Best free network managers
Two great tools help manage small networks
|
By
Becky Waring
The free and fee-based versions of two easy-to-use utilities can take the pain out of troubleshooting and securing your home or small-office network. You can control who's on your network, find the source of connection problems, and share files and printers securely — even over the Internet. |
The three things every home network should do
If you've ever thrown up your hands while trying to get Windows' finicky file- and printer-sharing features to work — or worried about the security of your files when sharing is turned on — this column is for you.
In today's review, I won't discuss network firewalls and port-scanning tools, which were ably covered in Ian "Gizmo" Richards' July 31 Best Software column. Instead, I'll focus on utilities that help you take control of such essential networking functions as sharing and remote access.
Many people avoid sharing files over a network or the Web at large for two simple reasons: complex setup issues and anxiety about security. There's absolutely no need to avoid sharing if you have one of these two excellent networking utilities: Cisco Systems' Network Magic (formerly offered by a company named Pure Networks) and LogMeIn's Hamachi.
Every home network should be able to share files and printers and provide secure remote access. Network Magic and Hamachi take the headaches out of providing remote access and sharing files and printers, plus they do a whole lot more in the bargain.
#1: CISCO SYSTEMS NETWORK MAGIC
|
$50 version
90 $30 version 84 Free version 75 More info |
When friends and relatives bombard me with questions about their networks, I recommend two things: Make sure your router's firmware is up-to-date (and that the router and broadband modem hardware are of fairly recent vintage) and install Network Magic on each computer on the network.
The program supports Windows versions from 98 SE to Vista as well as Mac OS X and Linux, which means the tool can wrangle your network's cross-OS issues. Network Magic presents networking tasks in one simple interface, so you don't need to touch Windows' underlying file-sharing and network-configuration tools — which are head-scratchingly different between OS versions.
Network Magic was recently bought by Cisco, which just released version 5 of the program. The underlying functionality is much the same as in version 4, with the notable removal of the Net2Go remote-file-access feature, which I'm very sorry to see go. Since Net2Go relied on access through many competitors' routers, it was probably a casualty of the Cisco acquisition.
However, Cisco has graced Network Magic with a reskinned interface as well as a handy setup wizard that steps you through the major configuration decisions. They've also added support for WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi encryption, enhanced the parental-control tools, and provided more alerts.
There are three versions of Network Magic with increasing levels of features: Free, Essentials (U.S. $30 for up to three PCs), and Pro ($50 for as many as eight PCs). The free version offers basic network monitoring, a network map, and a wireless-connection manager.
The Essentials version adds file and printer sharing, the Network Lock and PC Shield features, and Internet-connection troubleshooting and repair. The Pro product supports networked-attached storage devices and remote access while also providing network-usage reports and an Internet speed test.
A seven-day trial of the Pro version is included in the free download, so you can decide which version is best for your needs before buying. At just $50 for up to eight PCs, Network Magic Pro is a bargain. See the vendor's product comparison page for complete details.
Figure 1. Network Magic's main window makes it easy to tackle common net-management tasks.
When you install the software, one of the first tasks is making sure your firewall will grant the program access without having to dismiss a zillion warning boxes. Since Network Magic handles so many networking functions — both internal and external — Cisco helpfully provides directions for configuring various firewalls to work with the program. The process can be a bit of a pain, but you have to do it only once.
The wizard will then lead you through various settings such as turning on file and printer sharing, setting up parental controls, and enabling network reports. Once you install Network Magic on the other computers on your network, you'll be able to share files and monitor them remotely as well.
All shared folders on your network appear in a list under the Shared Folders tab. Double-click a folder name to open it — it's really that simple. If you like, certain folders can be specified as read-only.
The program's network map shows the IP address, MAC address, OS version, CPU, and network adapter for each networked device. The network status center indicates which of the PCs on the network are online and the status of your wireless security.
Network Magic is perfect for laptops. The wireless-connection manager lets you link automatically to preferred networks. The PC Shield feature in the Pro version locks down sharing every time you join a new network, so you can connect at Wi-Fi hotspots without having to remember to turn file sharing off. (Vista will perform this task for you if you specify a network as Public, but XP and earlier Windows versions won't.)
You can use Network Magic Pro to monitor each computer on your network for both security and Internet usage, including automatic notifications and reports. For example, the program can send alerts if the antivirus or firewall software on your spouse's or child's computer is out of date or turned off, if an unknown computer joins your network, or if your Internet connection fails.
Annoyingly, the program told me that my computer did not have antispyware protection, because Windows Defender was turned off. However, I was protected by BitDefender instead. You can choose to suppress spurious alerts, thankfully.
You can also receive daily reports detailing Internet and application usage, including time spent on each program and the sites visited from each computer. These reports are easy to scan and can be invaluable for monitoring children and employees. A sample report is shown on the company's site.
Now that Network Magic is owned by Cisco, the program will be bundled with many Linksys routers. Still, Network Magic remains router-independent, so don't hesitate to buy it, no matter what brand of router you own.
#2: LOGMEIN HAMACHI
|
$40/yr version
86 Free version 82 More info |
If you work for a large company, you may access your corporate e-mail or other systems remotely via a virtual private network. VPNs tunnel and encrypt your data so no one can read it until it gets to its destination.
But what if your company doesn't have a VPN? Or what if you want to connect to your home network securely? That's where LogMeIn Hamachi comes in. This amazingly simple tool lets you create a secure connection between any combination of computer locations, a task that would otherwise require a special router and/or complex configuration tools.
For example, you can install Hamachi on your desktop computer at home and join your laptop to the home network from the road. Or give family and friends secure access to your home network for sharing folders or even playing songs from your iTunes library.
While remote-access programs let you control an individual computer, Hamachi actually joins the remote computer to the network, which may contain any number of other computers. The program is not logging into your home computer, though you can do this using Windows' Remote Desktop along with Hamachi.
When you install Hamachi, you're assigned a permanent IP address for that machine. You can create any number of VPNs or join existing ones. You might create two or more networks for different purposes — family and work, for example — with different member computers and then log in and out of them with a right-click. Your unique Hamachi IP address works anywhere, including from behind NAT routers.
When you create a network in Hamachi, you give it a name and a password, which you can then send to other people so that they can join your network. (They will also need to install Hamachi.) For added security — in case you're worried about the password being compromised — the paid version of the program lets you prevent anyone you haven't approved from joining.
While Hamachi is great for sharing folders remotely, the program also provides secure Internet access from public Wi-Fi hotspots. All traffic is encrypted between your computer and your home network, which is behind your router firewall. Hamachi can also be used to set up online gaming networks, private torrents, and access to your FTP server.
Like Network Magic, Hamachi comes in both free and paid versions. The paid version ($5/month or $40/year) adds support for more networks and users (the free version allows up to 16 clients per network). You also get the Network Lock feature with the paid program, which you can use to stop new members from joining.
Another feature in the paid release is support for high-bandwidth relays for clients that cannot establish a direct channel. Hamachi says that only 5% of users require relays, so the free version should be all most people need.
Unfortunately, Hamachi and Network Magic don't play well together, since Network Magic does not support multiple networks (it views them as threats). You'll have to choose between these two great tools.
I recommend Network Magic for network-phobic users. The people who need Hamachi's more advanced private-network features are probably network-savvy enough not to need Network Magic. I still wish I could use both.
Follow-up: reader tips on faxing and OCR
I want to pass on two great tips I received from readers regarding my columns on online fax services (June 19, 2008) and OCR software (July 3, 2008) for creating searchable documents from scanned sources.
Tim Hayes clues me in to FaxZero. Tim says the service "allows you to fax up to two three-page documents free each day. The documents can be either .doc or .pdf files. No sign-up is required. Simply access the site, enter the necessary data, and upload the doc."
Tim says the only catch is that "the cover sheet carries ads, which may be a problem for some." You'll also have to re-enter your information every time rather than having it saved in an account, but FaxZero seems like a perfect service for occasional faxing needs while on the road. Combine it with eFax's free receive-fax service, and you're all set.
Mike Taylor points out that Microsoft Office has basic OCR functionality built in:
-
"Obviously, being included in the package, this OCR program will probably buckle under the weight of complicated magazine pages and the like. But if you just need to scan a few simple things and you already have Office, why spend the money on another OCR program?
"Also, if your only need is to create searchable PDF files from Office files, use the PDF format plug-ins for Office 2007 or another free PDF-creating print driver for previous versions of Office!"
|
Readers Tim and Mike will each receive a gift certificate for
a book, CD, or DVD of their choice for sending tips we printed. Send us your
tips via the Windows Secrets
contact page. |
Becky Waring has worked as a writer and editor for PC World, NewMedia Magazine, CNET, The San Francisco Chronicle, Technology Review, Upside Magazine, and many other news sources. She alternates the Best Software column with Windows Secrets contributing editor Scott Spanbauer.
New version of top free PC inventory/monitoring program
Spiceworks IT Desktop has long been one my favorite free network management tools. It runs on a manager's PC and monitors the health and software and hardware inventory up to 250 devices connected to the network.
Its strength has always been its high degree of configurability and the latest version 3 adds to that strength while at the same time adding new features and an improved user interface that allows a manager to "view network devices, applications and services more quickly." Also new is a software-as-a-service inventory management feature.
Like previous versions V3 is ad supported. These Google Ad-Sense ads only appear on the manager's PC and are an acceptable price to pay for an outstanding freeware product. Freeware, ad-supported, can discover Windows, Linux and OSX devices but the management console must be a Windows PC running XP Pro SP2, Windows Vista (with special settings) or Windows 2003 Server, 12.6MB
http://www.spiceworks.comHow to generate .htaccess files the easy way
On web servers, .htaccess files are used to control many different functions, including authentication, access restriction and redirection. Setting them up can be a nightmare for part-time webmasters, but this site will generate your .htaccess file for you. All you need do is fill in an online form
http://www.htaccesseditor.com/en.shtml
Open DNS explained
I've mentioned the free OpenDNS service [1] several times in this newsletter as a good way of speeding up your browsing and filtering content. Every time I mention it I get subscriber email asking me to explain the idea. Here's a video [2] about OpenDNS that will help those of you who do not understand the technology to better grasp the concept of DNS, how OpenDNS works and how it can be configured.
[1] http://www.opendns.com
[2] http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2277177,00.asp
How to tell if you are secretly connected to the Internet
(This item is an update to an article that first appeared in the October 2005 issue of this newsletter)
One of the most unnerving computer experiences is to notice sudden unexpected internet activity from your PC when you're not using the internet at the time.
It can be brought to your attention several ways. For example, the lights on your modem or router might start blinking furiously, or your firewall may indicate internet activity, or your download/upload monitor could show that a lot of information is being received or transmitted.
When this happens to me, the first thought that goes through my mind is that a malware program may be "phoning home" to some remote PC, divulging all my personal information.
Now I know this is unlikely because my PC is well protected, but I know enough about security to know that it's possible. So whenever this happens I immediately investigate what's happening, and you should do the same. In the following paragraphs I'll show you how.
When you are connected to the internet you are not connected at one point but at multiple points. These different points are called ports. Data can flow into and out of each of these ports. It's a bit like the way flies get into your house. They can get in (or out) through the front door, the back door, the windows or the chimney. These openings in your house are just like the ports in your computer.
There can be up to 65000 ports on your computer, but normally these are shut. When you start a program such as your web browser that connects to the internet, that program opens one or more ports to make the connection.
So when your computer shows signs of unexpected internet activity, you need to determine what ports are open and then identify the programs that opened those ports.
There's a whole class of utilities called "port enumerators" that will do this job for you. In fact, there are more than a dozen such programs currently available. Additionally, many firewalls and anti-trojan programs have in-built port enumerators, though these are often quite basic.
I've looked at most of these products and found one freeware product that is outstanding. It's a tiny 50KB program that doesn't require installation, called CurrPorts [1] from Nir Sofer over at Nirsoft. It works best with Windows NT and later, though Windows 98 users can still use the product with less information displayed.
CurrPorts, like all port enumerators, shows all the ports that are currently open on your PC. It also shows you the process that opened each port and the time the port was opened. Most importantly, it flags, in pink, any suspicious ports.
Now "suspicious" here just means worth checking. However, this flagging makes the job of interpreting results much easier for less experienced users.
And if you install CurrPorts sister program from Nirsoft called IPNetInfo [2], you can right click on a suspicious connection and track down the location and owner of the remote site. If it's somewhere like North Korea, China or Romania, you almost certainly have a problem.
If you do have a problem CurrPorts allows you to immediately shut down that port. That reduces the potential damage but of course doesn't solve the problem. To do that you need to find the malware program responsible.
How you do that is, unfortunately, beyond the scope of this article. As a quick guide I suggest you download HijackThis from this link http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/ and follow the instructions on the same page how to paste the output to the Tom Coyote web forums. The folks on the forum should be able to help you permanently get rid of the problem and it won't cost you a cent either.
So folks, download CurrPorts now so that the next time you have unexplained internet activity you'll know exactly what to do about it.
[1] CurrPorts:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/cports.html
Freeware, Windows NT->Vista plus Win 98 with some limitations, No installation required, 50KB.
[2] IPNetInfo:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/ipnetinfo.html
Freeware, Windows 98->Vista, No installation required, 48KB.
Free tool for managing shared computers
Looking after a shared computer, in either a domestic or business environment, is never easy. Every time others use the machine, they create lots more temporary files, cached internet pages, registry entries, and possibly introduce spyware or adware or viruses which can affect subsequent users. If you've ever used a PC in an internet café and have been jealous of the way that those machines manage to reset everything after each user has accessed the machine, you need SteadyState. It's a free add-on for Windows XP, from Microsoft, which locks down the machine so that all changes made by a user are deleted when they log off. Freeware, Windows XP, 3.9MB. My thanks to Oliver Jones for alerting me to this excellent utility.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.mspx
Windows Home Server is here
Microsoft is finally shipping Windows Home Server, the latest addition to the Windows family. However, it's an OEM-only product, which means that you can't easily go out and buy a copy to install on an old PC that you happen to have lying about. You can, though, buy it pre-installed as part of a dedicated WHS box, which various companies such as HP are now shipping.
Windows Home Server is a superb idea, aimed at the growing number of households that have more than one PC. It's a cut-down version of Windows Server 2003 (no sign of Vista here, thankfully), that helps to ensure that your digital household runs smoothly and efficiently. It'll stream your collection of music and video files to other PCs, for example, as well as to devices such as your Xbox 360. It can even act as a Web server, allowing you and others to browse your pictures and other files via the internet from anywhere in the world, which is just wonderful if you want an easy way to keep in touch with relatives around the world.
In fact, all aspects of Home Server are accessed via a web browser so there's no need to have a monitor or keyboard connected to the machine itself. Just hide it in a cupboard somewhere, plug it into your network, and access it from wherever you wish.
Perhaps the best feature of Windows Home Server is that it provides an easy way to ensure that all household PCs are backed up. Install the client software on all your machines, and they get backed up to your Home Server every night. If anyone loses a file, or even an entire PC, it can be recovered from the Home Server. So is this the backup solution we've all been waiting for? Not entirely.
If you're going to go to the trouble of backing up every machine in your household, you need to be confident that you can recover data after just about every conceivable problem that might occur. Windows Home Server doesn't fully deliver, in my opinion, because there is no off-site backup. So a disaster at your house, like a flood or a fire or a robbery, could mean that you lose all your precious data files and all your backups too.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/windowshomeserver/default.mspx
Save money by making your own Ethernet leads
Cat 5 Ethernet cable costs less than 10 cents a foot while two RJ-45 connectors will cost you only 32c. That means you can make a five foot cable for 82 cents. Full instructions here:
http://www.urltrim.com/ct/t.php?l=75
The dangers of using open wireless networks
Most users are now aware of the dangers of home wireless networks, however open access public networks are a far greater risk. In fact, I'm constantly amazed at the way folks extol the virtues of public Wi-Fi networks without even considering the serious security risks involved. These risks are real and immediate, not theoretical. You don't even have to be actively using a public network to be exposed; simply allowing your computer to automatically connect is enough. If you have a laptop or PC with Wi-Fi access, please read this article.
http://www.informit.com/guides/content.asp?g=security&seqNum=162
Serious flaw in VMWare NAT
Users of VMWare Workstation 5.5, VMWare GSX Server 3.2, VMWare ACE 1.0.1, VMWare Player 1.0, and previous releases of these products who use NAT for networking should update to the latest version immediately as a serious security flaw in these products could allow an attacker to gain control of the host PC.
http://www.vmware.com/download