I need a hard copy of network magic. I had to borrow an older copy from a friend when I was unable to complete the download. I am stuck in the 90's with dialup. Please advise the cost and how to obtain with all the updates.

--------------
You can obtain a copy of Network Magic on CD-ROM by purchasing Network Magic from http://www.networkmagic.com. After you click buy, you'll see an option for a Backup CD - you want this added to your order. By purchasing this, we will mail you a version of Network Magic on CD.

After you install Network Magic from the CD, make sure that you are connected to the Internet when you use your activation key to upgrade to Network Magic Premium.

Here are activation instructions if you need them:
http://support.networkmagic.com/cgi-bin/pure.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=32&p_created=1139347492&p_sid=t-ZJEDxi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MTEmcF9wcm9kcz0mcF9jYXRzPSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWtleQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

--Mark

Dear Jeff:

Your name seems SO familiar to me. Where did you work before coming to NWM?

1. I received a trial version of NWM with my DLink router purchased a few weeks ago. Just today I was looking at things to see if I wanted to buy the Premium Version and the question popped up asking me if I wanted to start my 30 trial of the premium version and I clicked yes. Later on another screen, it said I had 11 days left - when I had only started it today! Seems it was tracking from when I loaded it rather than when I started the trial premium version (I had been using the free basic till then). The issue doesn't bother me as I plan to buy it anyway, when I decide the particulars, but I thought your Techs ought to check it out for future would-be customers.

2. I have had a home network for years that allowed PC's and laptops to access the internet through one access point but I've rarely been able to get them to share files or printers for very long and just accepted that situation. When I tried NWM and there were all the components of my network including my printers right at installation, I was suitably impressed!

3. My current configuration has 4 constant laptops with 2 printers, then on weekends we have 1 or 2 more. On weekdays I homeschool my niece and nephew along with my own daughter and they frequently bring their laptops to use in schoolwork. So 4 computers, but up to 4 transient ones. Is it possible to buy the 3-PC license and use the free version on the transient ones and on the one here we use infrequently? How would that affect printer sharing or would my students still have to take their laptop to my room to use the printer? Or is it that only 3 computers can use all the functions at any one time? I can't really afford to pay for 8 pc's when they aren't really a part of my household. There are 3 people in my household (me, my Mom, my daughter) - my Dad comes home on weekends. Recommendations?

4. I have read this entire blog, and apart from 5 or 6 complaints about the customer service, I was very impressed with the feedback and your response to all comments -even the negative ones. I also, was impressed with your commitment to your long-time customers. I am an almost customer and not entitled to their privileges, but I already love your company because you love your customers. That means a lot!

5. I can remember when I would be able to sit and jam with MS Word's technical development team, discussing possible tweaks and changes and then see them in the next release - it sold me on MS Word back with V.1.0 and V.2.0, but there is nothing like that in MS's customer support now. Sad. I hope NWM never loses their connection with their customers, even though your product almost guarantees you are going to prosper in much the same way.

Keep up the good work!

- Jean
=======================
Jean,

Thanks for the great comments!

You can use the free version on as many computers as you wish, they will interact with the premium version just fine.

We look forward to having you as a premium customer! Keep the feedback coming.

Jeff Erwin

I upgraded this morning to the new version. My desk top computer and one of my laptops did fine, but my newest laptop could not get a wireless internet connection nor connection to Network Magic. I tried everything, checked all my settings and finally had to uninstall the new version. Whats up with that?? lol lol

========================

You should give our support team a crack at this one. There is something installed on the new laptop that is different from the others. More than one firewall perhaps?

I saw the posting about satellite connections using a 7000 modem. That is what I have and it works great. I found this so easy to make wireless connections that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. You guys at N.M. deserve a raise.

=========================

I will pass this advice on to the Board of Directors!

Jeff Erwin

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, and finally Gracias. Awesome awesome product. Makes it easy for us dummies to impress people. Love It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

==========================

You're welcome (11)

I was overjoyed today when discovering the beta Mac version available for downloading because one of my 4 PC's is an Apple Imac. After installing the Mac beta version troublefree, I then updated all my other PC's from version 4 to 4.1 and absolutely trouble free. Thankyou network magic for meeting the demands of multiple system users. I look forward to testing the mac version. I now manage my own network without costly IT help.

Dear Jeff,
I rtried your freebe for a
week or two, and was so pleased with it's performance, installed the Premium. No problems installing into my three computers. Works like adream with all my periferals, they all talk to each other. One happy family. Who siad "you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I'm 83 years old.
cheers

Tom Hammond

I used the free one for 2 days and upgraded to the premium! I am in wireless heaven!! Really some awesome software. There is very few programs around that I can hardly wait to buy, but this was one I had to have. I connected to my network but could not figure out the file and print sharing and I usually figure out problems pretty good but I could not get it and nobody seemed to have the answer until I tried Network Magic and right away I could see all shared folders on all computers and could print to the 2 printers on our network from any computer! Everything about the network is available from the shortcut! Just excellent software! Can you tell I'm happy?!

Tried the free version for one day and then immediately bought the premium version! No sense waiting when it works this well! Have had all sorts of network problems and Network Magic makes it easy to troubleshoot and repair them almost effortlessly! GREAT.

Dear Jeff and co.,
I think you should reduce the quotas on tier one helpdesk. I bought 4.0 Premium, and tried to install it on our two home computers; when I ran into setup problems, no one at tech support was interested in diagnosing the actual problem--I was first told to uninstall/reinstall, which did nothing. After I called back with that report, I was told to uninstall and load v3.3, which did not change anything for the better. At that point I had wasted a Microsoft amount of time, so I asked for a refund.
On the plus side, I'm sure my two brief calls to your help desk will show up nicely on somebody's report.
Doug

Hello!

I used AOL's network magic for a while but I seem to have an issue where it keeps deciding the network is going off and coming back online. So I'd use it for a while and then stop until an update - well, now using the latest free version its doing the same thing again. I'm not sure if I'm the culprit here, but basically that's what's stopped me from buying the full program, otherwise it's great! I use a Linksys WRT54G with 4.30.5 firmware. Also, the network doesnt actually go down - since I can still surf, etc. when it claims to be.

Jeff,

I really liked the previous version of NM and enjoyed the new features of 4.0 for about a day before I realized my AT&T Global Network Client (Version 5.08.2 English) stopped working and I was unable to log into my client's network via VPN. It took a couple weeks to discover the cause and since I didn't see how to roll back the version, I was forced to uninstall NM4.0 completely.
Would you see to it this gets fixed so I can reinstall my favorite program of 2006?

Thanks,

Jason

A suggestion to consider for the future, if you will (I don't know if already suggested or not, but here it is anyway): Consider a simple text-messaging option to other computers in the network.

Right now, I have no way of sending simple requests to our family when we are on the network, unless they are logged into Yahoo or Windows Live Messenger. plus, one family member likes one service while another likes a diff service. I think it would be cool if, for example, the phone rings and I answer it, find out its for my son, and knowing he is online on the Network Magic network, I could flash a simple text message (or voice prompt, or anything as such) to his machine, knowing the Network Magic service would pick it up and play a little sound file (or something) and flash the message to him.

I'm only thinking it would be cool here because its functionality isn't that far removed from what you already provide, and it would be a helpful feature as well. Maybe others could benefit from it too. :o)

--Steve

========================

Great suggestion, although my mom used to just holler at us. Today we would call that 'hollernet', as opposed to 'sneakernet', which is walking upstairs and banging on the door.

We hare getting very focussed on the whole family interaction space, so this will go on the list.

Thanks!

Jeff Erwin

Hi, Does your new version work with satellite dish as means to high speed. I have an xplornet account with a 7000 modem. Sometime ago when I enquired about using netmagic for a ntwork I was told it wouldn't work with satellite.

=========================

Many parts of Network Magic will work fine, such as file/printer sharing. I am not sure what the 7000 modem is or does though. If you have a router in front of it that you plug everything into, it should work fine.

Download and give it a try!

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for the heads up on the pricing model change. I don't agree with the change. Does this mean that we your customers have to re-buy the product every time you put an enhancement in ? If so it won't take long for me to stop using your great product. If you give us a upgrade path that would be a little better to get down.

Ron

============================

Ron,

There will absolutely be an upgrade path to future major releases to Network Magic for our existing customers. In addition, any release in the 4.x family is yours for free when you are a premium customer!

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
I am impressed, I made the suggestion to reverse the chronology on the blog and you got it done on a Saturday! After stating . . ."like I know how to do that."

I just downloaded the update to 4.0 and was a bit apprehensive, as I did not want to go through setiing it up all over again. Even if it only took 5 mins.

Well, since you guys seem to always get it right, I gritted my teeth and updated the three computers in my network.

As is suspected the update saved all my settings and everything worked perfectly.

Since your target audience is/are folks who would rather take a beating than learn networks, as well as folks like me with experience but who just are getting too old and/or lazy to play in the innards of "user unfriendly" configuration and software/network changes that demand a day of regret for clicking the install button, perhaps you could include a screen in the update program that tells us that the update will preserve the settings and it will still work just like before with no new installation strokes.

Because that is how it worked for me. Seamless.

One more thing. IE7 is playing havoc with HP multifunction machines and despite the fact that mine works with Network Magic, for those who just happen to load your program at the same time as NM, and then find that their HP director no longer works, that is an HP problem with IE7, still unresolved, and we are all waiting for them to fix it.

Despite the HP problem with Internet Explorer 7, all of the computers on my network through Network Magic still share the printer flawlessly.

Even after updating to the newest version.

Thanks!

PS, I still think that a small biz package that integrates with a good contact and status manager would be a gold mine. Like NM, an alternative to server and enterprise solutions for small companies that just want to access/share more than just my docs etc. I'd be happy to talk to someone about our needs, as I think the market is huge for a simple solution.

======================

Derek,

All great points! Thanks.

Jeff Erwin

I just downloaded version 4.0 and it's excellent. I tried an earlier version and this is a big improvement. I'll definatly be purchasing the full version within the next week or 2.Best network software i've seen,Thanks Kirk

==========================

I will pass this on to our engineering organization. Thanks!

Jeff Erwin

My host computer states that my Net2Go site is online. However, when I try to run PhotoCast I receive a message that my Net2Go site is offline?

Your Tech Svc provided this reply: Subject
Router for Net2Go

Discussion Thread
Response (Chris Seale) 11/07/2006 02:47 PM
Larry,

We're releasing the update to Network Magic 4.0 later this week. Rather than troubleshooting further on Network Magic 3.3, let's wait for that. If the problem persists after you upgrade to the Network Magic 4.0 official release, please send us your Network Magic log files:

I have not rec any notice of the upgrade; therefore, cannot fully use PhotoCast.

============================

The new version was pushed last Friday. If you didn't get a notice, just go to our web site and grab it!

Jeff Erwin

I use the product on my home network. It is great! I had to ask for support on one issue and it was answered quickly.

I do want to know when you will have the Mac version ready? I run a Macbook on my home network and sure could use this.

Thanks,

==============================

We will be announcing our Mac client towards the end of the year. Stay tuned! (It will be free to our paid customers)

Jeff Erwin

One more thing,
Could you reverse the blog so the newer comments show up first. I'd still have gone back to read the older entries, but you do yourselves a disservice with the old version problems showing up first.

==========================

Like I know how to do that... ;>)

Good suggestion though. I will look into it.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
I have seen the previous comments and agree that a small business version that goes a bit further than the home version would be a gold mine.

I will have to set up a network with a yet to be determined customer database/contact program and share instant access to it with only six or seven computers in the network.

I am the IT guy by default, the rest of the company is still on paper, and that will change when we get into our new office.

Whether you team up with one company like ACT, or another one, or develop your own system, I personally think that for many small companies like ours, a stand-alone set of computers, with raid imaging in each, and a program to share customer contacts, status, problem calls, and reminders scheduling would be a boon to the many one man shows out there.

Office live is trying to reach them, but if the internet connection goes down, no work can be done online.

Perhaps it is more than you want to handle, but I'd be first in line to test a system that avoids all the server/Network/IT problems and cost associated with enterprise solutions.

Hi Jeff,
I have run my own companies in the past, been using computers since before DOS back in the C/PM days.

I have to tell you that I only bought the product after reading this blog.

It isn't just that you respond and take time, but you are accountable. My my, what a refreshing spot on the fabric of customer company relationships today.

I specialized in other areas rather than networks and could never get the MS system to work.

I bought an automatic printer switch that at least shared the printer with the two desktops in my system. But my notebook was left out in the cold.

Then one desktop computer fried the power supply and motherboard and I was off to buy a replacement.

The replacement didn't work with the USB printer switch, and then Norton Ghost destoyed all of my work on the new one when I tried to image it, and was locked out. Been using it for years, guess it didn't like the new processor and Media center. Three days down the tubes.

I was reluctant to try anything else new.

I redid the whole thing and was still unable to network.

I tried your product and had a lot of trouble getting it to work.

Here's why.

I went to the page to configure Zone Alarm and Zone Alarm popped up with a warning. Immediately!

I tried to allow it and nothing.

I checked Task manager and nothing.

It appeared the computer was locked up so I rebooted and went back and same thing!

Now remember I am a bit experienced and ashamed to admit I was so mistaken.

On your Zone Alarm configuring page you have a screen shot that comes up on the first page exactly where my Zone Alarm warnings appear.

Remember I was in the midst of building the new system and Zone Alarm was popping up regularly with new tasks.

Of course instead of reading the page first, I got sidetracked by that danged zone Alarm warning that would not respond!

It turned out to be a screenshot you had on the page, thus it would not respond to any clicks on it.

Had I not been doing a new system, and transferring date from my computer to the replacement, and transferring the data from the second desktop that fried (the hard drive was fine and installed as a slave) I probably would have caught that it was just a screen shot.

So after a few days of trying to chase down the cause of Zone Alarm freezing up on the Zone Alarm configuration page, I finally realized it was a screen shot.

I love the program, it does all you say it will and more.

But perhaps you could move the screen shot to further down on the page, so as one scrolls to it, it becomes apparent it is a screen shot, and not a frozen Zone Alarm warning.

By the third time reconfiguring the computer and looking for problems that one threw me for a loop for a day or two.

My fault entirely, and I am ashamed to say not something I'd admit locally. LOL!

Once I stopped chasing down the phantom alert, eveything went fine.

I also think that being a bit clearer on setting the range in Zone Alarm makes it much easier for those of us who have avoided the pain of setting up networks before except for rudimentary wireless connections to the Internet.

Thanks Jeff, sorry this was sooooo long.

Derek

=======================

Derek,

All good input, thanks for taking the time. The right people will take these and investigate.

Jeff Erwin

(You might want to remove the url from your posts, our junk filter keeps picking your posts up and putting them in the wrong pile)

I purchased the pro version just prior to having a major crash which resulted in re-installing WinXP which killed all my email messages and applications i had purchased over the internet. Is there any way i can get reinstated to the Pro version? without purchasing again?
Samuel J. Rumberger
rumbers2@adelphia.net

=========================

Of course! Please call our customer support team, they will retrieve your code for you.

Jeff Erwin

Hi Jeff,

I initially downloaded the trial version to see if it could figure out a network glitch that popped up following installation of a new router. I'm an architect, the nuts and bolts kind and do all the IT stuff myself. As much as I love tinkering with pcs I didn't have all year to get this network going again. I was so delighted within 5 minutes of installing Network Magic (not thrilled with the name) I bought it and it's worth every penny (and few of them I noticed) I'm sure like every piece of software, something less than perfect will turn up, but in the interim, well done-Good product good price

===================

Anna,

Thanks for taking the time to let us know!

Um, so what would YOU call it??

Jeff Erwin

Hi Jeff I'm a network engineer in South Africa. What is the chances of me brining and Supporting your Product back here South Afica and Rest of Africa I'm qiute interested. I have mailed an account Manager of Pure Networks on the Product, but to No avail have I had any response further. I like what this product offers and would like to bringing into the South African and Africa continent. There are lots of oppotunities in the home Market of South Africa and Africa. It's worth the challenges. I support on Cisco Products on both Wan and Lan.Could you share your thoughts on this matter.

I can be reached on skype as well. Herewith my Id highlander632

============================

Nadeem,

We do have an affiliates program that allows you to send customers our way and get paid whenever someone purchases network magic from us throuh you. I will have someone follow up with you regarding this program.

Jeff Erwin

Cheers

Nadeem

Was directed to download NM by my wireless modem company to solve some of their problems. Although I was ecstatic at first with a 5-minute set up and wireless printing, I've also had some of the issues I've read above with the network "deciding" a computer wasn't there, etc. Other than that, it's a fair product. However, my computer now tells me that I must register and pay for the product. I thought the 3.0 was a freeware? I've been telling everyone about it, and now I feel like I've led them into something they have to pay for without knowing it. I'm a software geek and teach my clients' offices how to use the various software used in the legal profession. I hate that I've recommended what I thought was a no cost alternative. Also, NM does use an inordinate amount of memory. My main computer is used for voice recognition software and teaching, and I've had a number of problems recently because there isn't enough memory to run all the programs. My CD drive was cut off by the system as an unnecessary item because of this. It took me days to fix it by figuring out to remove the upper and lower filters. (I can learn any software in an hour but I don't DO hardware..:)

=============================

Thanks for taking to time to comment.

First, network magic isn't 'freeware', however it isn't strictly a licensed product either. There is a component of network Magic, specifically the folder and printer sharing functions, that are considered part of the 'Premium' version. The rest of network magic is indeed free and you are able to continue using the alert and repair functions as long as you please. If you want to continue using the folder and print share functions, you will have to come up with the license fee. That said, given the time it has already saved you, is 30 bucks really a hardship?

Second, please download and use the new 4.0 product! You will find many, if not all,of your comments regarding the behavior of your system have been addressed. 4.0 rocks!

There will always be permutations of system and software installations that cause issues, given the infinite permutations possible. We are getting better and better at dealing with the fringe cases, but it is a never ending task. What you should expoect from Pure networks is a dramatic improvement with each new release.

jeff Erwin

Howdy Jeff,

The Denon AVR4306 has a web based configuration facility to get around the limitations of setting things up via remote. I haven't got to try it yet as I am currently overseas on assignment but I shall certainly let you know when I get home.

I would expect that if you scanned the shampoo any self respecting microwave would recommend a suitable conditioner. :)

=============================

LOL

By the way, I did receive your other messages, but we can't publish aything here that conains a link. Thanks for the info, we are looking into the equipment as it seems to be the spearhead of an interesting trend.

Jeff Erwin

JBE

Thanks for the update Jeff. I would just like to reinforce a previous comment that there are a lot of Macs on mixed networks, and I have just bought a Denon AV receiver with a network adaptor, I'm looking forward to what NM thinks it is !

Keep up the great work, and kudos to your support team who answered my queries so quickly and politely when I first bought it.

===========================

The Mac, well, we believe it is important and a growing market. I just can't say more yet (hint: coming soon...)

As far as you new Denon AV receiver, what does it think it is? Can you tell me why it wants to be connected to the network in the first place? Depending on how it responds to certain types of queries, it may show up as a variety of things. You should download the 4.0 preview (or wait a day or two...) and let me know what we think it is.

There is a microwave oven out there that has a network connection on the back. Apparently it has a bar code scanner built in, and if you scan your food it will give you cooking instructions. It must use the internet to get more cooking instructions.

I wonder what it would tell me if I scanned a bottle of shampoo?

Jeff Erwin

Steve, I just purchased Network Magic for the first time after using the demo version for about a week. After reading the notes here (wish I had done it prior to ordering) I find that I would like to order the back-up CD. Is it to late to do this? Thanks for your time and response.

Bob

===========================

No, and stop calling me Steve... ;>)

Give our support guys a call, they can help you get this ordered.

Jeff Erwin

Network magic has been great. Kept our household network running nicely and beautifully protected the laptop when connecting elsewhere.

My problem, though, is that one laptop really does not like updates from version 2.0. It simply crashes out with an error message about network connections. The rest of the computers trot off up the upgrade system happily.

Something funny, obviously. The advice to uninstall and reinstall, while obviously a sensible default, does nothing.

Well I guess I can live without updates. The current version does its job.

I just installed a new D-Link router, the disc came with Network Magic. As it was a trial verision I almost didn't install it. That shure would have been a mistake. I have not been able to connect my wife's laptop to my printer through the wireless network. I no more than istalled N/M then I was able to run a test page.It was almost to easy!!

========================

You just made my day!

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
I have been working with NM for close to a year, through v2 & 3 and as a beta tester most recently with v4. I believe the time, effort and detailed exchange with NM has been valuable to you and I have a reasonably nice working product.
I would like to see a reward program of some type for your beta testers that allows them ownership of the version tehy work on if the value they provide meets some criteria that shows the value to NM. It would be a nice way to reward the ones who document and communicate as well as an incentive for others to do the same.
Thanks for asking!

========================

Great idea! We are looking at this as well as developing a much smaller and focused external testing group to help us test some of the more 'advanced' research projects we have here at Pure Networks.

How about Network Magic shirts and caps?

Jeff Erwin

Hello. My free trial just expired, and I will be purchasing NM now. I have a few suggestions, if I may be so bold. 1) Get out the word on your non subscription pricing. After searching for reviews, I came across many that referred to subscription costs, and almost scrubbed the whole thing, before stumbling across this forum that set me straight. 2) I have read how ver4.0 will be less "chatty", and use less resources. That's great. How about a user selectable setting for bandwidth and NM's presence on the network? I use a CAD program all day that hogs resources like crazy. My only need for the network is to occasionally print a page, toss a file or two between PCs, and let my wife and daughter connect to the DSL modem at night. It would be perfectly okay with me if I could choke down network bandwidth during the day, so my main PC is unobstructed. 3) I have 3 PCs at home, and may add a fourth. It would bug me to pay for a 5th computer license I never use. Any chance you could ever go to a "10 bucks per additional PC" fee, which would be friendlier for people with 4 (or 7) hookups? 4) Lastly, the mention of license problems make me nervous. Is there any way to allow users to request an emergency "time bomb" type license thru the internet, in case NM one day decides I'm not licensed, due to OS or registry changes?

=====================

Ron, thanks for your comments.

1. Regarding getting out the word, there is a lot of history storage in the internet, and it is tough to try to scrub old news in favor of new news. We are definitely working on it though!

2. You should not notice any difference in Network Magic's performance or operation as a result of our being less chatty. The amount of bandwidth we are using now should not impact your other network usage in any way.

3. I wasn't here when the 3-5-8 decison was made., so I can't really comment on why the decision was made. We will be taking a look at our licensing models in the next few months. I like your $10/PC thoughts though.

4. Our licensing should definitely not cause you any worry, we are making it simpler, not harder (hopefully). You can always call customer support to solve any licensing issues that might occur. Regarding an emergency license on the weekends, I will put this on our list of topics when we get into examining the overall licensing models.

Jeff Erwin

Thanx, but I'll skip the HTML tags for now and get to the point. I've tinkered around with home networking since as long as I can remember. As frustrating as MS makes it to intagrate todays next gen devices, atleast there is an army of support and a wealth of forums. Also there is the comfort level of "knowing what you're getting yourself into".

For the most part NM works great on simple networks with only a few pc's and a printer or so, But I find that if I try to run all I have then NM gets lost.

I have one Media center, one evo workstation with XP pro, one Tablet edition, Two other laptops (one Pro and one Home), two pocket pc's with mobile 5, one wireless print server, one multifunction wireless print server, one wireless media extender, two wireless IP web cams, and two wireless turbo g Ethernet converters that I hook anything and everything up to to see if I can make them work. as it is now I have to use TKIP on everything as AES is not yet supported be all my devices.

I understand that by it's nature that it slows things down alot and that's probably what's happening to alot of people who then blame your product for something that's out of your control, well sorta.

But the future is now. 8 meg connections were something we use to dream about having at home, now it's the standard. In the blink of an eye, our frefrigerators will be network ready, with daily apointments, future events, and shopping list there waiting for you when you get your O.J. in the morning. PPC's that start your car for you and even turn up the heat. remote conections to your home to turn on lights, or record that episode of 'Lost' you forgot about. or to just listen to you music collection without having to haul it around on mutiple devices.

I geuss what I'm getting at is are you up to the challenge?

Because all of the next generations communication needs ( phones, music, tv, etc. etc...) will be provided on the net. and more that likely a free WiFi signal at that.

I do however understand your headache with the quality of the equipment that is on the shelves at you local electronics stores and clerks that don't even know what the IEEE is.

So with all that said, I must say that for the most part I love your product. It's good for most simple apps, but I personally find it simpler to run a DDNS domain based server with static routing. Very few issues with this setup, except that it increases my already expensive service cost.

I would like to see net2go more throughly intagrated into NM and have NM run more like a true server than an application. But hey, it only cost me $ 30 bucks twice. That's less than any of the other software in your target market and it's hands down the best.

I will be watching closely to the progress you make in the next year. Lots of us are running vista already, and have been for awhile. the future of networking is bright, but it's coming at us offly fast. so good luck.

=======================

Brock,

Wow, great comments! You are definitely a bit outside our target customer, which is a much less technical individual, but I love the fact that you are putting us through the paces.

If you haven't already, download and install the new 4.0 product and let me know if your experience changes. It should deal with more of your devices, and be able to handle a larger network.

Jeff Erwin

I would like to know if your system works better than by hand but as you only do microsoft I cannot find out. My personal statement is ANYTHING BUT MS.

===========================

Um, ok...

Hopefully you have a Mac, and hopefully you can wait a few more months...

They just won't let me say any more than that... ;>)

Jeff Erwin

I too have been trundling the site for a while and was put off purchasing due to the licensing model. With this one change I'm drawn towards a trial. Not even tried it yet.

Another "feature" that's bothering me: Like an earlier poster, I look after a whole family of PC's here (5) and three of them are networked. The kids put all kinds of crud on their machines and about six monthly I format and reinstall on them. Will I run into licencing issues? Will the licence stop working once formatted and reinstalled?

===============================

Your license will continue to work for you after reformatting the PC.

And, we are working hard on a number of features that are targeted directly at the family with kids, and the issues that are created with computers and the internet and all the other scary things.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
I concur with the other posts. I built a home a couple of years ago with wiring for cat 5 & so when I purchased a laptop for my wife (I am stuck with desktop), I was excited to setup my home network via XP professional (considered easier to network). Needless to say I had a devil of a time trying to get my network set up through my wire/wired router using the XP "wizard", and it never worked. Finding your program was truly fortuitous. Network Magic is aptly named and I have been using it for over a year now. Any issues I had were promptly answered through your support staff in a prompt fashion. NM even noted I hadn't setup my router security properly. I thought I was secure but it wasn't, so I contacted Linksys and our wireless network is now safe and secure. Thanks for your wonderful product. Keep refining and making NM user-friendly for us technically challenged users. Looking forward to the changes in your NM 4.0. . . and it's free to us original purchasers!

I just purchased Network Magic and didn't know about the special reduced cost using the coupon code NMOctober25.
Is there any way of applying this discount to my purchase?

=========================

Given the way our many different channels work, I doubt there is much we can do here.

How about a free copy of 4.0?? '>)

Jeff Erwin

Completely unfamiliar with computers. I came across this package because I was told my computer was slowed by too many unecessary installations. What function is being served by your product.

===========================

Check out our web site, it has a complete list of the features and benefits in Network Magic.

Jeff Erwin

Hi, Jeff,

Thank you for your comments and leadership.

I have a question that I haven't seen an answer to.

I purchased a quantity of (2) 5-user versions (version 2.0), for installation on my 10 PC network. These weren't free and weren't indicated as "Basic bersions".

The software has some problems that I've learned to work around. I value the software. I purchased the software on ebay and activated it on your web site. There was no mention that this was subscription software. I felt that I was paying a one-time licensing fee.

Do I fall into the group that gets upgrades to version 4, or do I have to pay again?

I understand that those who have used the free version need to pay for the software, but I have already paid.

I'd appreciate your consideration and reply.

Thanks.

John

===========================

You do indeed get a free upgrade to 4.0.

Jeff Erwin

I quit using Network Magic because it acts up when you have a computer on the network that is a domain server. I have a home network with 4 computers and several printers and I fought for days to get computers to see each other. Messages that it is caused by the "firewall" is no help. I finally bit the bullet and used XP network setup and finally got everything working. Then you wanted a yearly fee...no way

===========================

Network Magic is clearly targeted at the home consumer market using a workgroup. Once you start adding servers, and specifically domain controllers, your network is no longer in the camp of a 'home network' and strays out of the areas where we have designed the product to work.

There is a considerable dfference between a network operating in a workgroup mode and a network managed by a domain controller. I am frankly surprised that you are surprised that we didn't work very well.

Also, your last comment regarding our annual fee was the whole point of this forum, we are no longer a subscription based product.

I do appreciate your taking the time to comment. We are looking hard at the small business space, and should we eventually have an offering there, we will certainly be able to handle a domain controller.

Jeff Erwin

Hi, Jeff

Thanks for your invitation that always make someone exciting in regarding the new and friendly approach.

I am understanding no one will refuse.

Regards,
George Lee

When I used Net Magic it did more than I expected. After much "troubleshooting" I called was told that printer must be connected to a computer to be "seen" mine were connect to a print server, not a computer. So I de-installed my copy because it is useless even for a simple home setup.

==========================

Dedicated print servers do represent a challenge as they are all different, and do not contain anything for NM to get its hooks into. We are working on ways to improve this.

I'm sorry you found NM completely useless because of this. There are a ton of other things we do for you beyond sharing a printer.

Jeff Erwin

dear jeff,
Although I'm no big wig in Verizon, please consider a joint contract with the new FIOS program, as the technicians must install the software on each customers computer to get them up and running on the broadband service (10Mb down 2Mb up for basic service). I promise you you will not be disappointed. Have been passing the word around to people at work and school, the more the better. Hope you don't mind.

sincerely, S.Russo Sayville, NY

PS. any word on going public????

Jeff,
Seeing that you are personally interested in customer feedback I would like to tell you this is one of the most useful software I've found in a long time (I discovered it because of the AMD live program).
But I have the following problems/suggestions,

1) No chance to buy the product because credit cards don't accept international billing (I'm from Chile).

2) It would be great that NM had multilanguage support (specially spanish).

3) Should be nice if NM would have an integrated system for measuring the home network bandwidth usage and concurrence.

4) I've read some post about the way NM manages file sharing about being chatty (which I don't know what means), possibly fixed in version 4. This is in response to what I understanded poor hardware and software implementation of consumer products. An idea could be that NM did a series of test (benchmark, available features, etc) of the hardware (router, interfaces, etc) to determine how to manage network use in a balanced way, those avoiding failures.

thanks in advance for your response.
cheers from Latin America.

======================

Well, you and I are certainly on the same page!

We do have multi-language support, I will have someone follow up with you and tell you how to find it. NM is available in a whole bunch of languages.

Regarding international credit cards, while I am not aware of why we might or might not support these, I will also get someone to see what the issue is. You might try Best Buy online, or search for a retail outlet that carries NM that might have better international credit card support.

Our version 4 does have a speed test for your internet connection, and we will also test your network links between your computers. We will be adding a ton of additional capabilities in this area in future releases, to the point of automatically testing and keeping track over time of the health and speed, as well as bandwidth usage of each computer and device on your home lan.

Thanks for the feedback!

Jeff Erwin

I'm still using the trial 3.3 version. Seems to be a good program but raises questions after reading comments. I've been looking for an email address to ask questions but haven't found one. Is it a one time purchase or are you expected to pay every year? One software told me one time purchase and then changed to every year making mine useless. My network has 4 connections but you sell 3 and 5 packs. Will the 3 work on 4 computers? Also, if I reformat does my version not work then? Is it a keep purchasing thing everytime you make a chage to the system? Thanks

=============================

We recently switched back to a license model, so when you purchase version 4, you will receive all updates to version 4 and not have to purchase again.

"will the 3 work on 4 computers?"

Um, no.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
With each upgrade that comes out, NM just gets better with age.

NM was "suggested" by the D-link tech crew, I had so many problems settng up my home network ... I'm running Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Media Center 2005, and Windows XP Professional. The x64 is the least problematic of the OSs - takes a beating and keeps on ticking, just like a Swiss watch ought to do.

You've got so many happy customers, I hate to be one that has just one problem - Unsecure wireless network URGENT alert, all the damn time, one after another ... Use Wireless Security with Your Router. You might get the guys to add a hard "Ignore this alert" that stays that way until I want to change it. Same goes for the other alerts ...

So far no one in the area has been able to get on my network - they've tried, I know.

I hope that 4.0 has enough 'smarts' to work with Vista x64 from the gitgo. It's always a PLUS when customers are happy ... ;-)

NOTE: I volunteered as a beta tester back in April, but unfortunately nobody has said a word one to me ... :-P

Change the attitude and it's a wonder how things go right ... :)

Phil Orlowsky

============================

We are doing our Vista testing now. When Vista is repeased to the consumer in Q1, we will have a fully tested version that works with it.

Regarding beta testing, we receive many more requests for beta testing than we could possibly manage. I agree that not letting you know one way or the other is a bit rude, and I will look into how we do this.

Check out 4.0 and let me know what you think!

Jeff Erwin

I had never heard of Network Magic, until I bought a wireless card which included a trial copy. I installed the trial version, and I love it; what a great product. You guys need to do A LOT MORE ADVERTISING!

Jeff,

I too, like everyone look forward to your and NM's continued success.

I do love the product as it quickly cured networking issues I was having between my D-link print server and my Linksys router (you know the story -- it is always the other vender) NM quickly got things running.

On the otherside of the story, the program is a resource hog. This weekend I had to scratch my kids PC as it had gone squirrelly and reloaded the current version of NM premium and with a barebones system running you can clearly see the CPU being hit at 99.

I look forward to version 4!

============================

Version 4 definitely reduces the amount of traffic Network Magic generates on your network.

Let me know what you think!

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,

Thank you for the generous consideration of those who have already subscribed. So often existing customers are thrown into the same pile as those who have never supported a company. We have been very pleased with Network Magic and would have remained so even without your change in marketing strategy. Thank you.

=======================

You are welcome! Make sure you download the 4.0 preview version!

Jeff Erwin

I don't know if this is a question you can answer, but I hope I could get somewhat of an answer for it. As your company moves forward with its newer versions, what companies or software packages are you planning on going head on against? This would give your customers a great understanding of what to expect from future releases, and which software purchases they can avoid making if they stick with Network Magic. I've got 25 days left on my demo Network Magic Prem.; and have been impressed thus far with its functional abilty. Its a little basic, so I'm wondering what the future additions will be.

==========================

Great question. Our primary target these days is providing value to the non-IT trained consumer at home. We are very focused on keeping the home network connection to the internet healthy, keeping the network in the home healthy and helping the consumer understand what the network is doing, as well as providing a way to accomplish complex tasks with a single click.

As we release future versions, you will see us offering more solutions that address questions like 'Which computer in my home is using the bandwidth?' and "are there times when my ISP is not providing me the bandwidth I am expecting?'

Imagine seeing a daily report that shows the xbox on the network lighting up and using massive bandwidth from 11:00pm to 1:00am every night.

Shouldn't he be asleep?

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for deciding to drop the subscription pricing of Network Magic Premium and to boot offer free 4.0 upgrade, Your GUI approach to wireless networking is easy and fun to work with. I'm passing the word to all that I know that Pure Networks has an excellent product. Keep up the great work!!

I appreciate your thoughtfulness and your understanding about how one-time pricing rather than yearly subscription pricing is preferred. I am much more willing to upgrade every couple of years than to be nagged about my subscription running out. Thank you again, and the product is even better than advertised, at least for me.

Dear Jeff,

congrats on your appointment. Love the product even with the file transfer issues. Nothing I won't be able to figure out eventually. A few ?'s 1) I purchased the NM for five computers(4 on-line now) will I have to pay an additional fee to add any other stations? What about compatibility with Verizon FIOS program and video through the routers? Any thoughts, seems to me the company that can network TV's with computers over a wireless lan will be sittin very nicely. Also any news a on public offerring? please advise at your leisure,
Sincerely, S. Russo happy customer and Verizon Tech,Sayville NY

Hi Jeff,
First of all many congrats on your new position.
I've been using network magic for a while now, but only decided to buy it a couple of weeks ago, and very glad I did. I think its a very good bit of kit, and really easy to set up. I haven't had any real problems, apart from my PC telling me that my laptop needed updating, but my laptop telling me that it didn't. Solved the problem by asking the troubleshooter on nm website. I only wish I'd paid for it sooner, because it's definitely worth every penny. I'm looking forward to version 4.0

Hi Jeff, I appreciate your kindness. The question, however, is that why do you want to move away from the existing model when all the other software providers are moving toward subscription?

======================

Excellent question. All software providers have a desire to move to sunscriptions because it represents a more consistent and predictable revenue flow to their company.

The problem is that consumers generally don't like subscriptions because it feels like they have keep repurchasing the product over and over.

I have found that the consumer always wins, unless you happen to have a monopoly...

There are some successful subscription models out there. Anti-virus is probably the best example. This works because you are getting constant updates and they have created the value proposition that being very current in your virus descriptions has value.

However, if you stop paying the subscription, your anti-virus continues to work, it just doesn't get the latest 'stuff'.

For a product like Network Magic, we do not have that component that requires constant updating, so a subscriptions is harder for customers to understand. The confusion we were creating around the product and the way it was sold was creating a barrier for people to purchase.

Jeff Erwin

I have been sampling Network Magic and have been impressed by its usefulness. I received your offer of discount on the purchase price just after I had ordered the full version from your web site. Is it possible to apply the discount offer to my order please?

=============================

You should call our customer support staff and make your case with them.

Jeff Erwin

Thank you very much Jeff.My network is working great.Waiting for upgrade.

Thanks
Inderjit Sodhi

I'm a newbie by comparison to MOST, but the product has been awesome since purchase. As long as the agreememnt is honored for two years worth of upgrades I am fine with the terms. Thanks for the heads up!!

Hey how you doin mr Jeff

well what can I say Ive been using NM for about 3 months and I love it you will never know the amount of headaches your software has saved me from

Q: so after I upgrade to ver.4 will I have to pay for any patches to that
ver. or will they be included in the support for that ver.

==========================

4.0 will include all patches and updates for as long as you own 4.0

Jeff Erwin

subscription or not, I would have paid the price!
Your product does as advertised, no less.It even picked up my home made networked attached storage device.(freensa)
Please add Trendnet tew- 610apb to the hardware list.

Hello Mr Jeff Erwin,

You seem to conveniently filter out any comments (like my earlier one) which are anywhere close to being pro-subscription! I don't see why subscription will hurt since the pricing seems to be the same, except that it provides free upgrades to the customer for next 2 years, whether it is version 4, or 5 or newer. This could hurt you maybe, but that is what everyone bought. Make sure that you do not violate the original licensing agreements at your convenience. I would like to get free upgrades for the next 2 years, and that should include the upcoming version 4.0.

Thanks,
Regards,
Rohit Priyadarshi

=========================

Actually, I am not doing any filtering beyond a couple of very basic rules I have for determining if I will actually post a comment. I will not post comments if:

1. The comment either doesn't make sense (some people have 'intereresting' writing skills) or we genuinly can't figure out what they are trying to say.

2. The comment contains anything along the lines of 'bet you won't publish this'. If you state this, you are right. You are trying to hard.

3. Any use of offensive language.

4. The post contains any links.

I do not block any negative comments towards our product, as long as they are not offensive or personal in nature. We do not mind criticism, and we take it all very seriously.

I actually did respond to your original comment. Smetimes it takes me a bit longer to get everything posted due to my travel schedule. Be patient, I will get through it all eventually.

In answer to your last question, several who purchased two year subscriptions have asked the same question. We will keep you current for the full term of the subscription you purchased.

Thanks for posting!

Jeff Erwin

I have had NM since the beginning, and was rewarded with a "free lifetime subscription"... which would mean I'd be eligible for unlimited upgrades. I believe many of the "beta" testers like myself received this reward for all our feedback, suggestions, and bug-reporting diligence. How are you going to handle this? Will I just get one upgrade gratis and that's it, or do you plan on keeping the spirit of the original reward.

I am a technical professional and through the grape-vine effect, have "sold" many many people on NM. I've been singing the praises of NM for years, even with shortcomings which NM has tackled in time. (The move to release-pricing will make my job convincing others to use NM much easier, thank you.)

Please let me know the answer to the first question. (I'm not sure if this email is my registered username; let me know if it doesn't come up and I'll provide the other possibility).

William

=====================

The deal we made with our original beta group is not affected by this license change.

Thanks for your support!

Jeff Erwin

What a concept! Providing a program that actually doesn't require an annual fee. I upgraded to the annual fee based program shortly before my "FREE" evaluation version expired. I wasn't sure at the time if this was going to be a good move on my part, but figured that I could always just not renew it when it came due a year later. NM has saved my can several times since I did the upgrade 6 months ago. I was having problems with my ISP and didn't know what the problem was, whether it was my router or NM or what. Well, NM proved itself very capable and pointed the way to my problem so I was able to contact my ISP and get the problems corrected. Now that I won't have to worry about an annual subscription, I most definitely will continue to be a very satisfied customer and encourage all of my friends and fellow network users (even if only one computer) to invest in this program because it really does what it says it will do.
Thanks for being an upfront and concerned CEO. You're a breath of fresh air in a corporate world that rarely takes it's customers into consideration.

This change beings Network Magic back full circle to where it should have been all along. Great news. Also, version 4 is great and I'd encourage everyone why hasn't yet gotten it to try it. Finally, I'd add that there are two killer features that I'd like to see added to Network Magic. The first is the ability to caption pictures and the second is to have a simple blog like this one.

Well, KUDOS on your decision Jeff!... NM is not problem free and I have also experienced some already mentioned problems. One thing I think could improve NM (even if that meant some tweaking because of how windows works) is security. The one thing that would make NM really useful for non-tech people would the possibility of going to a PC, chose the PC, or a drive/folder, etc., and assign/restrict access to it as was possible to do in W2K... right-click and password and username protect that specific PC, drive, folder... XP is a disaster for the non-initiated. If NM could simplify this... it would be worth every cent it costs in gold!
Keep it up!, and again, thank you for the changes.

Joao

==================

Great suggestions! We are looking at ways to add security to shares.

Jeff Erwin

I'll be honest to share this with you. 98.9% of the people that ended up coming on your blog here...mr.ceo... was because they all went on google and typed in, "Network Magic Premium Serial Number" and we all stumbled upon your blog, that's how i ended up here, and i know many others did also. Thankfully you told us that premium use is free for first 30 days, I got the software for free with my router. I was only looking towards unlocking it, seeing how it performs before removing it all together from my machine. But after reading your uptempo future outlook for the software and the company, I will surely consider purchasing version 4.0 if I like this software for the next 30 days.

========================

Well, this is an interesting comment. If I do the math, we are losing 98.9% of our customers because they can get a free license key from the internet. This mans we are losing billions of dollars to software piracy. Hmmm.

Not likely. Our licensing system requires that all keys are first generated and placed in our database before they are issued. When they are used by a new customer, they are checked to see that they came from us to begin with. In addition, if someone puts a key they purchased on the internet, we have full records as to who the key as originally isued to.

That said, we find that the typical Network Magic customer isn't someone who would take this path. I have a tremendous amount of trust in general human honesty. Call me old fashion...

Lastly, thanks for the validation of our direction! If someone like you who apparently can use the product or free is willing to purchase it, we must be doing something right!

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for a good product. Many thanks for deciding on the 1-time purchase; I like that better. I downloaded, and bought a CD of NM, and wonder if I now need to request an updated replacement CD from NM that will not get out of date in case of (another) HD failure. Should I contact your customer support for this? Thanks, Gail

========================

No, your CD is good. The changes are in our licensing database.

Jeff Erwin

After a number of frustrations with the XP networking environment I decided to give your product a try after looking up some options on CNET. I have to say it solved all of the problems I was experiencing. I love the interface and everything on the network is working like I expect. Net2Go seems to be a great feature. I cannot wait to see version 4.0.

I forgot to mention...great work on maintaining your focus and providing an elegant, simple tool anyone can use.

I'm a bit confused (not unusual!) I paid 29.99 for network magic earlier this year...but now I'm getting emails offering me - as a 'previous user' -50% off the purchase of Network Magic Premium. Does this mean I have to pay out again?

I like the product, though - it's been great being able to share files, folders and printers across the network. We do have one laptop, though, that is recognised by network magic, but from which we get an 'access denied' message when trying to access printers and shared files. Can't seem to make it work...

Anyway, would be glad to know the situation re my subscription

=======================

If you call our customer support team, they are excellent at answering questions like this.

Jeff Erwin

We really enjoy the NM and find it really easy to use. Just one question, I bought this a few months ago and purchased the 3 computer deal, then I got and email a week ago stating that I could buy the "one time purchase" by Oct 31 for 50% off which is fine but I just paid my yearly fee. Then I just got an email stating that we have "permanent use" so I'm just confused on what is going on and what do we do if we want to upgrade for more computers. Thanks

==========================

If you call our customer suport number, they can figure this out for you.

Jeff Erwin

Any plans for a Linux version?

============================

Not currently. The average home networking consumer isn't well represented by Linux at this point. If and when that changes, we will readdress this.

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for the email. I have a peer to peer network in my small law office (5 computers on various varieties of XP). I use a sonicwall hardware firewall, along with ZoneAlarm on all five machines. Being able to consistently see each computer from every other computer is almost impossible without your product. With it, I can see everyone, but not always communicate. Also, when Network Magic is installed on even one computer, the entire network is kicked off, and I have to remove, and re-plug in, my power cord to my modem. I would be willing to help you understand my network problems, if that relationship helps improve your product, and my system.
Thank you

Thank you!! I am very pleased with NM. I am a 75-year-old great-grandmother who installed the program myself. I've had a PC for many years, and received a laptop as a gift several months ago. I am so pleased at how great NM works and keeps me "connected"! Much success in your new position, and thank you once again!!

Hello Jeff, Congratulations to you and I salute your willingness to conduct this dialogue. I purchashed NM some time ago then a few months afterwards I was notified that the service I purchased was now free and if I wanted what I thought I had purchased I had to upgrade. Due to this I stopped using NM - perhaps it is time for me to try it again. I didnt keep my registration info, is it possible to get it again? Thanks

========================

Welcome back!

Contact our support team, they can recover your key for you.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff - Congrats on becoming the President - The product is easy to use and has been a great bonus to me.
Appreciate the lifetime purchase and free upgrades not many companies would have done this and I will recomment Network magic to all my business associates.

The honest truth is your product is very good, hoever there are glitchs that need addressing and the customer support and lack of any meaningful reply was the pits. Improve the customer service sopport and more people will reccomend your product to others by word of mouth, i might even reinstall it and give it another go.
regards
b pottage

Hi Jeff
NM is a product that does what it states, it makes home networking simple for those who need it to be simple and for those that don't but are lazy - that's me !!

Moving off the subscription model is a good move, for which I thank you.

The beta is looking good too

This is the first time I have ever benefited from a change in pricing. It has always gone the other way _ I have had to pay more to keep the same services. Hip-hip-horray for you and Network Magic!!!

Jeff,

Ditto on the other positive comments already posted.

Being fairly techno-savvy, I don't generally buy products that just simplify a process that I can do myself but, after installing the free NW trial that came with my D-link router, I was amazed at the benefits of seeing my entire home network operation status on-screen at-a-glance. And, adding new devices is simply a breeze!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned on your blog yet is the Net2Go function. Wow! How convenient! I just drag and drop photos or files to a folder on my hard drive and, voila, I'm sharing with folks around the world! I use Net2Go to post huge Excel spreadsheets to my global team members. They can download them directly -- no more hoping that Yahoo will actually get it to them :)

Thanks for your progressive, customer-focused approach,
Kelly

Hey, wow you guys rocked my world. Just like many people out there, it didn't just work for me. I consider myself somewhat computer sabby, and was able to establish connection to the printer... that lasted less than one hour. I finally was tired of trying to do it myself, and thanks to your Google add I went to the right place.
Enough about how much I love your product though, what I really want to know is if you guys are going to develop support to add the next gen consoles in to the network map. That would be my answer to weather I get premium or not. By the way if it's not a plan on the table yet, get it there! Primarily my PS3 that's coming out on Nov. 17. It can connect wirelessly, and why not if you guys can make it as easy as everything else you guys do. Really love yalls work, keep it up and please develop for the PS3 :D

P.S. I didn't find where to send suggestions to the development team... hopefully this gets around though... let me know.

===================

Thanks for the suggestions!

We are hoping to deal with anything you can connect to your network. That said, I have to admit that the list of 'things' seems to grow much faster than we ever anticipate.

Most, if not all, of the Pure Networks team reads these responses, so your suggestions do get to the right people.

The team tends to fight over the really good ones...

Jeff Erwin

I tried the promo code in the E-Mail I rec'd but keep getting invalid code when I try using it. Tthe order dept mut not know that the new president has sent out E_mails with the code in it--so my Q is how do I use the code--can't find a phone # to call.

===========================

http://www.networkmagic.com/support/

This should provide you everything you need to get your issues resolved.

Jeff Erwin

I hope and pray that your new update is better as you say. My ZOOM router has hadd such problems with the program that I have stopped using it. It sees my printer and the PC but can't see the internet. The tech sup. tried to help me through, so props to them, even still they couldn't get it. Though i haven't tossed it yet, it has been frustrating so I have not added more to my system yet. PLEASE get more routers, or just mine, to work.
Blessed be, Steve

I have used Network Magic for about two months on a two year license. I am very happy with its performance for file and printer sharing. Shouldn't I get free upgrades for the two years and not just one time to 4.0?

Also, if you are converting to a purchase, could I have a disc so I could re-load when I need to?

==============================

Our two year committment to you will be honered.

As far as the CD is concerned, I believe those are extra.

Jeff Erwin

I hope you can make difference...suppory terible...new software freezing machines...fixes complicated or non-existent...all with a product invented to "uncomplicate networking"...my family went nuts trying to get this to work...including v3.X. I will await 4.0 premium...I uninstalled the software months ago...and gave up trying to get anyone in your org to care. You already have my $$...let's see if you can pull this off. Since I don't have ANY of your software installed...I hope I can receive a "clean install" .exe??!!

===================

I definitely feel your pain. Home networking is not a simple thing, and when something isn't working, frustration is the result.

Unfortunately, given the near-infinite permutations of networking gear and PC configurations, I can't tell you we will work in every situation, even as much as I would like to.

We are working on technology that will better understand more generic configurations and situations that don't fall into a specific definition, and help you solve your issues, even to the point of suggesting what might need to be replaced.

Jeff Erwin

You are absolutely correct I hate the annual payment thing..

I need help. I had to delete Network Magic.It keeps the pc card on my
laptop blinking untill it
freezes. I pull the pccard out and the laptop works
normal.

=============================

Give our customer support staff a call, they should be able to help.

Jeff Erwin

Dear Jeff,

I'm glad to hear about the new changes in Network Magic. Though I've been assured by your tech support that the troubles I've been having ever since I bought the program last week should be ironed out by the end of the month, I would like to say this: Since I've installed NM, my main computer has slowed almost to a halt, freezing up and making doing my work very difficult. I understand that the problem is with printers, at least from what the tech guy said, but even the beta gobbles up my system's processes and resources to such an extent that I've had to unclick all my other start up process just to get any work done. Please try to work out these glitches as soon as possible. I love the program's layout and its simplicity of use, but I may have to quit using it if it continues to slow down my computer--a Pentium 4 with two gigs of RAM--as much as it has since I've installed the program.

Many thanks,

Lex

I'm looking forward to version 4.0 and applaud your new pricing structure. However, I have a couple of questions: Will Version 4 upgrade from Version 2.1.6061.0? I've paid for and tried Version 3.0 without success on a couple of occasions and your tech support could not solve the problem after lengthy attempts. The only solution was to revert back to Version 2. My second question: Will Version 4 recognize the Linksys Model No. RTP300 Broadband Router used with a Vonage phone system?

=============================

Everyone who has purchased any prior release of Network Magic will be entitled to a free upgrade to the 4.0 release.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff I have used your program for several months now and enjoyed it. But....your auto update has never worked for me, I have to from time to time go to your site and redownload the program. This is something you may want to have your team look into this thank you....Scott Hays

=============================

Will do! Thanks for the feedback.

Jeff Erwin

One-time pricing sounds attractive, but do "free" upgrades end or begin with 4.0?

There are so many glitches in wireless and ethernet networking used in combination with voip that when things go wrong, it's virtually impossible to trace which element and which of each element's countless configuration combinations is at fault.

Oh, how I long for the day when you buy a phone, computer, dsl modem and network hub and just plug them in and they work, period.

At your service in Christ . . .

Mark Landsbaum

Hello,

I just purchased! Oct 10th, order number 56930. AND I'm pushing you guys out to others. How about you keep the 25% revenue, but put me on upgrade lists? Actually, how about bumping me up past my 3 computers to the next level - I think I'm about to add another new laptop to the mix.

Thanks and very good product.

John Haggard
Renton, WA

=======================

John,

You will be in the 4.0 upgrade list. We appreciate your continued support!

Jeff Erwin

As a purchaser of the original version, I was promised a lifetime subscription to Network Magic as a thank you for trusting the product when it was it's infancy.
Have I lost this now or will you honour the deal.
I am also awaiting to use the Net 2 Go and the Wireless Protection. My router is not compatable though it is widely distributed by BT in the UK.
It's a Voyager 2500-70V

Yours Steve

============================

Steve,

Your deal is still good. Thanks for being a loyal Network Magic customer.

Jeff Erwin

I really like the concepts involved with your program. Unfortunately, I had problems with it on my system and regretfully, could not manage to get it to work properly. I very much wanted it to work.

============================

Give version 4 a try when it is released.

Jeff Erwin

I bought Network Magic in juni 05. I liked it, but it did not work well. So I stopped using it. What to do to give it a new try? Download latest version and use old license number? Do I get ver 4 for free?

Reg/ Bertil

===========================

All customers who have purchased ANY prior version to Network Magic will receive the free upgrqde to version 4.0 when it is released.

If you have problems with your key, give our customer support team a call, they can solve this for you.

Jeff Erwin

I am very happy that your have gone back to the traditional pricing. I have been a really big fan of Network Magic from the early days. As it stands now because of your change of earlier this year, I took it on myself to workout the networking of XP system and although it dose not have all the bells that Network Magic has, it servers me well.
Thank you for coming back around...

Jeff,

Welcome to Network Magic! I think your new pricing model will be very popular. If I understand it, the one-time purchase price will be the same as the previous annual subscription price. That's a great deal!

I have found managing my home wireless network MUCH easier since subscribing to Network Magic Premium. To everyone at Network Magic: keep up the good work!

Hi Jeff,
First let me say that you have taken off on the right steps. It is not every time we get customer service that answers questions let alone a CEO that replies to your comments. I wish you some great and useful years as the CEO.

I have been a loyal customer for upwards of 6 months now and have no negative comments about NM. However I have a concern about Net2Go which has prevented me from using the service.

I have found that the file tranfer process is not encrypted. I work with sensitive files and I am worried sick that if they are transfered unencrypted, they might get compromised. Is there anything in the new release to address encrytption?

==========================

Thanks for your comments.

We are looking at the righ way to provide encryption. The easiest way might be for us to issue certificates from the net2go dns site, but we want to make sure we get it right.

In the mean time, doing local encryption and decryption of your files using something like the PGP technology might help. It would also protect the files on your laptop in case it was lost.

Jeff Erwin

I would like to upgrade to the new version, and according to the email I recieved it should be a free upgrade. When I try to sign on to my account it say's that no such account exists. I have purchased more than 1 copy of Network Magic (one downloaded and one boxed) and updated both. I believe I have the premium version, why can't I get in to get the next update?
I could be mistaken, we recently moved and I have had some amazing computer issues that I won't go into and I'm a little confused about a lot of my software right now. I very frustrated so if I sound angry it's not at you, it's all issues that no one has any control over to this point. Thank you for your help in resolving this issue.

Geoff Schram
shemy63@comcast.net

============================

Geoff,

I will have someone follow up with you to resolve this.

Jeff Erwin

I am a trialer.

Have not been able to establish file sharing nor printer sharing with Version 3.3.

Would not consider purchase until this is resolved. Also will not purchase until the gateway (2Wire 2700HG-D) provided by my DSL provider (AT&T) is fully supported.

===========================

Have you contacted our excellent customer support team?

I would be curious to know more about what specifically you have on your network. These are the situations we have to get beter at understanding and fixing for our customers.

Jeff Erwin

Congratulations for your decision, now i will buy it.
Best luck to you

I can't express strongly enough how pleased I am with your decision to go with a traditional pricing model for Network Magic. I have been agonizing over this purchase ever since I first demoed your software. This is a great product, but I just didn't want to pay for it year after year. When I got this e-mail, I bought your software within minutes, and I am quite sure that I will recommend it to everyone I know!

===================

Why did it take you so long??? ;>)

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
Thanks for the personal touch in reaching out to your customer base. When I installed NM, it did seem to use a ton of resources and bog things down a bit. Now that you say the new 4.0 version will cut back on that, I as a potential new subscriber, would really like to know before my purchase, WILL I GET A FREE UPGRADE? I saw in a previous comment you said that you "believe" we would get it....but I want a more solid answer before I buy. Thank you for this forum and I look forward to your response....and good luck in your new position.

GR

==============================

OK, it is official.

We will be giving a free upgrade to our 4.0 release to all customers who have purchased any previous version of Network Magic.

This free upgrade will provide you with all future updates to the 4.0 product.

Jeff Erwin

Hi

Buying is a good idea. But there should be a way of adding extra users to the program. The number of items in a network has a tendency to grow with time.

How about a basic license when you buy a new router, and extra licences with new PC's or extra gear that needs licensing?

In addition to direct sales of course.

=========================

We do currently offer a 3, 5 and 8 licenses, so maybe I am not sure what you are asking for.

Jeff Erwin

Are you going to add more modems that are not currenty on the program?

========================

We are constantly adding new devices to our list, as well as working on dealing better with all devices.

Jeff Erwin

Good idea to go back to the one off pay system. Thanks for generous offer to upgrade to next version free.
Frank

Jeff -

Welcome to your new job at Network Magic.

Great move on eliminating the subscription model. This is surely to be one of the feathers in your cap for your first 90 days on the job!

Lyria

Thanks, Jeff, for your update and congratulations on your position as President and CEO. I'm sorry that I missed this email earlier when you sent it out. I've had Network Magic since the BETA version and I acutally enjoy having it. It has really simplified Networking for myself and allowed me to become more productive at home.

I have 3 computers which includes my laptop networked together. I use the Net2Go feature extensively to keep in touch with my family back east and to transfer work files from home to the office.

I'm really looking forward to what you have coming down the road. I see you had some grumblings here which is understandable. I've been using a Linksys Wireless G router and haven't had any issues. Even when I had a Microsoft 802.11B system, it performed with little hickups. Computers themselves in addition to the periferals DO make a difference.

I hope that you continue to communicate this way with your user base because I've seen many companies become strong and grow from that kind of commitment to their users. If I were in your position, it's the same route I'd take as well.

Again, Congratulations and I look forward to what the future brings.

Kind Regards,

Kevin Fertenbaugh

Yo JE,
Congrats on the assumption of power! My only request; make this program work with Airport Extreme! C'mon babe, it's a big world, there's room enough to appreciate both...:).

===========================

What a great idea!

That's all they will let me say about it right now......

Jeff Erwin

Network Magic is a great product and reasonably priced either way. Nice work! I'll be sure to spread the word.

Hello ! This change all sounds good,but how about fixing the product first. We BOUGHT your network service some months ago. It never did work right and the last few months it refuses to work at all. I NOW have NO networking for my laptop. Tired of trying to make it work. I had to buy another printer for it. Floyd

=======================

Floyd,

This may fall under the issues we face with the near-infinite different permutations of network configurations and equipment we have to deal with. We are constantly working on improving our ability to deal with issues 'outside the box'.

Give our 4.0 preview a try when it becomes available. You will find the product to be much more able to work in different environments.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
Thank you for the new pricing policy. I'm running version 3.1.6174.2Pure0, and I've had some issues. Ever since I installed, it seems to be sapping my hard wired desktop cpu. I'm looking forward to 4.0.

If a person wants basically a no-brainer installation, Network Magic is a breeze!

Arnie B

Hello Jeff, and thank you for your email.
First I would like to say that I am so in love with your product, that I think I am going to have my agent contact your marketing dept, and offer my services to your company.
As one of the only African-American Professional Bass Tournament Anglers in the Country, I utilize a PDA or laptop or desktop everyday, to answer emails from fans, sponsors, family, study maps of different lakes, and I also write for a few different Bass fishing Web-sites. When I am not travelling and competing, I am either doing trade shows or writing. I have had Comcast internet for the last three years, and have been tethered to a desk when I am at home, which really stunts my creative flow.(being stuck in my bedroom all day in front of the computer) And I always wanted a wireless network in my home. I was discouraged at Comcast for insisting that I pay them an extra 10 dollars a month, and 150 dollar installation fee. I refused to do it. Because have read about how people set up their own wireless network, and saves them from all the extra cost. Thanks to your Network Magic, I was able to learn how to do it myself, and now I can go anywhere on my property, and I have a great and easy to maintain , AND secure network connection.
I think that your company is GREAT, and I am honered to be a part of the Network Magic Family.

Sincerely
Donuel E. Bruno-aka fishboy

Hello Jeff, and thank you for your email.
First I would like to say that I am so in love with your product, that I think I am going to have my agent contact your marketing dept, and offer my services to your company.
As one of the only African-American Professional Bass Tournament Anglers in the Country, I utilize a PDA or laptop or desktop everyday, to answer emails from fans, sponsors, family, study maps of different lakes, and I also write for a few different Bass fishing Web-sites. When I am not travelling and competing, I am either doing trade shows or writing. I have had Comcast internet for the last three years, and have been tethered to a desk when I am at home, which really stunts my creative flow.(being stuck in my bedroom all day in front of the computer) And I always wanted a wireless network in my home. I was discouraged at Comcast for insisting that I pay them an extra 10 dollars a month, and 150 dollar installation fee. I refused to do it. Because have read about how people set up their own wireless network, and saves them from all the extra cost. Thanks to your Network Magic, I was able to learn how to do it myself, and now I can go anywhere on my property, and I have a great and easy to maintain , AND secure network connection.
I think that your company is GREAT, and I am honered to be a part of the Network Magic Family.

Sincerely
Donuel E. Bruno-aka fishboy

Its a shame that you dont make it easier for costumer to buy over the counhter as I dont have a credit
Kind Regards Ken howells

=============================

We are available through a number of retail channels. Call your local computer store and see if they carry us. Most do.

Jeff Erwin

I would be very interested in your Network Magic if it would support peer to peer networking without using a router.

Sanford Levinson
sandyshirley@aol.com

============================

What you seek is very compelling but is more a function of the operating system support for ad-hoc networks. Windows support for ad-hoc is very primitive. We are looking for ways to provide similar functionmality using our net2go technology in the future.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
A great incentive for people to sign up. Of course, I got the e-mail with the coupon a day after I bought the 3 PC license. Any retroactivity here? The product works very well, even though my D-Link router tends to go south about once a week and I have to reset it.

Very refreshing approach to product support. I always felt that software providers acted a little like doctors. Your post-operative problems were never their fault. And if they were their fault then you were going to pay to fix them anyway unless you sued.

I wish you much success in your efforts. I like the product and know that it works in a tough environment. I find that while it doesn't do everything perfectly, it does an awful lot right. Most of my problems have been with the quirkiness of the routers, modems and windows.

Thanks for the upgrade.
Jim

And I thought Network Magic couldn't get any better. Thank you, Jeff.
I've used Network Magic for a few months now on the advice of a geek friend of mine who works with networks. I don't. Our home network (using Win XP Pro) never worked right, when it worked at all. NWM was the answer. Installation and setup couldn't have been easier. How much easier can you get than clicking the setup and watching it as it installs and sets everything up for you? And its worked flawlessy ever since. Since installing NWM we've had to buy a new router. NWM took care of everything. All I did was plug it in and turn it on.

Brilliant product all my clients get told they have to use it and they all LOVE it.
Will v4.0 be better in the net2go arena? Some of my clients have unsupported routers which occasionally work any thoughts?
Does your tech support take Australian calls?

=============================

No, we specifically block calls from Australia... (grin)

Just kidding, of course we take Australian, and all other international calls. We actually have a huge customer base in Australia.

We are looking at a number of ways to improve our Net2Go technology, and we are working on a number of very cool solutions that are based on the capabilities that Net2Go provides.

Jeff Erwin

I have been incredibly happy with NM. It helped me set up my home network in a jiffy, add two new computers and keep my wife's ancient laptop on line. My compliments and thanks to your leadership, thoughts and offer. I wish other CEOs were of the same ilk.

Jeff:

Thanks very much, that is great news and I agree with the change. I am a new Network Magic subscriber and found it to work great--I was able to get our home network of 4 PCs working where XP wouldn't, and your technical support person was great on the phone. I will recommend your product to others! Thanks again.

I'm a very pleased user - responding to Michael's comments way up the page, I have experienced the problem with 'chattiness' - however, I'm now beta testing the new version and can tell you that on a rather robust home network with four to five users, frwequently on at the same time, average combined CPU load running Win XP SP2 is less than 10% with an idle browser window open - very low drain on system resources - or, at least, in my situation.
Very happy with the product - especially when I was notified that I'd be eligible for a 'lifetime' subscription at no additional cost. Wow . . . nice present . . . doesn't matter, I would have paid full retail for the software . . . it's the best I've seen.

I have been running NM for almost a yer now on my PC and 2 laptops. I have read some of the problems other users have had, I on ht eother hand love the program. I have had no conflicts that I can find. I was just getting ready to renew when I received the e-mail from Jeff saying free upgrade and user lic. GREAT JOB guy's. I would have paid again for the great product.

Thanks Dan B.

Jeff,
Thanks for implementing a more realistic pricing model. I really liked NM and purchased and implemented throughout my home network. However, when I was told I had to spend more money just to keep what I had already purchased I stopped using it. So, now I will certainly consider reinstalling and using it again.

Bob

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Welcome back! Make sure you check out our 4.0 preview when it becomes available!

Jeff Erwin

Hi,

Thanks for your email. I have to say I was surprised to get the email after the stunt your company pulled on us Net Magic users. After I installed the product - I was happy - it worked the way I wanted. Then, a message came up saying that there was an update I needed to get, and I said ok. Next thing I know after the install - it tells me I am in a trial window due to the install. This is just dead wrong. If I have to I will remove your software and reinstall and never deal with your company again. Suckering people in is not the way to get more business.

Other than your business practices - I think your product is great.

============================

Our move back to licensing will make this process much smoother.

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for the heads up and the free upgrade when available. I'm one of those who hasn't had any problems and have been extremely happy with the product.

I would like to make sure that the new version will be fully Vista compatible.
Thanks

===============================

We are working hard to solve the Vista issues the consumer will face when Vista ships in January.

Jeff Erwin

That's Great! I tested out the free version back in August and found it to be better than the review and purchased the premium subscription by the end of August. I use it on 2 laptops and a desktop and could not be happier with its performance!

Un petit mot en français dans cet océan anglo-saxon pour dire que j'apprécie beaucoup Network Magic, qui est un outil facile d'emploi et très convivial. Je resterai très certainement attaché à ce produit.

Just a few words in frenche in this anglo-saxon ocean to says I veru much appreciate Network Magic, a very usafull ans easy to use tool. I will certainly be very faithfull to this product.

Dear sir:

I live in Honduras and I have a home network hooked into a Dlink DI 524. One of my daughters have more than one PC/laptop/Wap cell phone at home and Your program works fine but short to manage this particular Router. Eventhough you went to a one time payment which is superberb I still find the price for conecting 5 pcs still too high for our household. Please consider.

Jeff;
It is not only commendable, but awesome to see a CEO/President that knows how to get and keep customers happy. Most businesses fail, because they are interested in themselves, more than their customers, which usually includes the bottom dollar, and it's importance to the CEO. Little do they know a business makes much more of an impact, both financially and loyally from their existing and new customers, when they feel important; genuinely important. My husband and I are also in business and we have always said that our genuine caring, quality product, and reasonable prices sells much more of a product &/or service than does a high priced item, even with good PR concerns! What do you get if you sell a million $10.00 products that could sell for $50.00 each, but only produce an eighth of the sales?? You've also got to throw in the happy customers that tell a couple of friends...now you have 3 million sales instead of dropping from an eight to a fraction of that, because you have bad word of mouth developing, due to unhappy customers that paid $50.00 for a product that had only one problem, and not the greatest PR when they called to report their problem! Whew....that was a mouthful! Anyway....you already know all this, which is quite obvious, and if your sincerity is as genuine as it appears to be....you've got the ball in your court and you will definitely SCORE!! & SCORE BIG!! Take care and thanks for thinking of us who had no idea this was even coming....what a great gift!
Linda
Keep up the good work, Jeff!

I like this network program, I use it in my home network, I would like to buy it but I live on social security and don't use bank cards, is there any other way I can purchase Network Magic

==================

We are available through the retail channel in a number of great retailers. Check your local Best Buy/Circuit City.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,

Thanks for looking into this, I appreciate the individual attention. I have one other concern; this program is a real Diamond. Please do not let microsoft, symantec or any other software company buy it when they notice just how good it is. Home networking is exploding and I am sure you are going to be on the radar screen as a buy out option for the likes of microsoft and others when they learn how good this program is.

Thanks,

David weber

I like Network Magic. Trying to get all my computers to talk and share files used to drive me nuts.

I have had problems with NM, though. Machines don't always see each other, but the biggest problem is file sharing. I have one computer where I share the files through Network Magic and the next time I start it up, they're no longer shared. I set them up again, they work great, I reboot, they're no longer shared. It's really disappointing.

=============================

Please give our preview of 4.0 a try when it is available to see if this problem goes away. If not, let me know.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff, thanks for whatever your doing. I also bought NM and could not get it to work on a new computer I bought, tried to get help, got some but didn't help. I then get your note and say, ok, maybe a newer release. I install it. The install process is different I noticed and looked like it was a smarter install. I think it is only cosmetic but low and behold, I can now share files and printers between my computers at home... my kids will love me (your staff) for getting this thing to work. They are use to having thumb drives and waiting for mom or dad or sister to vacate the "printer computer".

Keep up the good work, I'm back.

====================

You have made my day!

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,

Let me first say I love Network Magic, its not just a home run its a grand slam!! I do have one gripe with the new pricing scheme. I purchased Network Magic approximately 2 weeks ago on a two years for the price of one offer. This entitled me to 2 Years of free updates of the program not just an upgrade to version 4 that you are offering us, your loylal early adopters. In all fairness please consider allowing those of us who purchased this program with a suscription to have free upgrades for the "life of our suscription" which is what we purchased in the first place.

Thanks,

David Weber

==========================

David,

First, thanks for your comments. We are looking at our two-year subscribers and will take care of you!

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for the info. The Net2Go won't work my new Vonage (D-Link) router. It's made by D-Link with a Vonage part VWR (Vonage Wireless router - I guess). And I don't see that as a D-Link part. And Network Magic didn't recognize it. Slick product but not without Net2Go. Also no Hawking Tech (I have TPZ) IP cameras are listed. Do you all contact the manufacturers for getting a router/camera 'approved'?

============================

You should give our customer support team a crack at this one.

Jeff Erwin

I purchaced a Dlink DIR-625& a Sentinel home security 2 months ago.I tried many times to link everything with Net Magic,and failed every time. I have given up!! What would you suggest I do??

===========================

Have you contacted our customer support team? I am sure they can help.

Jeff Erwin

At last! a Company that not only actually listens to what it's customers want, It also rewards their current customer too. Well Done

Will there be more supported Routers with the new version tho, as i would love to have the ability to use all of the features that Network Magic offers.

==============================

Thank you for the kind words.

We are constantly adding new routers to our support list. The list is growing ALMOST as fast as new routers are appearing on the market...

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
NM is a well designed piece of software. It does what it has claimed it would do. I would have been happy to pay the annual cost. So needless to say your new pricing method is a SUPER Bonus.
MM
Look forward to seeing new upgrades,products,etc.
Best regards.

I'm a new user of Network Magic, and after using the trial version I immediately purchased a subscription for three computers. The subscription idea was the one thing I didn't like, but I wanted the continued use of the way Network Magic allows use of all printers as I have four on my system. So the fact that this is no longer a subscription program will keep me a customer. The upgrade to the next version is just absolutely a great offer.

Great product... easy to use and now a CEO who actually talks to the customers...will wonders never cease!!!
I have been using this for two years on a home network with three desktop machines, two laptops and a wireless PDA all faultlessly.
Note to Lee Chifasky...I had what appeard to be similar symptoms to yours whils using V2, when I activated Net2Go manager. Everything slowed to a crawl! I turned it off, re-installed Network Maginc and all was as before. Maybe this might help.

Keep up the good work.

Good product is WM. Beats the hell out of mucking around with the Windows NM.

Even better to hear you are looking after your customers.

Well done

This is great news and somewhat unexpected from an American company (who I thought prior to today were only interested in profit and not customer satisfaction). Many of our UK companies would benefit by taking a leaf out of your book.

One question though. I too like many of your customers was delighted with the ease of use in setting up a home network using NM (I had the trial Basic version), but it didn't appear that Net2Go would run on my wireless router which is a Peak Multifunction Wireless Router 802.11g. Is there any chance that this will be supported anytime soon?

Sorry two questions!
I run a small company (actually a one man band) doing PC repairs and upgrades, data recovery etc.

If I decide to go ahead and purchase NM Premium, can one of my licenses be used on customer's machines whilst they are in my workshop, then removed when they are finished with. ie a floating license.

I will be sure to recommend this product to my customers, who are often not the most computer literate but still want to have a home network.

All the best of luck to you and your staff for the future.

Best regards .....Peter Thomas

==========================

Peter,

Have you contacted our customer support team on your Net2Go issues? They are rather amazing at solving these issues.

On your licensing question, I believe that if your customers computer is on your network, your NM license will work as long as it is there, but when you are talking to our customer servive team, ask them the same question.

Jeff Erwin

I purchased NM and it worked for me straight away. i think it is a great product, indeed i have never noticed any problems. thanks for the heads up.

Jeff, thanks for that! However, I personally would rather continue some sort of yearly subscription to ensure the growth and betterment of Network Magic.

============================

While I appreciate your concern, rest assured that Pure Networks is an extremely healthy company!

Jeff Erwin

I have good new and bad. First the good: my wife and daughter love the use and operation of nw in conjunction with our wireless Belkin system.
Now the bad news: I can't stand the 50% drop in bandwidth/through put, using my wireless system, especially when compaired with my 10/100 ethernet connection pluged into the back of my belkin. I'm not ready for wireless until it approches or exceeds 10/100.
Sorry...
Groucho

========================

No need to apologize for something that is out of both our control. WiFi is based on public spectrum, which means there are many sources of interference. Things that can affect your performance include your microwave oven, cordless phones, human bodies and, of course, your neighbors and their microwaves, corfless phones etc. We are all sharing the same spectrum that WiFi uses, and it can get a bit crowded.

There is work going on to open more public spectrum in the ranges used by broadcast TV as they move completely to digital. This will help the problem, but it may still be a few years away.

Jeff Erwin

I started with NM 2.1.5356.2
After NM 3.0 came out I have been unable to get V3.0 to work successfully on any of our three home computers. Even though our computers see and access the internet, NM 3.0 is unable to connect to the internet. After reverting to NM 2.1.5356.2 everything is working. I can not see wasting resources on a non working program, and the lack of support.

===========================

When the preview of 4.0 is released, you should definitely give it a try.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,

Thank you for the change in pricing models and thank you for the upgrade to the new version. I think this makes much more sense to we, your customers. I have been very happy with NM and you can rest assured that I will continue buying your product for as long as you continue to improve it. Thank you sir and tell your company to keep up the great work!

Welcome aboard, Jeff. Great move by you to make our subscription use permanent. Thank you. I like the security Network Magic gives me for my wireless net. I look forward to mre good things.

Jerry Holmes
Norman, Oklahoma

Jeff,

So then after this you won't have to pay 29.99 or 19.99 a year, right, and as everyone else is saying congrats on taking over such a great company

Mitch

P.S. you should give a raise to Chris in support, he was SOOOO help full.

=============================

I will pass this on to Chris's manager. Thanks for the feedback!

Jeff Erwin

Dear. Mr. Ervin:

I am in a state of a shock. I have had a home network as long as I can remember. Prior to the NM I have always used Microsoft setting which made me an expert on Microsoft networking conundrum. If I were paid for the endless hours I spent on it over the years and different locations including my friend’s places, I would be quite rich.

Then a year ago I came across this product and it was like a magic wand. I did not have to do anything, and the network was created in no time and working. It was such a surprise that I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not hallucinating. If you say that the new version will be even better, that is fantastic.

I am calling all my friends now to get this product right away. Now I can enjoy my hobbies rather then to be crunched over the computer and beating my brains out. Thank you and keep up this great work!

I would like to see full support over my wireless router. As long as you're listening to customers and all...

Thanks for the pricing change.
Looking forward to the upgrade.
I suggest a better Support System which give one access to all area's. Right now you need two login's and passwords.Sort of a one size fits all. Also better communication among support techs.

I must have answered or at least tried to, six different questions concerning my support question.

============================

We are definitely looking at our online community of excellent customers to understand how we can better provide a site that you can contribute information to.

Jeff Erwin

Wow, thank you very much, Jeff!

I've been a happy Network Magic customer for, probably over 6 months now, and It's just an amazing piece of software. It's in use all the time at our house, and It has made network sharing a breeze.

I really can't thank you enough, and good luck as President, looking forward to any new changes. :D

On an unrelated question, what ever happened to Port Magic?

============================

I was just talking to someone here this morning about Port Magic. Some of the functionality is in the current NM product and is used by the Net2Go technology. The rest will surface again down the road.

Jeff Erwin

I have 5 computors conected and pure magic and it was good, but as a couple of people said it keeps dropping out the router and after a while was a big job to get the system going every day. My neibours own a computer company and tryed to fix it and we found the only solution was to remove it.Got to say it was a good program but something was conflicting with it

======================

My suspicion is that this is an example of the fragility of home networking equipment, and that the chatty nature of our product pushed some component over the edge.

Give 4.0 a try when it is released, it should be much better behaved in these situations.

Jeff Erwin

Thanks for the information. I have the premium package and am maxed out at 5 PC's....when all the kids are home I could use one more licence. Any way I have been very pleased with NM and ezpecailly the wirless security aspect. Makes it very easy to lock my network and the minor problems I have had are,while a pain, just that..minor. And I usually get them resolved pretty quick. You have my attention sir...I will watch dilligently...and while your in the reorganization mode please have something done to the forums section...its a shame that its been so neglected....I participated for a while and tried to generate some energy there but it was like herding cats......Good luck

=====================

Thank you for the kind words!

We are going address the forums, as you suggest. I am hoping to get more involved and start posting and getting a few conversations going in the near future.

Jeff Erwin

The Network Magic team never ceases to amaze me. This (and the wireless integration) is the reason why I purchased the software rather than 'obtaining' it elsewhere.

Unfortunately, I have not been using the software at all since my network drive purchase a few months ago (300GB networked storage in a 5PC home is more efficient --for the time being). But I have been keeping up with NM development regularly. Thanks for the open notice to your customers regarding the upcoming changes.

I just purchased Network Magic after moving to the city from the country and finding all my neighbors have wireless networks and could access mine. Network Magic made the task extremely easy...during a stressful time of trying to set up a new home and getting my network up to be able to continue my online jobs.

Now I need to meet my neighbors to recommend Metwork Magic to them so that others (like myself) don't have access to their networks. (Though I really appreciated being able to access theirs until I got mine set up.)

Jeff, if this first gesture is an indication of your business philosophies, you'll do great! Thanks for the great news.

Jeff,
First of all let me say that Network Magic is really great for small networks. I would recomend it to anyone just setting up a small network.
I am glad to see you have done some work on the 'chatty' aspect of the product, as like Lee I have problems with NM affecting responses, but not to the same level.
I also have 1 out of 5 PC's where I cannot use SpeedMeter, checked the firewall, stopped VPN services that have firewall rules inbuilt to no avail.
Neither issue will stop me using NM, so keep up the good work.

Thank's for the upgrade.I am looking forward to it.Network Magic is a really great product.When do you think the upgade will be out.Thank's again.

================

Soon! We have raised the bar a bit on quality these days and the engineering and QA teams have refused to release it until it is totally and completely rock solid.

The preview release should be out soon.

Jeff Erwin

Network Magic has transformed my computing experience. I used to go between 5 computers (two laptops, 3 Desktops the PCs are wired, laptops wireless) with a USB thumb drive when I wanted to transfer files. If the files were big forget it. Now I transfer files effortlessly because Network Magic figured out how link all the boxes together so I didn't need an engineering degree.

The subscription fee wasn't a problem for me because it was worth it! I can't thank you enough!

===========================

Note to self: Keep this customer on subscription...

Actually, we heard from enough customers regarding the subscription model that we realized that we were confusing customers rather than satisfying them. The subscription model fits a certain form of software product that we didn't really fit into.

Given the overwhelming positive reaction to our decision to switch back to licensing, it appears we made the right decision for our customers.

Jeff Erwin

Thank you. It isn't often that a company puts its customers convenience befroe their own monetary gains.

==========================

What I have discovered through my career is that without customer convienence, there are no monetary gains.

Jeff Erwin

You rock, Jeff. Thank you so much. Network Magic has always been a great program. This is icing on the cake!

I really enjoy using this program, and it reminds where Microsoft is failing in this software business. This program has save me many hours of headache. The only thing that I am missing is a program to allow me to transfer my setting to a new hard disk.

Look forward to having get things back on track. Hope you will include the functionality that was removed earlier this year. Two additional product suggestions:

1. Deal with range extenders as another, separate Access Point. The current map includes range extenders below the original device, which was a weak signal and why the range extender was installed.

2. Include full functionality for Macs. I, like many, have a mixed home network.

Thanks and Good Luck!

==================

Macs are important. That is all they will let me say right now...

Jeff Erwin

Jeff Erwin

Hello,

Personally, I dislike subscription, though I have taken the 2 year subscription. One positive effect of subscription, if I understand correctly is that I am guranteed constant upgrades for the next 2 years, unlike the new model where I'll just get version 4. I am not sure if everyone understands this. That there may be version 5-6-7 and so on in the next 2 years.

Regards,
Rohit Priyadarshi

===========================

I am not realy sure what you are saying here. With a subscription, you do get upgrades and updates forever, as long as you pay the annual subscription. I am not a fan of the subscription model because it doesn't allow the consumer to be satisfied with a particular version and just stick with it. They have to continue to pay to continue using the product.

With a license model, when you purchase a major version, like version 4.0, you will get all updates and upgrades to version 4 forever. Now, to be open about this, there will come a time when we make a major release with significant changes and call it version 5. When this time comes, we may or may not ask for an upgrade fee, typically at a significant discount from full retail for existing cstomers, for this new release.

This license model is consistent with most other software companies such as Microsoft and Quicken, to name a couple. If you purchase Office 2003, you do not get Office 2006 for free.

I like this model because it puts control over the dollars back into the consumers hands, and puts the obligation of creating significant new value in the company's lap.

Thanks for clarifying this.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,

Thanks for the free upgrade. I look forward to the new version and it's features.

I like YOUR customer-touch. I work in a management position in multi-national support group for a software company and strongly believe that management should know first hand how their customers use their products, what they like and don't like. Good job!

Dear Sir/Madam,

I'm glad someone contacted me because I was planning to e-mail Network Magic. A couple of weeks ago I upgraded to Network Magic for 5 PC's after the initial expiration. I installed the software on one desktop and one laptop so far, I the product still indicates that I don't have the purchased product. I do I get around this problem?

Sincerely,

Gary J. Lloyd

=======================

Gary,

I will have someone follow up with you.

Jeff Erwin

This is a great move on. I've just started using using Network Magic since last month and I am very happy with that I made it on time.
Thanks for thinking of your customers and I'm planing to stay with this company forever.
best luck.

Jeff: Oh my God! a CEO that finally cares about their customers! more than the options!

Congrats on the taking the helm of a company with a good product. Thanks for thinking of your existing customer base. I am very pleased with your gesture. I am glad you recognize the importance of an existing base creating a new base for you by us telling other people that they should buy this product. I will tell at least a dozen people and make sure that at least half become your customers!! This is a good product and am looking for you to make it even better. All the success to you and your team!! Keep up the good work.

===========

Wow. Thanks for that! I am blushing... ;>)

Jeff Erwin

Network Magic is a good tool. I have still had some issues with the product. There seems to be a constant conflict with Windows XP, the router, and Network Magic. I have tried various approaches to allow Network Magic control, but I still have to use Windows and the router program to fix most of my problems. Its probably operator error, but Network Magic has not been the "silver bullet" that I thought it would be. Thanks...

===========

I appreciate your feedback!

I 'grew up' in the enterprise networking space back in the early 90's. Back then, the networking equipment available was not terribly reliable and there were few controls on what anyone could plug into the corporate network. Believe it or not, the coportate network wasn't really mission critical yet, so if the whole thing crashed because of a firmware upgrade to a router, the IT staff just rebooted everything and went about their day.

Obviously that situation has changed. Corporate networks just do not fail. This is a result of robust hardware and software and billions of dollars in investment, plus serious discipline regarding security and change control.

The home network today reminds me of those early days in enterprise networking. Consumer networking equipment can be fragile and prone to failure for sometimes bizarre reasons. Wireless networking in the home is still an emerging art. Routers reboot for no real reason, your dog can affect your wireless signal and who really knows what the kids are doing with all that bandwidth? The result is huge demands on a fragile and chaotic environment.

While NM is certainly not perfect, we do tend to get blamed for networking issues well beyond anyone's control because of the role we play.

This is our chosen path, however, and we accept the responsibility.

One of the things I have done is challenge the rather amazing Pure Networks team to create a 'fail gracefully' environment in which we can deal with those networking equipment issues that are out of our control but cause the home user massive frustration. Our 4.0 release begins this effort, and in future releases you will see us increasing our ability to make your home networking life as 'pure' as possible.

Jeff Erwin

Dear

thanks for you interest in improving your services and having new customer.

i realy satisfied with your product and Am planning to buy it. but i found that the maximum number of connected Pcs is 5 which stopping me from buying the product. Dear, i have 7 pcs and 4 laptops at home. i would suggest if you invrease the number of network to 7 or 8 rather than the current will assist in taking quick decision for customer have number of kids like me. the purpose of your product to ease and facilititate our newtwork connection and sharing. please review and waiting your fed back.

thanks again and wish you all progress

regards,
ghanem

================

Thank you for your comments and suggestions.

Having a home network with 7 or 8 computers puts you on the leading edge these days, although I suspect that several years from now your situation will be more the normal environment as we find more and more reasons to add computing power.

One of the things we have addressed in our upcoming 4.0 release is the 'chatty' nature of our product as you install it on additional computers in your home.

NM likes to keep all status extremely current so there tends to be a fair amount of communication between NM installed devices. The upside of this is very current status and extremely fast reaction to issues that may arise. The downside is that the number of PCs we can handle is somewhat limited.

In the 4.0 release, we have very directly addressed this issue. The result is our ability to deal with a larger number of PCs with reduced chatter.

My understanding is that 8 is our upper limit with the 3.x release. With the 4.0 release, expect this number to be much higher.

Jeff Erwin

Thanks Jeff for teh news, i read about NM in the FT, loked into into, purchased and never looked back. I've been using it for the past 7 month, no complaints, it did only lose the WEP key after an upgrade. I could not bring the WiFi device in my Acer to communicate with my access point, NM did the trick (don't know how but it works beautfully). I look forward to the new release.

I have been very hapy with Network Magic since purchasing it this year. Congratualtions jeff on your change of policy and looking after the consumer. It is really good to see there are still companiess out there who look after the consumer.

What a deal!..Thanks for looking after your customers Jeff.

Welcome to NM, Jeff. Your credentials certainly will help you move the company forward and you have my support as a loyal fan. I've used NM for some time, have gladly purchased the updates, and would continue to do so. As is often said, cheap at twice the price! But I'm also happy to accept your gift. One thing: I hope doing this will not have an adverse impact on the bottom line. Free is no good if the product isn't supported! Best to you and your future with NM.

Very nice and appreciated move! I love dealing with and telling people about companies that respect their customers, and your heads-up communication and actions demonstrate this. Keep up the great work!

Jeff,

Thanks for looking out for the user. Several of my co-workers at the hospital where I work use Network Magic, and we all have commented on how it is one of the best investments in software that we have ever made. I always recommend it to anyone who is starting out with wireless networking for the first time. Great product!

I think NM is great and I look forward to the upgrade

Jeff,

great to see you upfront and honest with your comments. I used to be the man in the DOS prompt days, now I'm just another captive of the windows environment. I have a couple of laptops and a handheld and bought a router and your software plus the upgrade. IT ALL WORKS! Thanks. Looking forward to the upgrade.

Jack

thank you very much for making this a on time purchase deal,
i have been using network magic now for approx a month, and i love it!
and i can not wait for the new release to be available!
that is a very good and comendable deal you have put on the table for us customers.
i installed the trial version with the new wireless D-Link router that i obtained,
and with in a couiple of days, i already knew that i was going to want to keep the software,
so i purchased it before the 30 day trial was even close to being up.
and now the it has become a lifetime purchase for no extra cost, plus an upgrade to 4.0 when it is finalized i know,
i am going to like it even more!

keep up the good work,
and congradulations on your new position as president.

thank you very much.
Ian

All that sounds good and alot better than it used to be but what about my back-up disc I payed extra to get mailed to me. That has an encryption on it to no longer boot-up or work after the year i payed for right?

=====================

Good question. I will look into this.

Jeff Erwin

+++++++++++++++++++++

I looked into it, and your backup CD should work fine forever. When 4.0 comes out, get in touch with our customer support people and they can send you a new CD for the new version.

If that doesn't work, get in touch with me and i will send you one myself.

Jeff Erwin

Jeff,
Since you are giving the existing customer the free upgrade to 4.0, why don't you also offer the to-be customers the 1-time free upgrade as well, so we don't have to sit and wait for it!

===================

I believe that if you purchase the 3.x product during this window, we will upgrade you to 4.0 when it comes out. I will look into clarifying this.

Jeff Erwin

I would never recomend this to anyone all i can say is poor customer service. i reformatt my computer every few months and i could not reinstall it becaues my installs ran out. so i emailed networkmagic manytimes and not 1 time did i get a reply so this is worthless to me i would never use this again.even if it is for free i trashed the serial a longtime ago because it was worthless i payed for it 2 times i feel like i got riped off both times

========================

Kevin,

Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback. I certainly do not want anyone thinking we only publish 'the good ones'.

One thing I caught in your note was that you 'reformat every few months'. While I certainly understand the 'occasional' frustration with the Windows environment, and its uncanny ability to gather digital dust bunnies, reformatting your system every few months strikes me as a bit extreme.

When Windows implemented the registry, the process of installing software becaume much more complex. Most software today is just not designed to be reinstalled over and over again.

There are a ton of utilities out there that will scrub a Windows machine and clear out the sludge. The Symantec product line does an amazing job, and products like SpySweeper can keep the creeping crud away without you having to go through a rather destructive reformat and go through the reinstall process.

If you are a paying customer, we owe you a product. I will stand behind that. If you are willing to give me a chance, we would love to have you continue using our product.

Jeff Erwin

Hi,
I have had few issues with Network Magic. It is a great product. Good luck and congratulations in your new position. I look forward to the upgrade.

i've been using network magic for almost 12 months, it certainly eased the path to networking for me!, i think i'd be lost without it.

Jeff,

The problem isn’t pricing, it’s the product – my experience with NM was that it was an unstable and ill supported resource hog with numerous conflicts with other (far from exotic) software - on a typical PC it would frequent “lose it” and sit there sucking up 100% of available CPUs, or decide it wasn’t registered any more, or that my AV software suddenly didn't deserve to connect with the net, and a dozen more annoyances - and this on stright ahead XP systems on simple PTP network.

And if you think it’s just me, or my systems, have tech support pull up a dozen users whose copies no longer seen to be in use, and give them a call….

==========
Michael,

Thanks for your honest comments. While I have only been here a little while, I do understand that we have put our customers through some 'trials' in the past. From what I have discovered, there are several issues:

1. We apparently suffered from some quality problems in the past. Not gonna happen again.

2. Our HNAP technology (the underlying protocol that we use to discover and move information between the PC's at home) was implemented to be very chatty. This communication has been turned WAY down in our 4.0 release, so we should not be impacting the environment the way prior releases may.

3. Generally speaking, consumer level networking equipment is very poor grade, cheaply implemented and poorly tested. Since it tends to fail under our watch, we tend to get blamed. Some of this was a side-effect of our being chatty, a fragile network would be pushed over the edge by the additional traffic. We are getting way smarter about this.

It isn't just you, as you point out. Hopefully our 4.0 product will prove to be much more robust and helpful than our prior releases.

Can you tell me what release you had these experiences on?

Jeff Erwin | President & CEO
Pure Networks, Inc.
2815 Eastlake Avenue East, Ste 201
Seattle, WA 98102

I have been a Network Magic user since it was offered Free by AOL [2004-3?], after a required re install of Win XP, I found AOL uncooperative in getting me the download. The program is so good I could not be without it. So, I purchased the Upgraded Version. Thank you, Jeff, for supporting the customer base, it is a program no Home Network user should be without. Congratulations on your new position with a great company, Pure Networks.

Thanks, Jeff, for your update and congratulations on your position as President and CEO. I am looking forward to the new version as my router currently does not seem to be supported by Network Magic, even though it says it does. All the tech support people I have talked to said the new version will change that. I hope so as currently I cannot use the Wireless Protection features. Frustrating for sure.

Thanks for the change, I bought Network magic when I first decided to set up my home network. This is the best piece of software that I have purchased in a long time. Thanks again and keep up the good work.

Thanks for thinking of your prior customers Jeff.

This is a great move on the part of Pure Networks. I've been using Network Magic for the last 6 months and I am very happy with it.

I have been very happy with Network Magic as it has helped me create and check my home netwowrk. I wish my other applications worked as smoothly. I plan to stay a customer for life.

Thanks for giving your users the heads up.

I've been a happy Network Magic user ever since I bought a copy last year and haven't looked back.

Keep it up!