Drop, charge, and lose the cords
Entered CNET Catalog: 03/30/2006
SKU: CNETPNNETWORKMAGIC20
Manufacturer: Pure Networks
User opinions
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User Rating: 
4/10
Great potential but seriously flawed
Pros: Identifies devices on network, printers, and shared folders. Makes doing many network tasks much simpler, especially for non-geek. Inexpensive.
Cons: Great potential for abuse. I connect to unsecured network and could see every device on it and could also take screen snapshots. Every time I changed a network device NM would show the internet as disconnected even though it was still connected
The only way to fix the internet connection problem is to uninstall NM and reinstall even this does not always work.
I would not recommend buy this product at this time but if you need help setting up you network download the free trial, use it and then uninstall when trial period expires.
I would have loved to have been able to give this product a better review but it still needs more work. Maybe Cisco will help get this potentially helpful product working right.
User Rating: 
10/10
From wireless security to networking basics - Network Magic has it all!
Pros: Simplifies and enhances network management and security
Cons: No anti-virus or spyware tool
User Rating: 
1/10
Shockingly bad piece of software
Pros: Unfortunately due to the uninstall not working there is absolutely nothing to like about this software.
Cons: The uninstall, hogging system resources.
User Rating: 
9/10
Worked perfectly for my 3 computer network
Pros: Extremely easy to set up
Cons: Nothing really
I received an e-mail from Pure Magic offering Network Magic for $19.99 ($10 below retail). I figured for less than $20 I?d give it a shot. I installed it on all 3 computers, and it took me less than an hour (including download time) to get everything up and running. I now have a true home network.
The main screen of Network Magic lists each computer connected to the network, and the printers connected to each computer. I can now access all my files and all my printers from any of my 3 computers. That is exactly what I was trying to accomplish!
I can?t imagine an easier way to set up a home network. I would highly recommend this product.
User Rating: 
3/10
Wouldnt work, said I had 2 networks going and support told me to set windows up to run the network(
Pros: excellent interface and setup
Cons: Didnt work on my system cant run 2 networks?
Support never gave me a solution that would work!
User Rating: 10/10
Best Program Ever
Pros: What a great program, does everything really easy
Cons: Homepage is unorganized
User Rating: 9/10
Works as advertised and well
Pros: Easy setup and clear instructions
Cons: third party firewall protection can mean manual setting changes
User Rating: 9/10
Great product, easy to setup.
Pros: Works great!
Cons: None so far
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent program for the non network-inclined
Pros: Ease of set up and use. Net2Go. It just works.
Cons: Subscription fee instead of purchase fee
Within half an hour I had a desktop, 2 laptops, a printer, a webcam and my PDA all networked.
I especially like the Net2Go feature. I can download and upload files onto my network computers from anywhere.
My main vice is that the premium features require a subscription service fee instead of a one time purchase fee. In my opinion however it is worth it.
A lot of the older reviews I've seen out there seem to be talking about older versions of the software, not V3.0. Also, the subscription fee is now $19.99 for 3 computers, instead of $29.99.
My trial period is up tomorrow and I am definately going to pay for the subscription.
User Rating: 9/10
Fixed my Home Network
Pros: Fixed my troubled network
Cons: Subscription fee, only certain routers supported.
No worries! Network Magic to the rescue! It truly is magic!
I consider myself at least very mildly computer saavy/capable (in the normal world/maybe not like you guys in the cnet world), although I am certainly no wizard. I've previously had my network running well with computers communicating with each other. However, something strange happened to the network. I've spent much time trying to get my computers (all use Windows XP) to transfer/share files and printers. I unsuccessfully tried to fix it and referenced cnet and microsoft and faithfully followed all support steps. I also checked various discussion groups and websites. I found that the tips/tricks on CNet did not help. The computers would not ping each other, but would ping the router. http://help.cnet.com/Networking_and_Wi_Fi/9602-12576_39-0.html?tag=tip-2505209&nodeId=3243&messageID=2505209&kw=Networking+AND+and+AND+Wi+AND+Fi
As a professional, my time is valuable and I spent too much time messing with it. I stumbled across Network Magic on CNet. I verified that my router (make sure of this prior to purchase; try the free trial first if not sure) was supported by the program and installed it in each and all of my computers. They now communicate perfectly and are happy to share files/printers with each other like old friends. It only took a couple of minutes to fix it.
I haven't yet had the opportunity to try and evaluate the many other offerings of this program, but even for only fixing my network, this program is worth it for me. It saved me much headache and time.
FYI.. There are some reviews at amazon.com that are have a wide range of opinions. Some are not as happy with the product. However, I believe that most on amazon.com are reviewing version 2.0. I'm not sure if there is a big difference. http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Networks-Network-Magic-2-0/dp/B000BR39UA/ref=sr_11_1/002-6338353-7894466?ie=UTF8
I cannot get the net2go working as it says that I have 2 routers. I don't have 2 routers. It maybe registering my VOIP modem as a router. Sounds painful to remedy. Otherwise I like the product as noted before, but I'd have to downgrade to an 8 (really between 7 and 8).
User Rating: 
7/10
Get it - Almost perfect...
Pros: SUPER EASY home network sharing
Cons: Subscription model does NOT make sense for this software. Frequent updates not necessary.
User Rating: 9/10
Easy as falling off a log
Pros: I had issues with Microsofts Wizards but this program set up everything beautifully with minimum fuss. Added or changed file sharing with ease and transfers of files back and forth integrated easily.
Cons: A few minor glitches with indications of going offline but no big deal. Plusses far outweigh the minuses
User Rating: 
8/10
A very good program for setting up a home network
Pros: Easy setup for home network
Cons: Can't see files on my laptop
User Rating: 7/10
Great peace of mind tool
Pros: This is a good toll for novice network administrators who want to have a good way to manage a growing network
Cons: Not to many, so far.
