Fluke has the answer for complex networks

Network Inspector has always been a powerful product. The latest version, 4.0, is better than ever. It discovers all devices on your network, not just the IP devices, and it doesn't stumble over everyday obstacles such as your switches or devices with duplicate IP addresses.

Our reviewers tested Network Inspector on a live corporate network and they were generally delighted with what they found, even though it made more work for them. For example, it uncovered a number of printers that were set with their manufacturer's default IP address.

All this, and it can even do great graphical output. Network Inspector does a comprehensive inventory of IP, NetBIOS, and IPX devices, and can automatically fire up a copy of Visio 2000 for a complete, pretty-printed report.

I love products like this, and I'm an unabashed Fluke fan (my home oscilloscope is a Fluke). I see our network guys running around with Fluke cable analyzers and protocol analyzers all the time, and they always have good things to say about them. This is hardware that saves your bacon.

Not convinced? Read the review for all the details. Still not convinced? Download a 15-day trial package and see for yourself.

• Read PC Magazine's First Looks review on Network Inspector
• Don't miss PC Magazine's First Looks for hands-on reviews of new shipping products
• Visit the Networking/Software Product Guide for more information
• Check the latest prices on All Network Utilities

Time to Start Thinking About Digital Radio
The products won't begin appearing for a year or so, but digital radio is on the way. The bottom line: CD-quality audio in PCs, cell phones, pagers, PDAs. So what? The new format includes audio and data, so that artist and album information is continually available, along with news, weather, and sports.

There's a standards battle brewing, of course. Unless you're in the radio or receiver devices business, you probably won't have to choose sides. But you should know what's going on.

• Read PC Magazine's review on Digital Radio
• Don't miss PC Magazine's First Looks for hands-on reviews of new shipping products

How to Survive Outlook File Disasters
All your Outlook folders are in one file — a heartbeat away from disaster if the file or folder is damaged. Apart from backing up — you do back up regularly, right? — you can survive a crash. Better yet, learn how to use Outlook's file save and export capabilities to avert a calamity.

• Read PC Magazine's Solutions on the Outlook's file save and export capabilities
• Don't miss PC Magazine's First Looks for hands-on reviews of new shipping products
• Visit the Productivity Software Product Guide for more information
• Check the latest prices on PIMs/Contact Managers