Need a bundle of network tools? I mean one application that can ping, traceroute, nslookup, whois, and more? With advanced features like SMTP open relay checking and DNS zone transfers? A tool that doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars? The list goes on, have I enticed you enough? Good!

I found this app a long time ago, and it is steadfastly entrenched in my kit to this day. It’s called Sam Spade, and it’s named after the famed detective to be sure. The folk that wrote it offer it up for free, and it’s a very handy tool for anyone that ever needs to do network type work. Spend a few minutes reading up on it, and going through setting the settings, it’s worth it although it’ll work out of the box. I think you’ll find it a valuable tool too.