hw-probe vs Network Activity Indicator

hw-probe is a free hardware probing tool for Linux and BSD systems, aimed at debugging computer problems and managing hardware inventory. It captures a snapshot of hardware state and logs, then provides a permanent URL to view the probe. If a device lacks a driver, it can suggest a Linux kernel version or third-party driver using LKDDb data. Users can create an inventory ID and mark probes to locate their computers on Linux-Hardware.org. Its monitoring command schedules a daily cron probe and emails alerts about operating-system failures, configuration changes, and hardware degradation. Optional tests check graphics, drive read speed, CPU performance, and RAM. Installation options include AppImage, Docker, Snap, Flatpak, Live CD/USB, and native packages. Uploads use HTTPS; selected logs can be disabled, and private details are decorated before upload, though edge-case failures are acknowledged. MAC addresses and serial numbers are represented by prefixes of salted SHA-512 hashes. The tool is dual-licensed under LGPL-2.1-or-later and BSD-4-Clause. The Snap package runs in a sandbox with limited functionality.

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].