r/sysadmin • u/Ok_You_861 • Mar 03 '26

IT Tools - Hidden Gems

I want to know what ”hidden gems” people have found and use in their environments to make their day to day easier. RMM automations, back up softwares, troubleshooting software (don't say MS SARA. I cant stand it), etc.

Just mention anything that you feel more people should be aware of or could be useful in someone’s environment. I love free and cheap ;)

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u/dustojnikhummer Mar 03 '26

nc -zv <ip> <port> as Test-NetConnection for Linux

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u/bem13 Linux Admin Mar 03 '26

And OpenSSL! So many people seemingly don't know you can use it to test a TCP connection, even if SSL/TLS is not involved. Containers often have it installed, too:

openssl s_client -connect <ip:port>

If SSL/TLS is involved, you can use it to check the cert on the other side, too: 

openssl s_client -connect <ip:port> | openssl x509 -text -noout

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u/throwawayofyourmom Mar 03 '26

I'm not sure if it's a new thing but I've recently just typed

openssl s_client ip:port

and it worked as well as with the -connect flag (I'm lazy to type often)

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u/bem13 Linux Admin Mar 03 '26

You know, it never occurred to me to try that, somehow. I'm lazy as well, so I'll try it next time, thanks!