* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass discusses some easy-to-use PC videoconferencing for the holidays * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter discusses ways to sniff out end-user bandwidth consumption
* Videoconferencing for the holidays
By Steve Blass
Q: I’m looking for some good, easy-to-use PC videoconferencing software for the holidays. The grandparents can’t make the trip but still want to visit with the grandkids. Both parties have a computer, Webcam and broadband connection. What do you recommend?
A: If you’re using the same instant-messaging software, start by looking at the video-chat features you might already have available. Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL offer video-chat features in their latest IM clients. A variety of other video-chat programs, such as Paltalk, iVisit and ICQ, are available for download. For best results, use the same program at both ends of the videoconference.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Sniffing out end-user bandwidth consumption
By Ron Nutter
Q: I’d like to know your recommendations pertaining to network monitoring software. What type of software would you recommend that allows me to see each workstation’s Internet activity? I’m not sure if it’s called “sniffing,” but what I’m trying to do is locate users who are using most of the router’s bandwidth. I also would like to know, through the software, how this user is using the router’s bandwidth.
A: There are several ways to do this. The first involves an open-source application called MRTG. This is essentially a Perl script that can interrogate an SNMP-enabled switch. What you end up with after some setup is a Web page for each manageable device that tells you, on a per-port basis, what bandwidth is being used. You can generate a summary page per device that allows you to drill down to a port level to identify the bandwidth hog you are in search of. If you aren’t as comfortable with getting involved at a low level, another option is a Windows-based package called PRTG.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
