MyLanViewer

A tool to scan your local network for files and an IP monitor.

Pros: Primarily MyLanViewer is a network scanning tool for your Local Area Network (LAN). A scan of the LAN supplies a user with information about what computers are attached to the network, what their IP addresses are, what their MAC addresses are what are the shared resources on the network and also some more extra information (port information for example). It monitors the IP address of each computer on the network constantly and automatically updates and notifies the user of these changes. From the attractive main window interface all the information can be viewed. The main window also has facilities for ending user sessions, disabling shared resources and more. Files that are part of shared folders can also be viewed through the explorer-style interface and they can downloaded on to the local computer or accessed remotely via the LAN. All in all, this a tool for people who are on LANs where a lot of information (files etc.) is shared between computers frequently.

Cons: Although the tool is a useful one, it is definitely not for beginners. The interface is cumbersome and takes quite a bit of time to get the hang on. Most of the functions are not intuitive and one has to have a firm grasp of networking fundamentals to be able to go in and start doing stuff usefully. Other than this there are no major drawbacks to this product. Users should note that it will not work very well if individual computers on the LAN have strong firewalls.

Overall: 4 stars. It works well and could have pushed for 5 stars if only the interface would have been easier. That would have made it suitable for every kind of user, instead of it being only for an advanced user as it is now.

MyLanViewer is a powerful network scanner and IP monitor for your home network. It displays your network computers in an easy to read, buddy-list style window that provides the machine names, IP addresses, MAC addresses, shared resources and other technical details for each computer. It is able to monitor IP and show notifications when the states of some computers change. You can also view and access shared folders, terminate user sessions and disable shared resources. It's easy to install and use, and has a user-friendly and beautiful interface.