BlueScreenView is a great tool that you can download from Nirsoft.  The free tool allows you to so scan minidump files created during the blue screen of death crashes.  The utility will show you the date\time, basic crash information, and the details of the driver that could have possible caused the blue screen.  This tool is a must have if you are a server administrator that needs to quickly figure out what has crashed your system.  This tool has significantly cut down on my troubleshooting costs and time.

Nirsoft BlueScreenView
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html

InputDirector is a great program that allows you control multiple computers from one keyboard and mouse.  The great part about this program is that it is easy to use and also free.  Input director does require Windows 2000, Windows XP,  Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 2008, or Windows 7.  They computers also must be networked together.  If you meet both of those requirements all you have to do is install the software on each machine and configure it.  You control the transition from one computer to another by simply moving your cursor off one screen to another.  So if you have a need to control multiple computers from one spot check out this great software.

Input Director Main Site
http://www.inputdirector.com/

Input Director Setup Instructions
http://www.inputdirector.com/quickstart-install.html

PowerShell is a great tool for administrating both workstations and servers.  If you are new to PowerShell it can be hard to figure out where to start.  The easiest thing I found besides just trying commands in the shell is to read about it.  TechNet has allot of resources including the Windows PowerShell Cmdlet Help Library.  This will give you a good idea of some of the built in cmdlets that are available.  Check out the link below and let us know what you think.

TechNet Windows PowerShell Cmdlet Help
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd347701.aspx

Additional Help
Scripting Guy Blog
PowerScripting Podcast

I think at one time or another we have deleted something that we needed.  The problem is usually getting files back is fairly hard.  There have always been tools out there to recover data, but they were usually to expensive.  That has all changed with the great product called Recuva.  This tool was created by Piriform and can be downloaded from their site.  They just released version 1.36.479 on March 1st, 2010.  The tool has several features including undelete files from your computer, recover deleted emails, and restore unsaved word documents.  So if you are need in a good undelete files tool check out this program.   Please stop back and let us know what you think!

Recuva Site
http://www.piriform.com/recuva

Recuva Features
http://www.piriform.com/recuva/features

Recuva Screenshots
http://www.piriform.com/recuva/screenshots

With quicker internet connections becoming available we can do allot of new things.  Pogoplug is an interesting product that allows you to share USB drives on the internet without allot of hassle.  According to the website it takes about sixty seconds to set up and  does not require you to modify any firewall settings.  You can also connect up to four USB drives to the device.  The main thing I like about this product is you only have the initial cost.  There is no ongoing monthly fee that you have to pay in order to use the device.   Check out the links below to find out more information on the Pogoplug.

Pogoplug Main Site
http://www.pogoplug.com

Pogoplug Specs and Features
http://www.pogoplug.com/meet/specs.html

Windows Server 2008 R2 Core Edition is a great product for the command line driven administrators.  The only problem is it is hard to find a team where everybody is willing to learn this skill.  This makes is hard to deploy the new core edition of server 2008 R2.  That is until core configurator was developed over at codeplex.  Some of taks that can be completed through the tool are ISCSI settings, server roles, server features, joining a domain, add/remove programs, and WinRM.  This is just a few of the tasks that can be completed with a few clicks.  If you are thinking about deploying Windows Server Core 2008 R2 I suggest you check out the tool to make it easier to administrate server core 2008 R2.

Core Configurator 2.0
http://coreconfig.codeplex.com/

It is always nice to be able to scan your computer with a couple different anti virus programs.  The only problem is that you can only have one installed at a time.  That is where the free online scan by Panda comes in very handy.  The scan allows you to make sure your current program is offering the protection you think it should be.  The scan tool might also find hidden threats on your PC that you were not aware of.  The process is very simple and I encourage to try it out.

Panda Online Virus Scanner
http://www.pandasecurity.com/usa/homeusers/solutions/activescan/default.htm

Panda Security Main Site
http://www.pandasecurity.com/usa/

When I run across a site that makes my life easier I try to share it with everyone else.  The site gpoguy.com is a great site if you need help figuring out windows group policy.  The part of the site that stand out the most for me is the free training videos.  The videos cover everything from the basic introduction all the way up to doing things at a forest level.  There is also a list of free tools for windows group policy that can be very useful.  Bookmark this site as I am sure you will fine a need for it during your IT career.

Main Site
http://www.gpoguy.com/

GPOGUY Video Training
http://www.gpoguy.com/Group-Policy-Video-Training.aspx

With the current 2010 Olympics going on I was curious to see if you could experience a bobsled ride.  It turns out that you can at one of the Olympic parks in the United States.  Lake placid offers a Bobsled experience for only $75.00.  They also have a skeleton experience, but I don’t think I would be brave enough to handle that.  Check out the link below to find out more information if you have ever thought of taking a bobsled ride.

Lake Placid Bobsled Experience Homepage
http://www.whiteface.com/activities/bob.php

If you are not familiar with the Hey, Scripting Guy! Blog you should definitely check it out.  There is a new blog post everyday of the week.  The blog covers using Windows PowerShell in many different ways.  The blog has allot of scripts that will help you in your daily IT admin life.  The blog also answers allot of questions such as Should I Convert My VBScript Scripts To Windows PowerShell?  So stop on by and check out the great blog by Ed Wilson.  I don’t think you will be disappointed.  Stop back and let us know what you think.

Hey, Scripting Guy! BLOG
http://blogs.technet.com/heyscriptingguy/default.aspx

TechNet Script Center Home
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scriptcenter/default.aspx

Scripting Guys Forum
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/ITCG/threads