Life in the technology lane is fast, so you need to be efficient. Whether you’re programming, assessing workflow, or performing any other networking task, the right tools are a necessity. These powerful platforms are just what you need.
A powerful network protocol analyzer, Wireshark supports a variety of interfaces, such as Wi-Fi and USB, and makes it easy to capture and restrict packages. The tool’s flexible display filter allows you to sort by packet type, protocol, source or destination address, among others, and an Expert Info feature even color-codes protocol exceptions based on security levels. With an easy-to-use interface, Wireshark is an excellent choice for any network engineer.
A digital forensics and security platform, Kali Linux is an open-source tool available to install from a hard disk, to run as an ARM, or to run “live” while having minimal impact on the network. The security platform offers 14 categories containing more than 240 security tools, including web application analysis, information gathering, password attacks and many more options for finding vulnerabilities, thwarting attacks and keeping your network’s defenses running smoothly.
Created by Combodo, TeemIP is a free, web-based application that makes it easier to manage IP addresses. The application operates on almost any AMP stack, registers IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and allows you to allocate them as needed. You can import and export XML, CSV and HTML data files, and an integrated trouble-ticketing system makes tracking and repairing issues more efficient. Combodo regularly adds new features to this open-source IP solution.
ProcessMaker helps you solve workflow problems quickly and efficiently. The web-based program works on all major platforms and automatically makes your content mobile-ready. Each workflow supports conditional routing and continues through its processes based on approval or denial. The widget-friendly, drag-and-drop interface is easy to use ad provides a look at performance, so you can track the effectiveness of your processes. If you need a time-saving application, you need ProcessMaker.
If you’re tired of opening a slew of applications every time you work, you’ll love Atom. The open-source editor provides a single platform for doing everything from editing configuration files to hacking code. Built on Electron, Atom relies largely on downloading cross-platform applications. Popular add-ons include syntax coloring and collaborative development packages. Alternatively, you can create your own add-ons using this highly functional tool’s API.
Webmin tracks and manages host systems for web apps via a variety of add-ons that make it easy to create a tool specific to your needs. The main module allows you to install and organize your add-ons at a glance. In addition to the basics you’d expect to see, Webmin lets you manage your databases or work on multiple machines at the same time right from the dashboard. This flexible tool is a must-have.
Node-RED is a browser-based tool that works on any system supported by Node.js, including the single-board Raspberry Pi. It features several built-in nodes for basic utility functions, input and output functions and social connections, and its user-contributed library includes more than 2100 additional nodes and flows. An easy-to-use dashboard provides a quick look at system information as well as allows you to create user interfaces.
Being good at your networking job doesn’t require purchasing expensive tools. These open-source platforms for your workflow and programming needs prove the sometimes, the best things in life really are free.
