When sensitive data and critical systems are on the line, the right set of tools is essential -- that was the motivation behind my original "MacGyver IT" two years ago.

That collection represented nearly three decades in the IT trenches. But like all battle-tested works in progress, my essential toolkit for supporting corporate, government, and academic IT has evolved. I still favor the free or inexpensive, spending a bit more on higher-quality tools in some cases to save frustration. But the past two years have found me paring down my kit with lighter versions of the original tools and new items to whittle my backpack down to a less backbreaking weight.

After all, we IT MacGyvers are always on the go!