NetCatcher

NetCatcher is an advanced application for experienced PC users, which monitors all network interfaces and keeps track of their uptime, giving you the possibility to configure automatic actions when a specific adapter becomes active or inactive.

For instance, the utility can be customized to launch an instant messaging application to communicate with your work colleagues when switching to a virtual private network. It can be set to automatically run at every Windows startup until further notice.

There's nothing much to say about the setup operation, aside from the fact that you must download and install .NET Framework unless you already have it.

When it comes to the interface, NetCatcher seems rudimentary at the first sight, due to its barren window with several buttons. However, it just has a clean and straightforward appearance. The network interfaces are automatically identified at startup, and their names are displayed in a list.

For any selected adapter, you can add command lines to perform additional actions, such as launching a program, shutting down the computer, or sending an email notification via SMTP. These commands can be separately entered in two cases: when the selected interface is active or inactive.

Settings are remembered by NetCatcher on exit. Evidently, the utility must remain running to apply its effects. It gets minimized to the taskbar notifications area, so it becomes minimally invasive in this manner, allowing you to proceed with your typical computer activity without any interruptions. The Windows autorun option can be enabled and disabled anytime.

The only negative aspect about this tool is that it doesn't have a list of possible actions placed at the disposal of users who are not quite familiarized with the command-line environment. Otherwise, NetCatcher is speedy and effective.