Hacking & Forensic Software for Troubleshooting

hi there,

i would like to get into remastering but would like to know more about the the software to include. i would prefer free stuff but commercial is ok too.

i am interested in any software that will allow me to get passed passwords and firewalls, and generally any other software that will allow me to break into computers and networks.

is there forensic software or any software that will allow me to examine and recover the deleted data on a hard disk.

you get the picture?

i know this sort of software can be used for the wrong purposes but it can also be very usefull for troubleshooting... I dont know why i am bothering to explain... nobody believes me anyway.

any sugestions from pc troubleshooters would be greatly appreciated.

reece