Given the complexity of modern operating systems, it can be challenging to monitor and manage a single computer, let alone a network full of them. That's why network managers need software to help - such as WhatsUp Professional.

Ipswitch's product monitors devices and services on your network and notifies you of any problems that may occur during their usage. New to this version is a relational database for large networks, improved mapping capabilities and an overhauled interface. This has made it easier to navigate, but it still presents a rather daunting challenge to the novice. In fact, we spent plenty of time working how to utlise basic functions of the program, so it's best left to network professionals to deal with.

As you would expect, WhatsUp offers email and pager admin alarms for when a problem crops up. It also provides useful security functions - you can scan for active network services such as FTP, which helps you to detect unauthorised services, spyware and worms. This feature is extremely important for networks and will go a long way to minimising potential damage.

Actions can be set centrally via a global policy, which is a timesaver if you have a lot of devices to manage. The product also offers secure remote access via SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption.

WhatsUp hoovers up boatloads of data from your network devices, but by itself this isn't very useful. What saves you from drowning in a sea of numbers is its top-notch reporting and analysis. This version includes enhanced statistical and performance measurement and an increased number of standard reports, such as bandwidth monitoring.

This is a comprehensive management tool that we'd recommend for smaller networks. And with prices not much over a tenner per seat, it's not that dear, either. Just don't expect it to be user friendly though - but then again, these types of programs never are.