Hyena 15.2

Overview

Hyena is a robust system administration application that is specifically designed to centralize and simplify computer and network management tasks, while also enhancing administrative features. This program is an excellent addition to the toolset of anyone who is trying to improve the productivity and functionality of their operating system.

Installation

With a file size of almost 9 MB, Hyena is surprisingly compact considering the administrative capabilities it provides. The installation process is relatively straightforward in comparison to that of other setups seen in advanced administration tools. Compatible with most versions of Windows, including NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, Server 2008, and 7.

Interface

The Hyena user interface will be very familiar to any Windows user, with an Explorer-style window set up that includes right-click context menus for all clickable items. The main window contains five menus – file, edit, view, tools, and help. Below those are a list of button icons that provide most of the main editing and operational functions. The left navigational pane provides easy access to all of the software's basic and advanced features in a list of expandable items. After you select a feature set from left side of the window it will be displayed in the large frame to the right.

Pros

• Simplifies the management of large computer networks by giving you the ability to perform administrative tasks pertaining to the supervision and control of workstations, servers, and user privileges

• Not only centralizes a variety of integrated Windows administration tools, but also enhances the functionality of these resources

• Facilitates the management of a wide range of system settings, including those pertaining to groups (global and local), users, domains, shares, services, computers, devices, files, events, printers/print jobs, open files, sessions, user rights, disk space, messaging, job scheduling, exporting, and processes

• Extensive integration with Windows Active Directory, so you can quickly manage organizational units, contacts, AD queries, and universal groups

• Includes comprehensive reporting capabilities, and you can export reports into Microsoft Excel and Access formats

• Provides access to the session administration and user properties of terminal servers

• Recently added support for Windows 2.0 task scheduler, so you can conveniently view tasks on several computers and organize displayed tasks by computer or folder

Cons

• Although the user interface is simplistic, some of the more advanced features may require a significant learning curve for novice to intermediate network administrators

Alternatives

Although Hyena is unique due to its extensive system administration capabilities, there are other complementary software that aid in the process of administering a network of computers, including but not limited to NetSetMan and Simple Port Forwarding. Even so, this software stands alone as one of most robust system administration utilities available.

Conclusion

If you are tired of dealing with the hassle of managing a network of computers or Web servers, Hyena can eliminate a lot of the frustration associated with performing mundane, repetitive tasks by centralizing the administrative features of the Windows operating system. This free software provides enterprise-level functionality that even the most advanced users can appreciate.