PRODUCT REVIEW
Patrolling Network Security With NetTrooper

That doesn't mean, though, that my curiosity isn't aroused from time to time, and I feel an urge to poke around with the network. Usually it's an urge that I resist, but a slick piece of software from Sereniti called NetTrooper made that urge irresistible.

NetTrooper isn't designed as a toy for network peepers. Its chief purpose is to improve the security of your home network. In doing that, however, it lets you take a good gander at the inner workings of your Net.

Perky Interface

The program lets you control your network from a single console. It also allows you to easily see what devices are attached to your network and gives you some resources to address potential security risks.

For example, it will do a security evaluation of all your networked PCs. It will also alert you when your computer is at risk and tell you what you can do about it. It will even give you a report card view of the devices on your network and grade the security risk of each. The application has an attractive interface that is perked up with 3-D buttons and colorful icons.

When you click the "home" button, a map of all the elements on your network is displayed.

Report Card

Click the "security" button and the security report card appears. It provides grades for virus protection, spyware protection, firewall status, Windows and browser configuration, wireless security , backup and optimization, peer-to-peer software and identity theft insurance.

Details about a grade can be revealed by clicking a link beside it. Those details, though, often reveal more about NetTrooper than the computer it's looking at.

For instance, in the Windows and Browser category, my desktop computer was given a "B." In the details window, the program said that the reason for that grade was because my Windows System Restore feature was not turned on, Internet Explorer was configured to accept cookies from all Web sites, Internet Explorer was not configured with encryption and my computer was missing critical security updates from Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) .

System Restore is turned off on my computer because I have a third-party software program performing that function.

As for Internet Explorer, I don't use it, so I don't care how it's configured.

Taking NetTrooper's advice, I ran Windows Update to make the latest critical changes to my system. Nevertheless, NetTrooper kept telling me I had critical updates missing.

'Like a Charm'

The folder and printer-sharing features of the program worked like a charm. They made it very easy to share those items on my network.

A click of the "repair connection" button will fix a computer's link to the network and the Internet.

The "router" button gives you quick access to items like your router password, network ID, wireless security, router administration page and other router information.

You can download a fully functional, free version of NetTrooper from the Sereniti Web site. After 30 days, you can choose to buy a subscription to the product for US$29.95, which will cover three PCs for one year.

If you choose not to subscribe, a number of the software's features will be shut off, such as simplified folder and printer sharing, one-click repair of connectivity and security issues, wireless and roving security management, and protection of PC data while you're away from home.

As a bonus with your subscription, you get $25,000 in identity theft insurance with no deductible. The insurance will pay for extra assistance and financial relief, as well as identity restoration costs, legal defense expenses and lost wages.

You also get $1,000 in antivirus insurance. That policy covers damage to computers and software as the result of viruses.

While NetTrooper has let some light into the black box that is my wireless network, it hasn't made it transparent. Nevertheless, if you feel uneasy about the security of your net, $29.95 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.