NetSpeedMonitor On Windows 10: A GitHub Guide

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into NetSpeedMonitor, a super handy tool that lets you keep an eye on your network speeds right from your taskbar. If you're like me and love knowing exactly how much data is flowing in and out of your machine, this is a must-have. Now, while NetSpeedMonitor isn't officially supported on Windows 10, the awesome open-source community has stepped up to make it work. We're going to walk through how to get it up and running using GitHub and some clever workarounds.

What is NetSpeedMonitor?

NetSpeedMonitor is a lightweight, freeware network monitoring tool designed for Windows. Its primary function is to display your current network upload and download speeds directly in the Windows taskbar. This allows you to see, at a glance, how much bandwidth your computer is using. Key features include:

  • Real-time monitoring: See your upload and download speeds in real-time.
  • Taskbar display: Integrates directly into the taskbar for easy access.
  • Customizable: Allows you to configure the display to suit your preferences.
  • Historical data: Can track your network usage over time.

Why Use NetSpeedMonitor?

In today's world, where we're constantly connected to the internet, knowing your network speed is more important than ever. Whether you're streaming videos, downloading files, or just browsing the web, NetSpeedMonitor provides valuable insights into your network activity. It can help you:

  1. Identify bandwidth hogs: Determine which applications are consuming the most bandwidth.
  2. Troubleshoot network issues: Diagnose slow internet speeds or connectivity problems.
  3. Optimize network usage: Adjust your activities to make the most of your available bandwidth.
  4. Monitor data usage: Keep track of your monthly data consumption.

For those of us who've been around the block, you might remember NetSpeedMonitor from older versions of Windows. Sadly, official support kinda stopped, but that's where our heroes on GitHub come in to save the day!

Finding a Compatible Version on GitHub

Okay, so here's the deal. Since the original NetSpeedMonitor isn't directly compatible with Windows 10, we need to find a modified version that works. GitHub is the perfect place to look for community-driven projects. Here's how you can find a suitable version:

  1. Head to GitHub: Open your web browser and go to GitHub.
  2. Search for NetSpeedMonitor: In the search bar, type "NetSpeedMonitor Windows 10" or "NetSpeedMonitor fork".
  3. Browse the results: Look for repositories that seem active and well-maintained. Pay attention to the number of stars, forks, and recent commits. These are good indicators of a project's popularity and reliability.
  4. Read the README: Once you find a promising repository, read the README file carefully. It should provide instructions on how to install and use the modified version of NetSpeedMonitor.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Repository

  • Activity: Check when the last commit was made. A repository that has been recently updated is more likely to be compatible with the latest version of Windows 10.
  • Issues: Look at the issues section to see if other users have reported any problems. This can give you an idea of potential challenges you might encounter.
  • Documentation: A well-documented repository is easier to use. Make sure the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
  • Community Support: See if the repository has an active community. This can be helpful if you run into any issues or have questions.

Keep an eye out for keywords like "Windows 10 compatible" or "fixed for Windows 10" in the repository description or README file. These are good signs that the version you're looking at has been specifically modified to work on Windows 10.

Downloading and Installing NetSpeedMonitor

Alright, once you've found a NetSpeedMonitor version on GitHub that looks promising, it's time to download and install it. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the files: Go to the repository's main page and click on the "Code" button. Choose the "Download ZIP" option to download all the files as a ZIP archive.
  2. Extract the files: Once the ZIP file is downloaded, extract its contents to a folder on your computer. You can use a program like 7-Zip or WinRAR to do this.
  3. Run the installer: Look for an executable file (usually named something like NetSpeedMonitor.exe or install.exe) in the extracted folder. Run this file to start the installation process.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions: The installer will guide you through the installation process. Make sure to read each step carefully and follow the instructions. If you see any warnings or error messages, take note of them and try to resolve them.

Dealing with Compatibility Issues

One common issue you might encounter is compatibility problems with Windows 10. If the installer doesn't work or the program crashes after installation, try running it in compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click on the executable file: Find the NetSpeedMonitor.exe file in the installation folder and right-click on it.
  2. Select "Properties": In the context menu, choose "Properties".
  3. Go to the "Compatibility" tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Compatibility" tab.
  4. Check the "Run this program in compatibility mode for" box: Enable this option and select an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows 7 or Windows 8) from the drop-down menu.
  5. Click "Apply" and then "OK": Save the changes and try running the program again.

Also, you might need to install the .NET Framework 3.5 if it's not already enabled on your system. Windows 10 usually prompts you to install it if it's missing, but if not, you can manually enable it in the Windows Features settings.

Configuring NetSpeedMonitor

Great! So, you've got NetSpeedMonitor installed, but it might not be showing up in your taskbar just yet. Let's configure it to make sure it's visible and displaying the information you want.

  1. Run NetSpeedMonitor: If it's not already running, find the NetSpeedMonitor.exe file and double-click it to start the program.

  2. Check the Taskbar: Look at your taskbar to see if the network speeds are being displayed. If not, right-click on the taskbar and make sure the "NetSpeedMonitor" toolbar is enabled.

  3. Configure the settings: Right-click on the NetSpeedMonitor icon in the taskbar to open the settings menu. Here, you can customize various options, such as:

    • Network Adapter: Choose the network adapter you want to monitor (e.g., your Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet adapter).
    • Display Units: Select the units you want to use for displaying speeds (e.g., KB/s, MB/s).
    • Update Interval: Set the frequency at which the speeds are updated.
    • Font and Colors: Customize the appearance of the display.

Common Configuration Tweaks

  • Choose the correct network adapter: If you have multiple network adapters, make sure you've selected the one that's actually connected to the internet. Otherwise, NetSpeedMonitor won't be able to display any data.
  • Adjust the update interval: If the speeds are updating too quickly or too slowly, adjust the update interval to a more suitable value.
  • Customize the display: Experiment with different fonts and colors to make the display more readable and visually appealing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a GitHub-sourced version, you might still hit a few bumps. Don't worry; we'll troubleshoot some common problems:

  • NetSpeedMonitor doesn't start: Make sure you've installed all the necessary dependencies, such as the .NET Framework 3.5. Also, try running the program in compatibility mode.
  • Speeds are not displayed: Double-check that you've selected the correct network adapter in the settings. Also, make sure your internet connection is active.
  • Display is garbled or unreadable: Try adjusting the font and colors in the settings. If that doesn't work, try a different version of NetSpeedMonitor.
  • NetSpeedMonitor crashes: This could be due to compatibility issues or bugs in the program. Try running it in compatibility mode or look for a different version on GitHub.

Advanced Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check the Event Viewer: If NetSpeedMonitor is crashing, check the Windows Event Viewer for error messages related to the program. This can provide clues about the cause of the problem.
  • Disable conflicting software: Some security software or firewalls might interfere with NetSpeedMonitor. Try disabling these programs temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
  • Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor: If all else fails, try uninstalling NetSpeedMonitor and reinstalling it from scratch. Make sure to download the latest version from a reputable GitHub repository.

Alternatives to NetSpeedMonitor

If you're still struggling to get NetSpeedMonitor working on Windows 10, or if you're simply looking for alternatives, there are several other network monitoring tools available. Here are a few popular options:

  • RAMMon: Displays memory information such as memory type, size, speed, and other data in a simple format.
  • BitMeter OS: Is a bandwidth monitor, it allows you to keep an eye on your internet connection by displaying easy to read graphs
  • TMeter: tMeter is a powerful traffic accounting and internet bandwidth monitoring tool for Windows.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Getting NetSpeedMonitor running on Windows 10 via GitHub might take a little effort, but it's totally doable. By following these steps, you can keep a close eye on your network speeds and make sure you're getting the most out of your internet connection. Remember to always download software from trusted sources and be cautious when running executables from the internet. Happy monitoring!