Sereniti NetTrooper: Protect Yourself and Your Home Network Network Security and Router Management Joseph Moran
Network Security
Security's a big concern for anyone running a home network these days (or at least it should be), and one of the main reasons why is that there are seemingly countless ways a computer can be at risk. NetTrooper tries to offer novice users some piece of mind by scanning systems for potential vulnerabilities.
For example, it will let you know when Windows or certain third-party utilities are in need of an update. As an example, it noticed that the definitions for Spybot Search and Destroy had gotten stale on one of our systems. Admittedly, the operating system and utilities themselves are perfectly capable of informing you about their need for updates, but NetTrooper offers the benefit of allowing you to view alerts for multiple systems and applications from a central location.
NetTrooper also gives each system you install it on a letter grade (A - D) in about a half-dozen separate security and safety-related categories. Most of these simply verify that a particular class of software is present, enabled, and up-to-date — such as firewall, virus and spyware protection — but other categories determine whether there are any P2P clients installed and look for potentially compromising browser settings (IE only). NetTrooper also checks to see whether you have a backup utility installed, but it didn't seem to consider Windows Backup as a valid application in this regard. In any event, the mere presence of a backup program doesn't mean it's being used.
As with the alerts, you can view the security ratings for all NetTrooper-equipped PCs from any NetTrooper-equipped PC. If the utility gives your system less than an "A" in any category, a link will provide suggestions as well as links to software that will address the shortcoming. The included links are sponsored, however, and the software they point to isn't necessarily free. In some cases where the problem is misconfigured rather than missing software, NetTrooper can remotely correct the problem — for example, activating a disabled firewall.
While NetTrooper keeps close tabs on your computers, it doesn't offer any means to track the activity of unauthorized systems or exclude them from the network — features found in both HomeNet Manager and Network Magic.
Router Management
You can use NetTrooper to access your broadband router and perform a handful of basic tasks like changing the administrator password, the SSID, or the wireless encryption configuration. We couldn't test these features, though, since we didn't have one of the supported routers on hand. As of this writing, there are a mere three routers supported, all from Linksys (the WRT54G, GX2 and GX4). Sereniti says it will be adding support for 15 more routers — including some Netgear models — with the next release.
You can download a 30-day trial version of NetTrooper (it currently supports Windows XP only) here. The software will keep functioning after the trial period, but with most of the major features disabled.
Sereniti's NetTrooper does some things very well, like file- and printer-sharing and network connection repair. On the other hand, it lacks many of the features found in similar products that are available for the same price or slightly more — Network Magic has an identical cost, while HomeNet Manager has a $39.95 price tag (both for use on three systems). Those looking for extra security or remote access features will likely find these products more useful than NetTrooper.
Pros: Simplified folder and printer sharing, effectively and efficiently repairs errant network connections
Cons: Lacks network intruder monitoring, no remote access or web publishing features, limited router support for device-specific functions, only supported on Windows XP currently
