ASTRA32 vs Network Activity Indicator
ASTRA32
astra32.comNetwork Activity Indicator
itsamples.comSide by side
| Figure | ASTRA32 | Network Activity Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · System Information Software | 8.1 (#8) | 7.2 (#22) |
| Purpose | ASTRA32 analyzes computer system configuration and provides hardware diagnostics. | Displays the classic two-monitors icon in the Windows system tray to show network activity. |
Plans
In their own words
ASTRA32
ASTRA32 provides system configuration information and computer diagnostics for Windows PCs. It identifies hardware including processors, motherboards, BIOS, chipsets, memory, storage, graphics, audio, network, USB, SCSI, and other devices. Its Drivers Troubleshooter lists physical devices with missing or improperly installed drivers. For storage, it reads hard-drive S.M.A.R.T. information, including from drives attached through external UDMA, SATA, or RAID controllers, and calculates remaining SSD life. It can also report on Windows, installed programs, and hotfixes. Reports can be saved as TXT, INI, HTML, XML, or CSV. Batch mode supports report profiles and macros, and a standalone version can run without installation. ASTRA32 reports can be imported into Hardware Inspector inventory management software. The maker identifies PC repair technicians and system administrators as potential users. The program is free for non-commercial purposes. The listed Windows range runs from Windows 95/98/ME through Windows 11 x64, and a DOS version is also available.
Network Activity Indicator
Network Activity Indicator is a free Windows utility from IT Samples that places the classic two-monitor network icon in the system tray. It shows incoming and outgoing packet activity across every available network interface. The program is a standalone executable, so running it adds the tray icon without a separate installation workflow. Right-clicking the icon opens its settings. Version 1.9 is available as 32-bit and 64-bit ZIP packages and as self-installing executables; those downloads are dated February 28, 2026. The page lists language files and explains that a translation is installed by placing NetworkIndicator.lng beside the program. IT Samples permits qualifying home or work use without a commercial license fee, including use on specified primary-user or company computers when downloaded directly from itsamples.com. Redistribution, embedding, linking into another program, or technical support on customer computers requires a commercial license. Igor Tolmachev is identified as the developer, with support handled at [email protected].