Entered CNET Catalog: 03/30/2006
SKU: CNETPNNETWORKMAGIC20
Manufacturer: Pure Networks
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Manufacturer description
Network Magic eliminates the hassles of home network setup, management and protection. It is powerful home networking software that lets you set up printer sharing and file sharing between all your home computers easily. And its intuitive and informative home network management and protection features will keep your network running smoothly and your files secure. This product includes 1 year of Net2Go. Net2Go is an optional feature of Network Magic 2.0 that lets you access files on your home network from anywhere using just an Internet browser. You can also share files on your home network with family and friends.Product summary
The good: Network Magic Service configures and manages home networks, offers security alerts, and remembers to open and close shared remote file access when necessary.
The bad: Network Magic Service works on only selected popular LAN and wireless routers, gets confused when setting up wireless-only networks, and often provides only a link to the manufacturer's Web site.
The bottom line: Network Magic Service is best suited for those who frequently take their home laptops to work and beyond, locking down open shared files and printers when appropriate.
Average user rating: from 14 users
3.5 stars
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/05/2006
During installation, Network Magic Service analyzes your current home network and creates a visual map of existing Internet connections; your router, computers and their peripheral devices; and other devices attached to the network. From this map, you can easily tweak individual-device configuration settings or add new devices. For detailed screenshots, see our Network Magic Service slide show.
Right away, Network Magic stated it would support neither our older Netgear RP614 LAN router nor our newer APC WMR1000B wireless mobile router. While we could still use the basic elements of Network Magic Service, we were locked out of Network Magic's premium features, such as Net2Go, which requires specific routers. We also ran into trouble setting up a purely wireless network. During setup, Network Magic Service didn't allow us to choose which wireless network it joined and, therefore, joined a neighbor's open network instead of our own. While we were later able to change Network Magic Service's settings to work with our wireless network, it might not occur to some people in crowded cities to double-check their wireless connection.
The premium service includes access to shared folders, Net2Go, and printers. Net2Go is Network Magic's remote access service, allowing you to access the contents of a home device remotely from any Web browser. If your router is supported by Network Magic Service, Net2Go creates a public Web page where you can post digital images for others to view. You can also use that page to access the contents of your network shared files remotely. The Printers option allows you to share the use of one printer among all your connected devices and will even install the printer driver on new devices added to the network.
Along the right side of the main interface are real-time displays of your network's health and security, including security alerts, such as the lack of a firewall or antivirus protection, and device properties; for example, this is where you can rename your Netgear network router to something more personal. And should new devices join your network (laptops belonging to friends who are visiting your home or neighbors' systems freeloading on your wireless connection), Network Magic displays a pop-up warning that a new device has accessed your network, allowing you to either accept the new device into your network or deny it access.
Security is a big part of this release. Wireless access is primarily restricted by Media Access Control (MAC) address. While is not as foolproof as WPA or WEP encryption, which Network Magic can configure on your router if that router is supported, it's a start. Pure Networks says that it will add more security features in the near future. Also, should you take your wireless device away from its home network, shared files and printers are immediately locked down so that you're not sitting in Starbucks with photos from your daughter's birthday party open to anyone to see.
Network Magic helps configure more than just conventional computers and routers; it can also configure settings for digital media adapters, network video cameras, gaming consoles (Xbox 360 and Sony PS2), VoIP routers, special-use printers, print servers, and external network drives, although more often than not, Network Magic points you to the manufacturer's Web site for specific driver and installation support. One feature touted but not tested in time for this review allows you to access Webcams on your network remotely using the Net2Go feature.
Trial and registered users receive free technical support consisting of online FAQs and a support forum. Live technical support is also available via e-mail, and toll-free telephone support is available on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 User Rating:
2.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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
Review: May be of value to some people especially if they are novice and have small simple network that will never change.
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.
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:
5.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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
Review:
User Rating:
0.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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.
Review: 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!
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Worked perfectly for my 3 computer network
Pros: Extremely easy to set up
Cons: Nothing really
Review: I’m reasonably computer savvy, but not an expert. I have 2 personal desktop computers and 1 business laptop computer connected to the internet via a wireless router. I had been trying to configure a true home network for a long while, but couldn’t get it to work. All I had was 3 independent computers connected to the internet.
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.
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:
1.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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?
Review: I would not buy this product(I already did) because it said I had 2 networks(my lan to the router and the wireless) and It could not operate both so I could use the wireless network or have internet via lan to my desktop not both! They then told me to set windows up to manage my networks instead, so why did I need their software?
Support never gave me a solution that would work!
Support never gave me a solution that would work!
User Rating:
5.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Best Program Ever
Pros: What a great program, does everything really easy
Cons: Homepage is unorganized
Review:
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Works as advertised and well
Pros: Easy setup and clear instructions
Cons: third party firewall protection can mean manual setting changes
Review: Set up the wireless network at a small business and at home. Installation and setup was a breeze except for configuring firewall to allow ceretain programs and file and printer sharing to work right. A neat feature is ability to set up shared folder that can be accessed through the internet. For $30, it's a sweet program.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Great product, easy to setup.
Pros: Works great!
Cons: None so far
Review: I had tryed this program but didn't like the subscription plan, so I didn't get it. However I just received an email from them and new management has decided to allow you to purchase three plans for up to 8 licenses for one fee. This I liked and immediately bought the program and installed it. Check their website and buy it. You won't be sorry.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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
Review: A trial version of this program came with the D-Link wireless router I bought. I've had severe frustration with trying to set up a wireless network at home in the past. I know windows can do everything this program does, but this program makes it all easy and available in one place. The network map is intuitive and, living in an apartment complex, the "track as intruder" feature is especially helpfull. The program automatically detected all devices connected to my network and after installing Network Magic on the other computers, everything just worked, no hassles.
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.
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:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Fixed my Home Network
Pros: Fixed my troubled network
Cons: Subscription fee, only certain routers supported.
Review: Frustration was building... Countless hours spent trying to get my computers to communicate. Talk to each other!! Why don't you see each other! Each could connect to the network, but not to each other. Someone please help!
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
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
Updated
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).
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:
3.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
Get it - Almost perfect...
Pros: SUPER EASY home network sharing
Cons: Subscription model does NOT make sense for this software. Frequent updates not necessary.
Review: This program does want Windows should out of the box! Before trying this program, I installed FIVE FTP and "personal" file servers programs. NONE of them worked the way I wanted. If you are looking for direct access to folders, drag and drop ability, etc. this is the way to go. As long as your router is supported (CHECK BEFORE BUYING) this program is excellent for sharing drives and equipment over home networks. I would give this program a PERFECT rating if it was NOT based on subscription model. As I stated, it is not updated enough to justify the ongoing charge. Router compatibility aside, this single fact limits the rating.
User Rating:
4.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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
Review: Well worth the small amount asked -- particularly with the new version. If you're at all nervous, they provide a try before buy that has all the functions of the registered product.
User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 14 user reviews
A very good program for setting up a home network
Pros: Easy setup for home network
Cons: Can't see files on my laptop
Review: I had been trying for weeks to setup a home network with no success. Saw this program which had a free version so thought that I would give it a shot. Well it couldn't have been easier. After installing, my network was up and running in no time. I would recommend this program to everyone.
User Rating:
3.5 stars
out of 14 user reviews
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.
Review:
