EdTheOldTechGuy
Resources
Practical references and tools I use, trust, or recommend.
Automotive Resources
Repair manuals, service information, OEM parts references, diagnostic information, and maintenance resources.
FREE RESOURCE
Operation CHARM
Free access to automotive service and repair manuals covering a wide range of makes and older vehicles. Useful for factory-style procedures, specifications, diagrams, and repair information without a subscription.
Ed’s note: One of my first stops when I’m working on an older vehicle and need service information without paying for access.
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FREE RESOURCE
LEMON Manuals
The newer successor to Operation CHARM, with the original CHARM manual library plus newer vehicle coverage and an updated interface.
Ed’s note: Use this when CHARM does not have the vehicle or model year you need, or when you want the newer interface and updated manual coverage.
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PAID / SUBSCRIPTION RESOURCE
ALLDATA DIY
Paid DIY access to factory-direct repair information, service procedures, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble-code information, technical service bulletins, recalls, and maintenance data for a specific vehicle.
Ed’s note: This is one of the better options when I need current OEM-style information for a vehicle that is not well covered by the free manual sites.
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Creator & Tooling Resources
Creator software, shop tools, design utilities, workflow tools, and practical resources I use to build and share projects.
PAID / SUBSCRIPTION
PowerDirector 365
Full-featured video editing software for creating YouTube videos, Shorts, effects, audio edits, captions, and finished video projects.
Ed’s note: My primary video editing tool for creator content. It gives me the editing features I need without forcing me into a much heavier professional workflow.
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FREE / PAID OPTIONS
Voicemod
Real-time voice changer and soundboard software useful for voice effects, streaming, live content, and creative audio.
Ed’s note: Useful when I want real-time voice effects or soundboard functionality for content and live audio.
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DONATIONWARE / FREE TO TRY
VoiceMeeter
Virtual audio mixer for Windows that lets you route, mix, and manage audio from microphones, applications, browsers, communications software, and other audio sources.
Ed’s note: One of the most useful tools I use when I need more control over audio routing between applications and devices.
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FREE / PAID OPTIONS
vidIQ
YouTube creator tool for researching ideas, keywords, titles, thumbnails, channel performance, and content optimization.
Ed’s note: Useful for researching YouTube topics and understanding how videos may perform, while still making the final creative decisions myself.
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FREE / PAID OPTIONS
ChatGPT
AI assistant for research, writing, troubleshooting, planning, coding, file analysis, brainstorming, and creator workflow support.
Ed’s note: I use ChatGPT across a wide range of work — from technical troubleshooting and research to content planning, writing, automotive questions, and project development.
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FREE / PAID OPTIONS
Google Gemini
Google’s AI assistant for research, writing, brainstorming, analysis, and working across Google’s ecosystem.
Ed’s note: Another useful AI tool in my creator and research workflow, especially when I want a second perspective or something that works closely with Google services.
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FREE / PAID OPTIONS
Linktree
Link-in-bio platform for organizing social profiles, websites, stores, creator links, and other destinations behind one easy-to-share URL.
Ed’s note: I use Linktree to give viewers one simple place to find my social platforms and other important links.
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FREE / OPEN SOURCE
OBS Studio
Free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Useful for screen capture, live production, tutorials, interviews, and multi-source creator workflows.
Ed’s note: I use OBS when I need flexible recording or live-streaming control, especially for screen capture and multi-source setups.
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Networking Resources
Networking, telecom, Linux, homelab, servers, infrastructure, and technical reference material.
TBOK Windows 11 Optimizer
Windows 11 optimization and debloat script for technicians and advanced users. Applies system-wide and per-user changes, with restore-point or registry-backup safeguards before making changes.
Ed’s note: Useful for cleaning up and streamlining Windows 11, especially on systems you manage repeatedly. Review the script and changes before running it in any environment.
FREE / OPEN SOURCE
WinDirStat
Free, open-source disk usage analyzer for Windows. Scans drives and folders and visually shows where storage space is being used, including largest files, file types, duplicate detection, and an interactive treemap.
Ed’s note: One of those simple utilities that belongs in a Windows troubleshooting toolkit. Great for quickly finding what is actually eating up disk space instead of guessing.
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