How Python Can Simplify Life for An IT Technician

Picture this: you’re an IT Technician, it’s late, and you’re staring at a stubborn computer, and going through hundreds of lines of critical events in the event viewer. Frustrating, right? What if I told you Python could take over the boring parts so you can focus on important matters?

In fact, lately even I’ve been using python alot for automating my house using Home Assistant. It’s fun and love doing it! 🙂

Why Python Deserves a Spot in Your Toolkit

Python isn’t just for coders—it’s a practical, time-saving tool for anyone who works in IT – especially Desktop Level 1 Support. Here’s why:

• No Degree Required: Python’s simple, human-readable syntax makes it accessible for beginners.
• Tools for Every Task: Whether it’s monitoring system health or automating backups, Python has a library for it.
• Universal Compatibility: Works like a charm on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Massive Support Network: Got questions? The Python community has answers (and probably scripts).

Real-Life Python Hacks for an IT Technician

1. Diagnose Problems Faster:

Instead of digging through menus, let Python fetch system stats in seconds:

import psutil

def system_check():

    print(f”CPU Usage: {psutil.cpu_percent()}%”)

    print(f”Memory Available: {psutil.virtual_memory().available / 1e6:.2f} MB”)

    print(f”Disk Usage: {psutil.disk_usage(‘/’).percent}%”)

system_check()

One quick run of this script, and you’ve got CPU usage, memory, and disk stats at your fingertips.

2. Streamline Malware Scans:

def scan_for_malware():

    os.system(“clamscan -r /your/directory/path”)

scan_for_malware()

This script is like having a digital assistant press all the right buttons for you.

3. Simplify Backups:

Lost data is every everyone’s nightmare. Python can take backups in a breeze:

import shutil

def create_backup(source, destination):

    shutil.copytree(source, destination)

    print(f”Backup from {source} to {destination} completed.”)

create_backup(“/source/folder”, “/destination/folder”)

With this, you can ensure everything important is safe without lifting a finger.

4. Display Critical Event Logs:

import win32evtlog

import datetime

def read_critical_event_logs(server=None, log_type=”System”, start_time=None, end_time=None):

    “””

    Reads and displays critical events from the specified Windows Event Viewer log.

    :param server: The server to read logs from (use None for local machine).

    :param log_type: The type of log (e.g., “Application”, “System”, “Security”).

    :param start_time: The earliest log time to include (datetime object, optional).

    :param end_time: The latest log time to include (datetime object, optional).

    “””

    try:

        # Open the event log

        handle = win32evtlog.OpenEventLog(server, log_type)

        # Set flags for log reading

        flags = win32evtlog.EVENTLOG_BACKWARDS_READ | win32evtlog.EVENTLOG_SEQUENTIAL_READ

        # Read logs

        print(f”Critical Events in {log_type} log:\n”)

        while True:

            records = win32evtlog.ReadEventLog(handle, flags, 0)

            if not records:

                break

            for record in records:

                # Filter only critical events

                if record.EventType != win32evtlog.EVENTLOG_ERROR_TYPE:

                    continue

                # Filter by time range

                event_time = record.TimeGenerated.Format()

                event_datetime = datetime.datetime.strptime(event_time, “%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S”)

                if (start_time and event_datetime < start_time) or (end_time and event_datetime > end_time):

                    continue

                # Display the critical event details

                print(f”Time: {event_time}”)

                print(f”Event ID: {record.EventID}”)

                print(f”Source: {record.SourceName}”)

                print(f”Category: {record.EventCategory}”)

                print(f”Message: {record.StringInserts}”)

                print(“-” * 50)

        # Close the event log

        win32evtlog.CloseEventLog(handle)

    except Exception as e:

        print(f”Error reading event logs: {e}”)

# Example usage

if __name__ == “__main__”:

    read_critical_event_logs(

        server=None,  # Local machine

        log_type=”System”,  # Choose “System”, “Application”, or “Security”

        start_time=datetime.datetime(2025, 1, 1),  # Adjust as needed

        end_time=datetime.datetime(2025, 1, 8)  # Adjust as needed

    )

A Side Note

If you are an IT Consultant, like me, you could start providing Home Automation as a service. It will fetch you some good $$.. I can tell you! 🙂

Getting Started with Python

1. Install It: Head to python.org and get Python set up on your machine.
2. Start Small: Experiment with simple scripts to automate everyday tasks.
3. Learn by Doing: Tweak example scripts to fit your needs.
4. Tap Into the Community: Join forums, browse GitHub projects, and learn from others.

Final Thoughts

Python is more than just a coding language—it’s a tool that can revolutionize the way you handle computer repairs. Whether you’re automating backups or speeding up diagnostics, Python lets you work smarter, not harder.

Any issues or concerns with your PC, please feel free to reach us on 0484 357 559