Network Magic: Reviewed
People have multiple computers in their homes these days. In my San Francisco apartment, there are currently 6 computers. I can vouch for three of them, that’s 50% of my home network. A computer, by itself, is merely a computer. Multiple computers in the same establishment can combine forces and create a network, like the lions of Voltron.
Network Magic can be downloaded and installed, or installed via a CD and your CD-ROM. I popped in the disc to my CD-ROM and after a few clicks, entering my product key, and I was up and running.
I took the CD to all other Windows machines (Network Magic doesn’t have support for OS X or Linux yet), and installed. Since the key had been entered initially on my first computer, I didn’t need to re-enter it, the network was already performing like magic.
A cute little green house icon with a checkmark tells you that everything is A-OK in your taskbar. Clicking on it brings up the network map. Views vary from “What’s New”, “Network Map”, “Shared Folders”, “Net2Go Manager”, and “Printer Manager”.
What’s New brings you to a page that gives you the newer shared folders, news about Pure Networks, and the recent network activity on your network. For example: “office computer joined the network 2:34pm”.
The Network Map is your view of what’s going on. The flowchart-like diagram is dynamically updated with who’s on, who’s off, and plenty of other interesting details. This is where intruders can be seen and tracked. I am also able see information about my roommate’s computer, it is named ‘awesome’, is wirelessly connected, has an Epson Stylus printer installed, is running Win XP SP2, has 128mb of RAM, has excellent signal strength, is connected at 11.0 Mbps, is using a D-Link USB wireless network adapter, and more.
Net2Go Manager is something a bit bigger than I expected. It is the ability to share files over the internet. The simple setup requires you to create a URL in the format of http://_____.net2go.com. Once you have created your unique URL and a password, you need to enable web sharing for your chosen shared folders. Three minutes to set up the whole thing and I was sharing folders over the net. I had a friend who lives in Southern California (I’m in San Francisco) go to my net2go.com address and share some files! I see this coming in rather nicely when I want to share photos, music, video files, or accessing my important data remotely. Password protection is an option for sensitive information.
There are a few more options to this software package such as printer sharing, network management (health and status), and router information. The program does tell users how to set up WEP security for their wireless configurations, but does not assist in doing so. Also, a pop up window alerts me whenever an intruder joins my network, but I don’t have the capability to disconnect them, I am only able to track them. I would like to see these features added in the upcoming versions.
Who is this for:
This product is simple enough for the beginner to install, work, and comprehend. But has features that advanced users like myself would find useful
Who is this not for:
Mac users, Linux users, and people who only have one computer at home with no intent to share or access files over the net.
This product is LD approved, I have enjoyed using, and will continue to use Pure Network’s Network Magic.
Thanks to Pure Networks for supporting this review.
December 16th, 2005 at 8:07 pm
LIVEdigitally >> Network Magic: Review
once you’ve physically connected your network, how do you get the network to net-work? I have always had issues with Windows and the My Network feature. Pure Networks saw this problem, and created a simple solution. Network Magic, the software sol…
January 7th, 2006 at 3:50 am
After downloading and installing the program.
The first thing it did when I ran it was to ask for the user id and password of my router.
I stopped the program.
Is this kosher?
February 25th, 2006 at 9:04 am
is there a subscription charge for net to go or just the initial product charge
March 11th, 2006 at 9:21 am
Terry: I setup the program. Works great. Since you network through your router, I believe you need to provide the user id & password to allow NM to access the router to tie together your network.
Krod: My understanding, 1 year free for net2go w/your NM, but after than, subscription fee, but not sure of cost after the year’s up.
April 14th, 2006 at 7:29 pm
My experience was contrary to anything good said about this product. I purchased the program, and was greatly disappointed. I could not un-install the program! I updated the program and it worked well until the next update came along and after it was installed, ALL of my PCs (4 each) locked up and would not work at all. Yes, I realize that my situation is probably different that most (I use satellite for my net provider.) Howeer, I’m removing this crippling program from all of my units. I don’t need an additional headache!
Buer beware!!!!
September 11th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
I’ve had nothing but headaches and problems with this software. I’ve uninstalled it from all the computers in my network. It gives false security readings, is inaccurate for updates, and does nothing but slow down my network speed and cause problems for printer and file sharing. I do not recommend anyone using the free edition, and don’t waste your money paying for this software.
November 20th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
i feel sorry for anyone who does not like this program. what i mean is you must not be very computer savvy, because this is a great program which is very easy to install and use.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:32 pm
I have been running Network Magic for the past month since getting the 30 day free trial FULL feature version bundled with a D-Link router that I purchased. I am a retired IT professional and I can assure you that this software is indeed magic. It took very little effort to install my fully secured home network of 4 computers and three printers. Setting up file sharing between all users was a piece of cake.One small issue that I do have is that the software does not allow you to rename network components but this is a minor constraint. Overall in my opinion this is great software and I will be purchasing the package when my trial expires.
February 25th, 2007 at 8:03 am
This program came free with my TrendNet router that I purchased butt I didn’t realize that it expired after one month. During the first month I loved it! I loved being able to share folders from upstairs to downstairs and share the printers. I do get a message on my downstairs computer occasionally that my internet connection has failed but it still continues to work so it must be resolving itself right after I get the message.
I keep getting this offer to purchase the premium edition. If I do that, is it only for one year or a permanent purchase? I never did try to hook up our router through Windows, we just used this program right away. It sounds like Windows set up is confusing. However, if I used Windows to set up my network would it include file sharing and printer sharing? If so, why would I buy the premium version of this one?
March 25th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
No,actually you have it wrong. YOU are the one who is not computer savvy for using such a product. Your misplaced pity would be better directed toward yourself - trust me David, anyone who is the slightest bit computer savvy would not touch this process-hogging, unreliable piece of *coughs* junk. I’m an IT Technician, and hoped it would be good to guide my “less” able customers through the sometimes laborious process of setting up a network. I was very wrong. It makes things worse. Bet you’ve got lots of toolbars too eh ?
April 7th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Bev Montenaro: Can’t beat having a pop when someone dares to state an opinion different to yours, eh? Do you always approach reasoned argument so articulately?
Jerk.
April 16th, 2007 at 7:46 am
does someone can give me the activation code
August 18th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
Tsa-la-gi : I agree, a headache, makes matters worse not better. Bev Montenaro : I have to agree this software is not for the computer literate. Why use your pc resources on a prog that is unecessary. Windows does all this for you. Delta Worncheap quote : Do you always approach reasoned argument so articulately? Followed by : Jerk. I think we might say the same to you.
October 17th, 2007 at 1:07 am
I only used this software to see if I could get my Lexmark printer shared across the network, it didn’t work, probably not network magics fault, it’s well documented that the x1150 can’t be shared. There are 2 xp machines, one 98 and one vista on my network, I installed it on all of them. Yes it worked but there was no functionality that having a normal wireless network gives you. The uninstall is shocking, screwed up the network settings on every machine. Took hours to reconfigure things, and the vista machine still has some annoying problems. If you know nothing about networking and try this then decide to uninstall you better have some friends who know what they are doing otherwise it will cost you to get your machine re-setup by a proffesiional. If you can’t set up your network youself I certainly don’t see how you will be able to repair your screwed up network configuration when you decide this software isn’t for you and you uninstall it. VERY BAD, DON’T DO IT!
December 11th, 2007 at 5:01 am
I really like Network Magic, but my router disconnects often; does anyone know why?
Thanks in advance,
Karen
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:21 am
Would not uninstall. Absolute piece o’ junk. more like a virus than an application.
JUST SAY NO TO NETWORK MAGIC!!!!
December 29th, 2007 at 10:26 am
To Whom It May Concern (or Interested):
I have great reservation about this product. It shows everything is working, i.e., connection to the wireless device and connection to the Internet but the browser can not find anything in the Internet. A faulty assurance. Could someone show me how to uninstall it?
Thanks, An extremely frustrated user.
December 29th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Bev:
Let me tell you, savvy or not, the problem here is that once the program is installed takes control of all the network applications on the computer and the moment your demo version expires and then you want to remove it, is where the problems start.
None of my network interfaces are acquiring DHCP, the Wireless Zero configuration goes to disabled.
Now if you think that this is normal behavior you are biased or paid by this people.
I wish I’d never installed this application, that is my mistake for sure.
December 30th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Get a new computer and install network magic. And you will see it word like magic.
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
This product worked for a while, then just stopped recognizing my computers or the shared folders. I tried reinstalling the software to no avail. My network is not a complicated one: one desktop and one laptop, using a router and satellite internet. If Network Magic can’t handle this really simple network, then it is not good software. I can’t believe I paid for this.
January 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Saul - If you’d bothereede to read my posts correctly, you would see that is exactly what I was saying. That I am the one who has been trying to warn people off of using this bloated and buggy application. Times ten. I quote one of my earliest posts : anyone who is the slightest bit computer savvy would not touch this process-hogging, unreliable piece of *coughs* junk. I’m an IT Technician, and hoped it would be good to guide my “less” able customers through the sometimes laborious process of setting up a network. I was very wrong.
And I have continued to advise people NOT to use it. I’m sorry you had trouble uninstalling it, the trouble is it doesn’t undo the configurational changes it makes when one attempts to uninstall it. It just takes some folders out. It’s terrible. Better off to download a good straightforward tutorial on networking and take the time to follow it to the T, assuming all pcs on the network are running XP or 2000 at the least.
I’m assuming you’re up and running by now, but if not email me and I’ll take you through it step by step. (Getting rid of the crap etc.)
January 5th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Saul - If you’d bothered to read my posts correctly, you would see that is exactly what I was saying. That I am the one who has been trying to warn people off of using this bloated and buggy application. Times ten. I quote one of my earliest posts : anyone who is the slightest bit computer savvy would not touch this process-hogging, unreliable piece of *coughs* junk. I’m an IT Technician, and hoped it would be good to guide my “less” able customers through the sometimes laborious process of setting up a network. I was very wrong.
And I have continued to advise people NOT to use it. I’m sorry you had trouble uninstalling it, the trouble is it doesn’t undo the configurational changes it makes when one attempts to uninstall it. It just takes some folders out. It’s terrible. Better off to download a good straightforward tutorial on networking and take the time to follow it to the T, assuming all pcs on the network are running XP or 2000 at the least.
I’m assuming you’re up and running by now, but if not email me and I’ll take you through it step by step. (Getting rid of the crap etc.)
January 8th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Do not buy D-link routers or and router with this Network Magic software.
I bought a D-link router which came with this software. It offered an initial trial for the full version which included file/printer sharing functionality. The free functionality was the basic requirement of a router - network lock security and network hide. After months of using the free version, today it asked me to update the software (which it has a few times before) - and with this update I no longer have network lock security or network hide functionality - they are only allowing this with a payment for the full version of US$60+. I should not have to pay more for basic router software than the D-link router itself cost. D-link and Pure Networks should be ashamed at this dishonest business practice of selling a router, then making the buyer pay another $60 for the software to make it work!
January 10th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
This program is anything but magic. It came with my D-Link Router and now I am attempting to Uninstall it to no avail. Worst of all, it slows down my network speeds!
January 20th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
This program helped demystify a wi-fi networking problem I was having. I really do like the way it handles some of the grunt work of getting a network up and running, and the network map is nice.
However, it’s extra overhead (processes and drivers) that take up memory and CPU cycles, and it slowed down my network response times just a bit. So I uninstalled it. I think that is a good strategy: Use Network Magic to solve some of your networking issues, and then once everything is up and running and configured properly, uninstall NM because it’s no longer really needed. The devices will still retain their configurations (and thus work) after NM is gone.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Bev,
So what exactly is your gripe with Network Magic anyway,
I’ve been using it for some time now, and although the trial has finished, it continues to do what I want. My bigest gripe with the program is the lack of an uninstall, and the subsequent difficulty in removing it from my computer(s), which I wish to do ONLY because it has expired.
Since there are scant few alternative programs that provide an elegant graphical display of network connections, and when used with the speed meter plugin, a per user bandwidth display, I’d say you are being a bit dogmatic in your vilification of this program. OK, so it ‘aint perfect, but other than you what is?
February 28th, 2008 at 12:20 am
I live in the boonies in Indonesia. Am lightly computer literate. Have just switched from dial-up to broadband, installed a D-Link 635 router for one PC and one lap-top . V. pleased with myself as all running welll with good speeds. Then bingo, the modem shows I am receiving, send is flashing. Online is dead. Control panel shows the broadband is connected (XP) but the system is as dead as a dodo! The only other action I have taken in my enthusiasm is to download Network Magic. Conclusion uninstall it —-then the the trouble starts. I can’t uninstall it! I have down loaded CCleaner but that cant do it. Bev you were kind enough to offer Saul email advice to go through step by step the uninstall procedure. I would certainly appreciate your assistance to de-crap this program, for want of a better word.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Hi Bev
As I cannot send you an email, I will leave my address - ram-rms2@cbn.net.id in the hope you read this and are kind enough to mail Network Magic ” uninstall ” steps -Windows XP system .
April 14th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
i think it sucks that you buy a d-link dir -625 then they package the network magic on the installation cd so that you have to run it then maybe upgrade -read buy it outright seems like blackmail to me we had a linksystem wireless router and it was easy to set up and no blackmail programs
d-link you make a nice router but your cd packaged software sucks bigtime
=1 lost customer in the future
brewws
April 28th, 2008 at 10:55 am
can someone email me the un-install procedure as well. i hate network magic!- ckorpowski@sbcglobal.net
May 8th, 2008 at 6:37 am
A fundamental of any application development effort is the simple and complete uninstall. An application that does not easily and entirely remove itself on demand is unacceptable and the company that produces it is suspect. Requiring the user tor resort to the OS to remove a program is bad form. Leaving trash in the registry is either a mark of slovenliness or mafeasance. That is the case with Network Magic. I would not trust any product from Pure Networks.
May 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
let Network magic burn in hell! i uninstalled it and i can barely leave google… it opened ports and added keys to my registry i can’t delete! if you have this on your pc… you’ll be in serious trouble
May 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am
As an MCSE, MCNE, CCNP, and CIW+ certified professional in the industry for more than 20 years, I can heartily recommend.. run.. do not walk .. and do not install this product.
The sad part is - many people are stuck with it portions of it are incorporated in the aol bloat-ware. Removing this product can add hours to the already difficult task of recovinging from rootkit or other virus attacks.