Total Network Inventory can scan your local network and provide data about the connected computers. The program has a well-designed interface, with different tabs that compartmentalize different types of information.
When you start the program, it is possible to run a generic scan, which is intended to find all the devices on your network. Moreover, you can specify if you are connected through a workgroup or domain. Likewise, the tool supports accessing the data in the active directory. Luckily, there are wizards to perform a step-by-step discovery.
Similarly, there are two scanning modes. The first is called “immediate online scan” and is limited to those computers that are online at the moment. The other is “logon script scan”, which repeats the scan whenever a user enters the domain or workgroup. In both modes, the detected devices are shown in a tree structure, and you can click on the name of the desired workstation to access the information about it, such as hardware components, installed programs, and operating system. It is excellent that the program can generate different kinds of reports and it is even allowed to create personalized templates.
All in all, Total Network Inventory can come in extremely handy for network administrators as it simplifies the process of collecting information from various devices. The only drawback I could think of is that it has a very specific usage compared with other similar programs. Finally, the product is shareware and can be tried for a generous period of time but has some limitations as to the number of nodes.
Pros
- Two scanning modes
- Scheduled scans
- Access Active Directory data
- Customized reports and templates
Cons
- Specifically intended for network administrator
Great tool to monitor all positions in GUI and not to mess with the console (though it`s preference choice). Great community at their forums and an easy software to work. Overall, I recommend to all. Minus 1 star is for lack of deployment tool - I would really love some of that instead of connecting with TeamViewer for some sort.
TNI rocks. It has everything I need: it scans my network on a schedule every week and generates detailed reports on each and every aspect. Saves me days. The interface is really user-friendly. Some bugs still exist but the team has done a good job of updating the program. I highly recommend Total Network Inventory for anyone working with network PCs, servers, switches and printers.