Worth a second look:This may solve some of the network and wifi connection problems if read about
in this forum lately.
Network Magic
Click for enlarged image.Like it or not, running a home network turns you into a network administrator. If something needs troubleshooting or setup,
you have to take care of it.
Enter
Network Magic. This excellent network utility assists you with many common--and uncommon--network chores.
Wizards walk you through tasks such as adding a new device to the network, fixing a broken network connection,
sharing a printer or folder, and setting up wireless protection and encryption.
The software digs far deeper than you might imagine. For example, it scrutinizes every PC connected to your network
and reports on the state of its security--such as whether automatic updates are available. It draws a map of your network
and all of the devices on it, and provides detailed looks at each device. It reports on your network activity, too,
including details about when devices connect. You also get a bandwidth tester for measuring your current Internet broadband speed.
Network Magic is available in both free and for-pay versions. The free version includes most of the features you'll need,
such as repairing broken connections, issuing security alerts, and monitoring network activity. The paid version,
which costs between $24 and $40 (depending on the number of PCs on your network), delivers daily reports of Internet activity,
supports remote access to your network's files, and includes other advanced features.
(I use the pro version but, the FREE version does an excellent job.)
As is the case with most network utilities, you'll have to instruct your firewall to permit the program to connect to the Internet so that it can work.
