Admin Tools
As an administrator of a lot of Windows systems, I can get by with using all of the built-in tools. There's very little that I cannot do using them. However, there are a lot of third-party tools that I like to use to make my job easier. Here's a list and the benefits that they provide me.
- RunIT - This little tool is a very simple application launcher. I put a shortcut to it in my start up group so that it runs every time I log in. Additionally, I set the shortcut to run with alternate credentials and then use my admin account to launch it. This way, anything that I launch using RunIT, launches with my admin credentials. This is similar to what a lot of Unix admins do by opening a second command shell and then su-ing to root. Now when I want to hop into ADUC using my admin credentials, I simply hit F4, type AD and there it is. This definatley makes running as a normal user (a security must) much easier to deal with.
- xplorer² - This is a dual pane file management tool. Lots of great features and functions that Windows Explorer just cannot match.
- ADVrunas - This small tool replaces the built-in RunAs dialog box with one that remembers who you last ran a program as. It also allows you to create shortcuts that automatically run as another user without prompting for a password, and it adds a small line of text to title bar of most windows indicating which user account ran the program. This last feature is great when you start opening a lot of different windows, some with admin privileges, some without.
- PromptPal - This is an alternate command line with a tabbed interface that allows easy cut/copy/paste as well as command favorites and command completion.
- ClipMate - An excellent ClipBoard utility that has way too many features to list. By far the best supplemental clipboard utility out there.
- SnagIt - The best screen capture utility. Also includes way too many features to list. Easy to use and configure, includes an graphic editor that allows you to easily add callouts, arrows, highlights, circles, etc.
- PrimalScript - A code script editor. Will handle any kind of script that you can throw at it and includes great debugging abilities as well. If you're an occasional or heavy script writer, this one is a must.
- Terminals - This little gem is a tabbed RDP/Remote Desktop/Terminal Services client. A little bit like the older MMC based Terminal Services client, but much better for usability. It allows groupings, favorites, and password caching. Great for when you have more than session open and need to switch back and forth quickly.
Of all the tools above, only RunIT and Terminals are free, but they are all (IMHO) well worth the small amount that I paid for them.