Get Your Free Monitoring Utility
While Solarwinds did not invent the freebie they have certainly embraced the concept. What you get with their free Network Device Monitor is a fully functional utility for checking the status of a router, firewall or even a server. I Love the undercurrent of learning while playing with these computer gadgets. Later on, should you wish to monitor zillions of SNMP enabled devices, then you can buy the ‘Big Brother’ Orion NPM.
Download your free Network Device Monitor
Do you want Prefetch just for the operating system or would you also like applications to benefit from this feature? However, I have taken issue with Solarwinds because I don’t think they cater for the beginner. One test of any company is how they deal with criticism. Privately Solarwinds pointed out to me that most of their customers already know the SNMP and MIB stuff and thus don’t want to be told stuff they already know. Yet publically their latest video points newbies to references for learning more about the SNMP and WMI that many of their utilities rely upon.
Download your free Network Device Monitor
Internet Forums Such as Thwack
I have an observation about researching answers in forums. What seems to be happening is that if you ‘Google’ say topic xyz, then you will see a well run forums are coming to the top of search results. Some forums such as SuperUser or StackOverflow are gaining if not cult status then brand awareness. And my point? Solarwinds have a thriving forum called ‘Thwack‘, which supports even their free tools. What has happened at Thwack is that real users give tips and scripts showing how they used the Solarwinds tools.
Paul DeBrino Suggests NCH
My family is blessed with many great cooks. While none are workshy, they are all adamant that they prefer the taste of a meal prepared by one of the other cooks. So it is with my computer tips, Paul DeBrino’s recommendations always seem more tasty than mine. One reason is that I rate his suggestions so highly is that freeware, trialware and shareware products can have hidden pitfalls. Paul checks out the background of the companies and makes additional tests to ensure that his suggestions are free of malware.
Investigate NCH Software
There really is something for everyone at NCH, for example BroadCam, VideoDvd even business software such as accounts. Guy is trying the Fast Fox Typing Shortcuts. So far this program is free but I cannot figure out whether it’s time limited, or what you get if you pay the $50? I have mentioned only a few of NCH’s dozens of utilities, please check their site’s list of NCH utilities.
Kiwi Syslog Server
Syslog’s success and universal adoption is based on simplicity, it’s just not fussy about what sort of event log messages it carries. As a result syslog has become the de-facto standard for system management and event reporting in heterogeneous networks. See more about the free Kiwi Syslog Server network utility
Guy Recommends: Tools4ever’s UMRA
Tired of writing scripts? The User Management Resource Administrator solution by Tools4ever offers an alternative to time-consuming manual processes.
It features 100% auto provisioning, Helpdesk Delegation, Connectors to more than 130 systems/applications, Workflow Management, Self Service and many other benefits. Click on the link for more information onUMRA.
Will and Guy’s Humour – May Day
Fell off the back of a lorry – Guy’s favourite May Day Joke
Freddie was looking at the animals section at the May Fair when a dirty, scruffy man came running in the opposite direction. He stopped and asked Freddie, ‘Have you seen a cart load of pigs go this way?’
‘No’, said Freddie, ‘Why did you fall off?’
Here is an amusing video clip about May Day.
See more interesting free computer utilities
Here are my reviews of more useful computer tools. Most of these programs are free, while others are major applications, but time-limited. One common theme is that Solarwinds give you a free specialist utility, and then supply a more comprehensive suite for larger organizations. To let you into a secret; for small networks the free tool is all you’ll ever need.
• E 202 Permissions Monitor • E 190 Network Device Monitor • E 181 Config Generator
• E 166 IPAM •E 161 OB IT •E 159 Kiwi Syslog Review • E 156 Windows Network Monitor
• Real Time Netflow Analyzer •Syslog Utility • Ezines Home • Ezines Home
