The holiday season is upon us, and for Fort Lauderdale computer repair and network support providers, those joyful days often take on new, challenging meaning.

Every visit to see the relatives seems to turn up myriad computer repair problems - and if you care to take on said tasks, you best not show up there empty-handed, lest even simplest computer support tasks become marathon sessions.

Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned pro, if you're likely to find yourself being hit up for some Ft. Lauderdale computer repair help on the fly this holiday season, here are a few things you might want to have on hand ...

• Drive imaging software. One of the best gifts year after year is a bit-perfect copy of the system you just cleaned up.
• A USB flash drive. Whether it's a 256 MB, 512 MB or 1 GB drive, these are ideal for moving or backing up files.
• An external USB hard drive. An external drive is the perfect destination for an image backup and/or routine data backups.
• Blank CD-R and DVD media. You know that there is never a blank disc around when you need it. Until this year!
• Cables. It’s beyond frustrating to have a router you can’t access because you don’t have an Ethernet cable on your person. You know this has happened to you. Don't let it again!
• Windows XP and Windows Vista. You know it is coming. Someone you know won't be able to find their restore disks, and will need an installation. Burn some CD or DVD copies for safe keeping.
• Anti-virus / Anti-spyware. Software that's up to date, that is. The feeling of turning on a PC and discovering security software that was last updated 6-18 months ago? Terrifying. Avoid it by downloading your program of choice - the latest version in a 30-day trial.
• Application software. Keep copies of latest versions of Firefox, Acrobat Reader, iTunes/QuickTime, and other applications that are likely to be in need of updating. Having them on a flash drive is an extra step that will save you the step of potentially wait for a slow connection to download them.

• Keyfinder. If you have to reinstall Windows or Office, you’ll need the product ID, and there's a good chance the 25-character key will be unreadable. Download the latest version of Keyfinder and bring it on a flash drive and save the inevitable trip to the Fort Lauderdale computer repair center later on. A little preparation never hurt, after all. Right?