From...

September 27, 1999
Web posted at: 1:15 p.m. EDT (1715 GMT)

by Max Green

(IDG) -- A home network is one of the best ways to spread your computing resources around. With a small local area network you can transfer files between PCs and share printers and modem connections. Network starter kits cost only about $150, and if you purchase a few of these shareware utilities, you'll have plenty of new uses for your LAN without spending much more. This week's list includes the most popular networking files in our shareware library; to explore all the programs in this category, click "More network utilities," link below.

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Top 10 home-networking utilities

1. PPPshar Pro: Enable your multiuser network to access the Internet. PPPshar Pro lets several computers on a LAN access the Web, FTP, e-mail, and IRC simultaneously and independently. The $25 lite version allows up to five concurrent users; the full version is $49 for five users, and licenses for more users are available.

2. E/pop: This $195 replacement for Windows' WinPop instant messaging utility does more than simple messaging. As a stand-alone application, E-pop can run applications remotely across standard protocols.

3. LANTastic 8.0 Demo: This easy-to-install peer-to-peer networking supports any combination of DOS and Windows machines. A two-user starter kit is priced at $249.

4. LanScan Network Monitor: This network-monitoring tool tests the connectivity and responsiveness of your LAN, and keeps track of network use and Internet access. Its intuitive interface helps you run simplified reports on network data.

5. ShareTheNet: Share your Internet connection across your network with this LAN utility. ShareTheNet is compatible with most network software and lets you have multiple networked machines use one connection without having to deal with SOCKS settings.

6. y-IP-ee: This demo gives everyone on your LAN full Internet access using a single IP address and an analog dial-up connection. The demo version limits you to 15 minutes online per connection. The full version costs $39.

7. NetWatcher Pro: This free version can tell you much more than the one that comes with Windows 95. NetWatcher Pro lets you log user access and disconnect those who try to run unauthorized programs or whose connection is idle. You can even ask NetWatcher Pro to alert you when specific users log on.

8. ComShare: Share as many as 99 modems across any Novell or NetBIOS-based LAN with this networking utility.

9. LAN Hijack: With the ability to control other PCs on a Novell network from your own workstation, you can use this utility to offer tech support, training, or demonstrations.

10. Watch95 Networking Monitor: This tool provides a graphical means of monitoring the status of selected host or network equipment. It alerts you when those systems have problems.