Looking at the history of computing, anyone can see that it wasn’t until some brilliant folks connected a couple of computers together that the real fun began. Countless tools let you do all sorts of network trickery, many with their roots at the Unix command line. But forget arcane command line tools. Today we’ve picked out 10 of our favorite, free, point and click software applications and webapps that help you make the most of the giant web of connected computers that is your network.
10. Angry IP Scanner (port scanner)
Angry IP Scanner probes your – and others’ – computers for open ports, and displays all sorts of juicy information about them, including IP and MAC addresses. Find out more on how to portscan your computer for security holes.
9. MacFUSE (network drive mounter)
Remote filesystem manager for Macs, MacFUSE, can mount a remote drive – say your home computer’s hard drive – over the internet using SSH, so all communications are encrypted. Great for secure, remote drag and drop file access. Here’s how to mount a filesystem on your Mac over SSH with MacFUSE.
8. DynDNS (dynamic DNS)
Sick of playing the guessing game when it comes to your home computer’s IP address? Many consumer ISP’s don’t guaranteed your IP address won’t change, but a free service called DynDNS can assign a static (and easy to remember) domain name to your home service. Here’s how to assign a swanky domain name (like mycomputer.com) to your home server with DynDNS.
7. NetMeter (bandwidth monitor)
Bandwidth monitor NetMeter tracks the number of bytes flowing in and out of your computer at any given time. Great for students or otherwise bandwidth-limited folks who get throttled after a certain point, NetMeter keeps tabs on your internet traffic for you.
6. iStumbler (wireless network manager)
Wireless network manager for the Mac iStumbler tells you what wifi, Bluetooth and Bonjour networks and devices are nearby. For wifi-hunting Mac users, iStumbler tells you how strong each signal is and whether or not it’s passworded. Windows users looking for the same functionality should try NetStumbler.
5. Net Profiles (network-specific settings)
Map drives, run programs and even switch your desktop wallpaper depending on what network you’re connected to with the free Net Profiles Windows app. Mac users, see how you can configure proximity-dependent actions (with Bluetooth devices like your phone, too!) with Home Zone.
4. Synergy (virtual KVM)
Share a single keyboard and mouse across several different computers and operating systems with Synergy, a network-based virtual KVM switch. Here’s Adam’s take on how to control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse with Synergy.
3. WiPeer (P2P wireless)
Meet your laptop-toting buddy for coffee and want an easy way to transfer files and play games wirelessly between you? The free WiPeer sets up instant peer-to-peer wireless networks between Windows PC’s, no USB drive handing off or internet wifi access required.
(Note: LH readers bring up two good points – this same thing can be done without WiPeer in Windows’ network settings, and it is a security risk, especially in public places, so use with caution.)
2. DD-WRT (router firmware)
The magical open source DD-WRT router firmware can turn your $60 router into a $600 router and extend your router’s signal, enable bandwidth throttling, and even turn your router into a signal repeater.
1. Hamachi (VPN)
Free VPN client Hamachi bypasses restrictive firewalls and can make any set of computers scattered about the intertubes look as if they’re on the same local network with a secure, encrypted connection, web-based network management and cross-platform clients. In English? This means you can stream your iTunes library or remote control your home computer over the internet securely regardless of what kind of firewalls are up between the computers.
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