This post was originally published on IT Pro Today
[Root] Access is an advice column for questions about IT issues, career moves, and workplace concerns.
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Dear [Root] Access,
I’ve got plenty of IT experience, but my daily workload is still a juggling act. I’m constantly stretched thin between troubleshooting user issues, maintaining systems, and tackling new projects. I know there are free tools out there that could help me streamline tasks and improve my efficiency, but it’s overwhelming to sift through the options.
Could you recommend some of the best free tools for IT pros? I’m especially looking for tools to help with automation and monitoring — anything that saves time and reduces the mental load.
—Freeware Forager
Dear Freeware Forager,
Having the right tools can make your job much easier. My favorite is Windows PowerShell because you can create custom utilities for almost any task. Better still, you can automate PowerShell scripts using Windows Task Scheduler.
If building your tools isn’t your thing, plenty of free tools are available online. However, I caution you to always check these tools for malware and download them from only trusted sources. Some bulk download sites bundle legitimate software with “potentially unwanted applications” or use deceptive buttons to trick you into downloading unwanted
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