While always on the lookout for simple, free, and in this case, all-in-one network management tools for a small peer-to-peer network, Computerworld, as is their usual, noted some handy tools. Network Magic looks like one of the best. It handles all the basic network chores, including adding new devices to the network, fixing broken network connections, setting up wireless encryption and protection, sharing printers and folders, and for me, one of the most important features, reporting on the state of the security of each PC on the network. I have several geographically dispersed machines so Network Magic will come in handy.
I appreciate the visual network map which displays every connected device, shows whether it's online or off line, and displays details about each, including the computer name, IP address, MAC address, operating system being used, shared folders, and system information such as its processor and RAM. It is hard to believe you can get that much network information out of a free tool. I also like the fact that it displays alerts about each device, such as if it isn't protected properly. It displays overall information about your network, such as whether there are any problems with overall security or with an individual PC. It also lets you troubleshoot connections, shows whether there are any intruders on the network, and displays information about wireless protection. The tool can create reports about Internet and network use of each PC connected to the network. For example, the software can monitor the use of any individual PC on the network for the Web sites it visits, the times the computer is online and which programs are being used, and then mail a daily report about it to an e-mail address. I have not seen Windows Vista's Network Map offer a comparable level of detail.
There is a paid version of the software as well. The paid version, which costs from $24 to $40 (depending on how many PCs are on your network), delivers daily reports of Internet activity and supports remote access to your network's files.
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