Network Management Program?

FattyLumpkin · 10-31-2005, 05:46 PM

Hi. Can anyone suggest some good (preferable free) software for managing a network? I'm about to move into our new house and will have two NetGear switches and a router for all the connections but am curious about what people use to monitor and manage such a system.

Windows XP (Pro)

Thank you...

**Resolution** · 10-31-2005, 06:05 PM

It depends on what you would like to do with your network. Most home users administer their network from the local computer and the router. There usually isn't any need for network management software, besides the programs you install on each computer (antivirus, spyware scanners, automatic updates, etc.).

FattyLumpkin · 10-31-2005, 06:21 PM

I suppose I'm just looking to watch activity, check port numbers, and basic stuff.

**JamesO** · 10-31-2005, 07:07 PM

For quick info on network connectivity I use AlertPing. A good tool that I put on machines I set up for folks, so if I get a call, 2 mouse clicks and I know what is and what is not working.

I configure local host, all network devices, first hop to the ISP, hops inside the ISP, DNS servers, first hop outside the ISP and a few known sites on the web that I typically expect to have good up time and access.

Alert Ping

JamesO

10-31-2005, 05:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
FattyLumpkin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 10 OS: XP Pro	Network Management Program? Hi. Can anyone suggest some good (preferable free) software for managing a network? I'm about to move into our new house and will have two NetGear switches and a router for all the connections but am curious about what people use to monitor and manage such a system. Windows XP (Pro) Thank you...

10-31-2005, 06:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	It depends on what you would like to do with your network. Most home users administer their network from the local computer and the router. There usually isn't any need for network management software, besides the programs you install on each computer (antivirus, spyware scanners, automatic updates, etc.). Last edited by Resolution; 10-31-2005 at 06:10 PM.

10-31-2005, 06:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
FattyLumpkin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 10 OS: XP Pro	I suppose I'm just looking to watch activity, check port numbers, and basic stuff.

10-31-2005, 07:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
JamesO Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA USA Posts: 2,289 OS: 98SE, W2k Pro, XP Pro	For quick info on network connectivity I use AlertPing. A good tool that I put on machines I set up for folks, so if I get a call, 2 mouse clicks and I know what is and what is not working. I configure local host, all network devices, first hop to the ISP, hops inside the ISP, DNS servers, first hop outside the ISP and a few known sites on the web that I typically expect to have good up time and access. Alert Ping JamesO