Display Modem Lights for Dialup Connection in Tray bar?, Part 2

Recall --

Yesterday, Andy P. asked if there was a freeware program that could display the send and receive activity of his internal modem:

" I use a dialup Internet connection from AOL. Before I upgraded to Windows XP, I ran a wonderful utility called 'FMLights' which allowed me to view the Send and Receive activity internal modem. Unfortunately, FMLights is not compatible with Windows XP, and I can no longer view my network traffic when I'm connected to the Internet ... If you can recommend a freeware application that displays my modem lights and is compatible with Windows XP, that would be appreciated. " (Source / Full Story: infopackets.com)

Since I had a difficult time trying to find such a program, I asked Infopackets Readers for help with Andy's dilemma.

Infopackets Reader Richard S. suggested a nifty program called ToggleNETLIGHTS:

" I may have found the solution to your problem. Give ToggleNETLIGHTS a try. It's a network traffic monitor that works in the same way as the modem monitor when you're on a dial-up connection. It's free and works with all versions of Windows. "

From the web ToggleNETLIGHTS website:

" ToggleNETLIGHTS installs a task bar icons that shows you when there is network or Internet traffic occuring. The ToggleNETLIGHTS icon has two indicators. The top left icon lights up when there is incoming network or Internet traffic. The bottom right icon lights up when there is outgoing traffic ... ToggleNETLIGHTS restores the ability to see incoming and outgoing network traffic ... If you're connected to a local area network (LAN) ... ToggleNETLIGHTS will show all network traffic letting you tell the difference between stalled downloads and plain old slow traffic ... Works with all Versions of Windows: ToggleNETLIGHTS works with all versions of Windows including Windows95, Windows98, WindowsMe, WindowsNT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP [freeware]. "

http://www.toggle.com/products/netlights/screen2.gif

http://www.toggle.com/products/netlights/

Infopackets Reader Ed K. writes suggested a very neat (and different!) program called xCat:

" Although this program uses the keyboard leds to indicate network activity, it may serve the purpose desired -- and best of all, it's free. Product description: xCat Keyboard Leds v1.10 shows your network traffic using the caps lock, num lock, and scroll lock leds on your keyboard [neato!]. You can fully customize the program; for example: you are able to select a led to show download and another to show upload network activity ofcourse you can also only show download or upload traffic. PS: Great newsletter, by the way. "

http://www.xcat-industries.nl/softwarepic.php?id=43

http://www.xcat-industries.nl/softwareinfo.php?software=43

Side note: I tried this program, and it's very cool [hint: try playing with the millisecond settings]. The only problem I had with xCat is that (sometimes) my Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys are continuously lit and interferes with my typing on my laptop (for example: the Keypad keys are part of the keyboard, since there is no Keypad on my laptop).

Graham W. writes:

" I have used WinBar [free] for some time now and there is a module 'DU Meter', which shows volume of both up and downloads in real time. It works with all versions of Windows ... Try the original version. There is a version 2 in beta, but it is far from complete. A picture of the DU Meter is at the very bottom of the screenshots page. "

http://www.winbar.nl/screenshots.php

http://www.winbar.nl/

Infopackets Reader Mike T. and many others recommend using Zone Alarm firewall for viewing network activity:

" The Zone Alarm firewall icon in the system tray shows send and receive activity when you are connected to the Internet, on dial-up (as I am), and on broadband connections as well. The red and yellow 'ZA' icon in the traybar goes away when incoming or outgoing traffic is detected, and changes to a five-light bar of green on the right and red on the right (for outgoing). No numbers are displayed, but the number of light segments indicates relative speed (or lack thereof). Hope this helps! "

Jim K. agrees with Mike T., and also points out that Zone Alarm is great for blocking hackers and Spyware attacks:

" The free version of Zone Alarm shows modem activity for both send and receive -- plus it is an excellent firewall for stopping both intrusions and unauthorized sends. "

http://www.zonelabs.com

Thanks to all who wrote in with these extremely helpful tips!