networks
Work
Set Default Printers Based On Network In Windows 7
4:30AM Adam Pash | Windows 7 sports a great new feature that allows you to set default printers based on what network your computer is connected to, perfect for folks who carry laptops from network to network. More »
Fix
Measurement Lab Checks If Your Connection Is Being Throttled
9:00PM Kevin Purdy | Google and a host of net-savvy partners have opened up a free set of web tools to help anyone determine if their net connection is blocking or throttling BitTorrent or otherwise limits their bandwidth. At the moment, three tools are available—when their servers aren’t jammed up, and they seem to be pretty popular at the moment. The Glasnost tool determines how your ISP is handling BitTorrent traffic and gives a readout on whether it’s being denied, throttled, or otherwise impaired. Network Diagnostic Tool covers other problems that might affect your upload or download speeds. And the Network Path and Application Diagnosis tries to reveal the routing, network tools, and other “last mile” issues that affect net performance. The tests are fairly simple, and each seems to require a working Java plugin to run. The Glasnost test, for instance, creates a fake BitTorrent stream between your connection point and the test’s servers, then monitors what happens to the packets. More »
Work
BitMeter Monitors Your Bandwidth
10:00AM Jason Fitzpatrick | Windows only: BitMeter is a small bandwidth-monitoring application packed with features to help you track and analyse your bandwidth usage and avoid end-of-month shaping or excess bills. On top of the basic features like a real time usage meter, BitMeter allows you to export your usage stats as a spreadsheet for further number crunching and remotely access your bandwidth data when away from your computer. Additionally, you can set BitMeter to alert you when you’ve reached a user specified percentage of your bandwidth allotment. For another free Windows bandwidth meter, check out Net Worx. BitMeter is freeware, Windows only, and requires Microsoft .NET 1.1 or later. Thanks nfs! BitMeter II More »
Organise
NetStat Agent 2.0 Free Today Only
9:02AM Gina Trapani | Windows only: The Giveaway of the Day web site has a home network monitoring tool, NetStat Agent 2.0, available as a free download today only (available for the next eight hours or so). NetStat Agent 2.0 is normally $35—and truth be told, as a commenter points out, it basically puts a friendly graphical interface on free tools like whois, ping, and traceroute. NetStat Agent shows you what programs and processes on your PC are connecting out to the internet and using what protocol. It can customise and generate reports, and give you stats about how much internet traffic goes in and out of your PC. Like all Giveaway of the Day deals, you’ve got to download, activate, and install this sucker within the limited window of time the offer is available, and you’re limited to one PC without tech support. If those terms don’t work for you, check out five quick searches that turn Firefox’s address bar into a network command line. More »
Communicate
3:56PM Angus Kidman | I’ve always been pretty suspicious of the networks labelled ‘Free Public Wifi’ that seem to spring up whenever I open my notebook in airports, and mildly curious as to why they’re so prolific. Sure, I’ve occasionally tried one when there’s no other visible network and I’m keen for connectivity, and it turns out that’s the whole problem, as Lisa Phifer at TechTarget explains:
After you deplane at the next city and open your laptop, your Wi-Fi card tries to automatically reconnect to “Free Public Wi-Fi.” Others sitting around you see this SSID being advertised by your laptop, and try to connect to you. This cycle repeats itself, spreading “Free Public WiFi” SSID from traveler to traveler, city to city.
While it’s hard to break the habit of wi-fi slurping, it’s probably sensible to give it up, or at least follow Phifer’s suggestions for not automatically connecting to unknown or public networks.Beware ‘Free Public WiFi’ when searching for a net connection [Tech Target]
More »
Why Free Public WiFi is everywhere, but shouldn’t be trusted
3:56PM Angus Kidman | I’ve always been pretty suspicious of the networks labelled ‘Free Public Wifi’ that seem to spring up whenever I open my notebook in airports, and mildly curious as to why they’re so prolific. Sure, I’ve occasionally tried one when there’s no other visible network and I’m keen for connectivity, and it turns out that’s the whole problem, as Lisa Phifer at TechTarget explains:
After you deplane at the next city and open your laptop, your Wi-Fi card tries to automatically reconnect to “Free Public Wi-Fi.” Others sitting around you see this SSID being advertised by your laptop, and try to connect to you. This cycle repeats itself, spreading “Free Public WiFi” SSID from traveler to traveler, city to city.
While it’s hard to break the habit of wi-fi slurping, it’s probably sensible to give it up, or at least follow Phifer’s suggestions for not automatically connecting to unknown or public networks.Beware ‘Free Public WiFi’ when searching for a net connection [Tech Target]
More » 