printer Setup (Mac)
- Printer Installation (OSX)
- Printer Troubleshooting (OSX)
- External Blog Resource: How to Clean Up a Slow Mac
- External Blog Resource: Recommended Mac Apps, Programs & Utilities
- External Blog Resource: OLDER Recommended Mac Apps, Programs & Utilities
- External Blog Resource: Calibrate Your Mac's Battery
- Printer/New Printer Setup (PC & Mac)
- New Printer Setup (Mac)
- Printer Installation (OSX)
- Printer Troubleshooting Windows OS
- Printer Troubleshooting (OSX)
- Printer/Scanner Support Sites
- Static IP & Hostname Setup
- External Blog Resource: Printer Driver Downloads & Support Sites
- Software We Install, Use & Recommend
- Software to Remove if Found
- Software You May Need to Download & Reinstall For a Client
- Find MS Office Product/License Key
- External Blog Resource: Links & Recommended Software
- External Blog Resource: Recommended PC Apps, Programs & Utilities
- External Blog Resource: Recommended Mac Apps, Programs & Utilities
- Check for Malware and Adware
- Security Tune-up (Detailed)
- Clean-up Temp & Junk Data
- Eliminate Start-up Programs
- Online Backup Services/Ransomware Protection
- External Blog Resource: Windows PC Clean-up and Tune-up Guide - 2025 Update
- External Blog Resource: Browser Redirect Virus Fix
- External Blog Resource: How Am I Getting Infected?
- External Blog Resource: WannaCry Ransomware Protection
- External Blog Resource: Ransomware Protection & 3-2-1 Backup Rule
- External Blog Resource: Fake Tech Support Scam: What You Should Do
- External Blog Resource: I Think Someone Is Accessing My Accounts/Devices
- External Blog Resource: Supply Chain Attacks & Security
- General Accounts & Login Issues
- Microsoft Account Issues
- Apple ID Login Troubleshooting
- Find Passwords/Password Help
- Account Recovery Support & Limitations
- "DeployWorkstation" Debloat/System Setup/Basic App Install Utility (example open-source toolkit)
- New PC Setup/Migration Checklist
- New Computer Set-up (Detailed)
- New PC Client To-Do List
- Software You May Need to Download & Reinstall
- Data Backup/Restore (PC)
- Email Address Change To-Do List
- POP to IMAP Email Migration
- External Blog Resource: New Computer Software To Have & Use
- Tools Usage Guide
- General Tools
- Bootable USB Creation
- Diagnostic Websites & Assistance
- "DeployWorkstation" Debloat/System Setup/Basic App Install Utility (example open-source toolkit)
- "SystemTester" Sysinternals Testing/Diagnotics Utility (example open-source toolkit)
- External Blog Resource: Snappy Driver Installer Origin (SDIO)
- External Blog Resource: Hardware Testing & Diagnostic Tools
- Communication Guidelines
- Notes & Documentation Best Practices
- SMS & Email Templates
- Invoice Templates
- General FAQ
- Reception FAQ
- Terms of Service
- Service Agreement
- Payment Processing
- Online Payment Methods
- In-Shop PC Check-Out & Payments
- Parking Guidelines & Laws
- Upselling Guide
- IT Disaster Plan - Template (example template repository)
- External Blog Resource: Preventative Maintenance Isn't Optional
- External Blog Resource: Social Media Marketing for Small Business
- Client Confidentiality Policies
- Our Service Guarantee
- General Disclaimers
- 3rd Party Software Support Disclaimer
- Employee Information
- Code of Conduct
- Dress Code
- Tardiness Policy
- NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement)
- NCA (Non-Compete Agreement)
- Dispute Resolution
- Familiarize yourself with General Job Procedures
- Study the Communication Guidelines
- Review Notes & Documentation best practices
- Review our recommended Code of Conduct
- Review our recommended Dress Code
- Reference relevant diagnostic procedures as needed
- Follow proper documentation protocols
- Check On-Site Service: How It's Done
- Review Parking Guidelines & Laws
- Have Communication Guidelines handy
- Review our recommended Code of Conduct
- Review our recommended Dress Code
- Prepare for job/work using the appropriate work order form
- Reference Payment Processing procedures
- Reference relevant diagnostic procedures
- Follow proper documentation protocols
- Read In-Shop Service: How It's Done
- Review In-Shop PC Check-Out & Payments
- Have Communication Guidelines handy
- Review our recommended Code of Conduct
- Review our recommended Dress Code
- Prepare for job/work using the appropriate work order form
- Reference relevant diagnostic procedures
- Follow proper documentation protocols
"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - Mark Twain
"In technology, mastery is an illusion. There's only the pursuit of understanding. After 20 years, I'm still learning every day. I don't claim to know it all, only to give it my all." - Senior Field Technician
"There are no mistakes; only opportunities for improvement."
- Amazon.com - Tools, Manufacturer Warrantied Parts, Replacement Parts, Supplies, Test Equipment, etc. (Brand storefronts only)
- Amazon Recommended Items - *NOT AFFILIATE LINKS
- Laptopscreen.com - Replacement laptop screens
- OWC Mac - Apple & Mac components
- Apple Self Service Repair - Apple self-service repair program
- The Dell Parts People - Dell-specific component reseller
- Dell Self-Repair Parts - Dell self-repair program
- Samsung Self-Repair Program - Samsung self-repair program
- Google Pixel Repair - Google Pixle replacment parts/self-repair
- Microsoft Surface Self Repair - Microsoft Surface self-repair program
- Framework Laptop Marketplace - Framework Laptop specific components
- ASUS Self Replacement Solution - Asus Self-Replacment site
- ASUS Parts Shop - Asus-specific components
- HP Parts Store - HP-specific components
- Lenovo Parts Lookup - Lenovo-specific components
- Sony Self-Repair Services - Sony-specific components
- iFixit Parts Store - Multi-brand parts and tools
- Steam Deck Replacement Parts - Steam/iFixit Collaboration for parts/self-repair
- Motorola Right to Repair (iFixit partnership) - Motorola/iFixit Collaboration for parts/self-repair
- McMaster-Carr - DIY Engineering Components
- Mouser - Elecronic components; SMD & Through-hole components, Transistors, Capacitors, Diodes, Chips, Tools & Equipment, etc.
- JLPCB - PCB Manufacturing, 3D Printing, CNC & Laser Services, etc.
Note: All parts should have a 30-day free return policy
Field Service Resource Hub - Linktree (example curated link collection)
For questions, issues, or contributions to this handbook, contact the documentation maintainer via the primary support mailbox (e.g., support@example.com).
© 2025 Field Service Reference. All rights reserved.
This handbook is proprietary and confidential. Unauthorized distribution, modification, or use is prohibited without express written permission.
Last Updated: October 2025
Total Resources: 106 documents across 17 categories + 20+ blog articles