• Home Networking Made Easy



    Connect your computers, printers and other devices in one network with point and click ease.
    • Print from any computer
    • Share files, photos, and music
    • Protect your wireless connection from intruders



      $29.99 US

    Network Magic Essentials

    Perfect networking tool for beginners who need to do the basics

      $49.99 US

    Network Magic Pro

    Ideal for the small business owner or someone who needs advanced networking capabilities

      $25.00 US

    Network Magic for Mac Add-On

    Integrate Windows PCs and Mac into one seamless network

    Key Capabilities


    • Create Your Home Network - No Technical Knowledge Required

      • Diagrams and step-by-step tools guide you through specific tasks
      • Add computers and devices to the network to share an Internet connection
      • Print from any computer to any printer in the house
      • Share files, favorite music, and photos between computers and operating platforms, including Windows and Mac

    • Manage Your Network

      • Complete all networking tasks from a centralized dashboard
      • Troubleshoot issues instantly with alerts and support wizards
      • View a comprehensive network map of all of the devices and their status on your network

    • Secure Your Network

      • Instantly add protection to prevent intruders from accessing your personal documents and Internet.

    • Enhances Microsoft Windows XP & Vista

      • Automate networking functions included in Microsoft products

    Buy Now
    Download Free Trial

  • Cisco Network Magic FAQs

    About Cisco Network Magic

    Downloading and Installing Network Magic

    Printer Sharing

    File Sharing

    Wireless Network Protection

    Parental Controls and Monitoring

    Language Settings

    Firewall Settings and Issues

    Connection Issues

    Using Network Magic with Macs

    Discontinuing Net2Go/Remote File Access

    Technical Support





    About Network Magic

    What is Cisco Network Magic?
    Cisco Network Magic is the award-winning software that makes home and small office networking easy. While the benefits of networking are great, it can be very frustrating and time consuming for the average computer user. Making several PCs, Mac, routers, printers and devices such as digital cameras, Web cameras, and gaming systems all talk to each other and work smoothly using only Microsoft Windows XP or Vista can take hours of configuration (and reconfiguration). Network Magic eliminates common frustrations and saves time by simplifying and automating set up, management, and repair of home and small office networks, and makes printer and file sharing effortless.

    There are four versions of Network Magic:

    Click here to see a list of features included in all versions of Network Magic.

    You can install a free 7 day trial version of Network Magic Pro when you install a Linksys by Cisco router, or you can download the trial version from the Network Magic Web site for use with a different router. Install Network Magic on each computer in your home or small office that shares an Internet connection. At any time during the trial you can choose to purchase either Network Magic Essentials, or Pro, and the Mac Add-on.

    When your 7 day trial expires and if you decide you don't want to purchase Essentials or the Pro and you have a Linksys by Cisco router, you can continue to use the Network Magic Basic features at no charge. If you do not have Linksys by Cisco hardware on your network, you must purchase Network Magic Essentials or Pro to continue using the software after the trial ends.

    Does Network Magic work with both PCs and Macs?
    Yes, Network Magic works with both PCs and Macs on the same network. That means you can easily share files and printers between all of your PCs and Macs, without having to do any special configuration. It detects all computers sharing your router and Internet connection and all printers connected to any of those computers.

    What operating systems does Network Magic work with?
    Network Magic supports all major operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS X v10.4.11 (Tiger) or 10.5.5 (Leopard) or later.

    If you have an older operating system such as Windows 2000 or Windows ME and would like to use Network Magic, you can download Network Magic 4.9 from our Web site. Click here to visit our download page.

    I heard that Cisco acquired Pure Networks, the maker of Network Magic. How will this affect Network Magic?
    When Cisco Systems acquired Pure Networks in August 2008, they chose to keep the software development team and processes intact. As part of Cisco, Network Magic continues to offer features that help consumers set up, maintain, and monitor their home network.

    Is Network Magic replacing LELA?
    Yes, Network Magic is replacing the Linksys Easylink Advisor (LELA). Features that were part of LELA, such as the Go Wireless connection manager and the LELA Network Map, are now included in Network Magic. When you install a Linksys by Cisco router or other supported hardware, you'll automatically get Network Magic Pro to try for 7 days. After the 7 day trial, you can purchase Network Magic Pro or Essentials to continue using it, or if you are a Linksys by Cisco hardware user, you can use the Network Magic Basic features indefinitely. If you are not using Linksys by Cisco hardware and choose not to purchase Network Magic, Network Magic will not longer work after the 7 day trial.

    Downloading and Installing Network Magic

    Where can I download Network Magic?
    You can download a free Network Magic Pro version at http://www.networkmagic.com/download/ and try it for 7 days. Install the Network Magic trial version on each computer in your home or office that shares an Internet connection.

    Click here to see a list of features included in all versions of Network Magic.

    How can I upgrade to Network Magic 5.5?
    If you are a Network Magic 5.0 or 5.1 user, the update to 5.5 is free and you will receive a notification that the update is available.

    If you have an older version, such as 4.9, you will have to purchase the upgrade to 5.5. We recommend you upgrade by clicking on the update notification when it displays on your computer. This will take you through the purchase process and then link you to the correct download location. Your Network Magic settings are retained when you upgrade to 5.5.

    If you don't see an update notification, you can go to the Tools menu and click Check for new version. Or, purchase the upgrade in our store at www.purenetworks.com.

    What if I try Network Magic 5.5 for the seven day trial, and then decide to go back to my previous version and not purchase the upgrade?
    If you install a trial version of Network Magic 5.5 and decide you’d like to keep your previous version, you can un-install Network Magic 5.5 and re-install your previous version of Network Magic.

    To un-install the Network Magic 5.5 trial
    • From the Windows Control Panel, select Add or Remove Programs.
    • In the list of currently installed programs, find and click Network Magic, and then click Remove.
    To re-install Network Magic 4.9

    Where can I purchase Network Magic?
    To purchase Network Magic, go to www.networkmagic.com/purchase.php. If you currently have the 7 day trial version installed, you can purchase Network Magic Essentials or Network Magic Pro from within the product itself by clicking Buy Network Magic.

    If I buy Essentials, can I upgrade to Pro?
    Yes. If you buy Network Magic Essentials and then decide you want to also take advantage of the Pro features, you can easily upgrade. Special upgrade pricing is available to Network Magic Essentials users who want to upgrade to Pro. To upgrade, go to www.networkmagic.com/purchase.php.

    How many computers can I run Network Magic on?
    Depending on which Network Magic license you've purchased, you can run Network Magic on 3 to 8 PCs in a single household. If you purchase a 3 computer license, you can easily add more computers as you need to. Contact Technical Support if you have more than 8 PCs. If you purchase the Network Magic for Mac add-on, you can install Network Magic on up to eight Macs.

    I have already purchased Network Magic, how do I install a current version?
    If you've purchased Network Magic Essentials or Pro and currently have a license key, go to www.purenetworks.com/download. Click the Download again link to download the latest version. Do this on each of your computers so that all computers are using the same version.

    After you have downloaded and installed the latest version of Network Magic, enter your license key to activate the new version. If you're not sure what your license key is, look at the following places:

    I have a mixed network where some computers are running Network Magic 4.9, and some are running 5.5. Will the software still work properly?
    Yes. Both versions will work side-by-side. However, the computers running Network Magic 4.9 will not be able to take advantage of the features added in Network Magic 5.0 and later.

    Printer Sharing

    How does printer sharing work?
    Network Magic automatically detects all printers connected to your network. It then lets you choose which printers to share with the other users in your network, even between Macs and PCs. You don't have to do anything but choose which printer to share. This enables you to print from any of the connected computers. Keep in mind though that if a shared printer is connected to a computer, that computer must be turned on for the printer to be available to others in your network.

    How do I change or set my default printer?
    From the Network Map, right click on any printer and choose Set As Default Printer.

    How do I add a new printer to my network?
    Adding a new printer to your network is easy. Connect the printer to the computer (or network device) you want and get it working so you can print a test page. If the printer is connected to a computer running Network Magic, it will be detected and automatically added to the Network Map. From the Network Map, you can right-click the printer's icon and click Share Printer if you want other users in your network to be able to access it.

    File Sharing

    How does file sharing work?
    Sharing files with Network Magic is easy. You simply select a folder to share, and all of the files in that folder can be accessed by others in your network. For example, if you share a folder containing family vacation photos on your computer, your children or spouse can see that folder and pictures from their computer, without having to email them back and forth.

    I get an error when trying to access a shared folder. What's happening?
    Most often, sharing access problems are related to firewall settings. Refer to the Knowledgebase article about firewall settings.

    I have shared a folder, but it is not appearing in the Network Magic Shared Folders page on other computers in my network.
    There are a few of different reasons why this might happen:
    • The most common cause of the problem is Network Magic cannot communicate with the Network Magic software installed on the other computer. This can be caused by security software such as a firewall blocking the communication. Click here for our firewall configuration guide.
    • The computer the shared folder is located on might be powered off or not connected to the network. Make sure the computer is turned on and connected to the network.
    • The shared folder is shared using Microsoft Windows, not Network Magic. Existing Windows shared folders need to be converted to Network Magic shared folders. To do this, on the computer where the folder is shared from, open Network Magic and go to the Shared Folders page. If the folder is shown under the Other Shared Folders heading, it's shared using Windows. Right-click the folder and select Convert to Network Magic Shared Folder. This converts the shared folder to a Network Magic shared folder and will then be accessible to other computers using Network Magic.
    • There's a Network Magic version conflict. On each computer, open Network Magic and from the Help menu, click About Network Magic. Make sure all computers are using the same Network Magic software version.

    Wireless Network Protection

    How does Network Magic protect my wireless network from intruders?
    More and more intruders are tapping into unprotected wireless Internet connections. And anti-virus software protects a single computer, but not your entire network. Network Magic helps keep your wireless network and data safe by detecting when an intruder attempts to log on to your network and alerting you. Once detected, you can allow the computer on your network (for example, a visiting friend), or kick it off.

    You can use Network Magic to set your wireless router’s encryption key. This will make your network more secure, as only people with your key can easily get access. Network Magic supports common network security standards such as WEP and WPA/2.

    Network Magic also protects your shared files when you are using a different wireless network or public Wi-Fi hot spot, for example, at a local coffee shop or an airport. Network Magic automatically locks down your shared files to keep intruders from accessing your shared data.

    Parental Controls and Monitoring

    What is the Network Magic Password?
    If you create a Network Magic password, several Network Magic features will require that you enter the password to use them, such as Wireless Protection settings, Internet Access Control, Computer Reports, Network Map tasks, Add a Device, among others. For example, if you set wireless protection settings on your network or restrict Internet access on your child's computer, other users on your network can't access these settings and change them without first entering the password. The password is easy to set up and use and gives you more control over what users can and can't do on your network. Although it is recommended that you create and use a Network Magic password, it is optional.

    What if I forget my Network Magic Password?
    If you forget the Network Magic password and the hint doesn't help you to remember, you'll have to un-install Network Magic and re-install it to clear the password. If you set the Password again, be sure to write it down and keep it in a safe place.

    What is the Cisco Account?
    The Cisco Account allows you to have one user account to access a variety of Cisco Web sites and benefits. With this single account, you can get personalized information about your registered Cisco and Linksys by Cisco products, and have quick access to upgrades, downloads, and drivers. If you're using Home Network Defender, you must set up a Cisco Account to access configuration settings and network reports.

    What if I forget my Cisco Account Password?
    If you forget the Cisco Account password, open Network Magic and on the Tools menu, choose My Account. At the logon page, click Reset your password. This allows you to create a new password.

    You can also reset your Cisco Account password when you choose Configure Home Network Defender on the Network Tasks page. In the Account Login dialog, click I forgot my password.

    What are Desktop Screenshots and how do they work?
    Desktop Screenshots allow you to take a picture of another computer's desktop in your network and see what the user on that computer is doing "right now." To use this feature, each computer that you want to take a screenshot of must have Network Magic installed and a Network Magic password must be set. Then, you simply select which computer you want to take a screenshot of and you can instantly see what the user on that computer is currently doing and looking at. For example, if your child is using a computer in his room and you're using a computer in the den, you can take a screenshot of your child's desktop and see what he is currently looking at on his computer – Internet sites, documents, games, messaging programs, etc. You can also schedule Desktop Screenshots to be taken at regular intervals and look at the screenshots at a later time as well.

    How can I control Internet access on computers in my network?
    The Internet Access Control feature enables you to restrict Internet usage on any computer running Network Magic. You can restrict all access to the Internet, or you can restrict Internet access for specific blocks of time. For example, you can allow Internet access during the day, but restrict it from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to ensure your child is not up in the middle of the night surfing the Internet. Each computer in your network can have different Internet access settings. To use this feature, a Network Magic password must be set on the computer whose Internet access you want to restrict.

    Additionally, you can use Home Network Defender if you're using supported Linksys by Cisco hardware. Home Network Defender, powered by Trend Micro™, is a subscription service that offers even more Internet access control and protection from cyber criminals and online threats. If your router supports Home Network Defender, a Home Network Defender task will be available on the Network Magic Tasks page.

    What is Home Network Defender?
    Home Network Defender, powered by Trend Micro™, is an easy-to-use Internet security service for networks that use supported Linksys by Cisco routers. Home Network Defender is designed to protect you and your family against cyber criminals and online predators by stopping the threats at the router “gate” before they can get into the home network. It also helps block inappropriate Web site content to young computer users in the home. You can use a free 30 day trial of Home Network Defender when you install it through the Linksys by Cisco router setup or Network Magic. After the 30 day trial, you can choose to purchase a yearly subscription or let the trial expire.

    How is Home Network Defender different from Internet Access Control
    Home Network Defender is different from the Internet Access Control feature in that it provides Internet access settings and protection for all devices on your network, not just PCs. It offers protection for any device that can connect to the Internet, such as gaming systems, Web cameras, Macs, and Internet phones. And, you can have different levels of protection for different devices, so that you can block specific Internet sites and content for younger computer users, while allowing full Internet access for adults on the network. It also protects you and your family from being directed to malicious content or masquerading Web pages that may steal personal information. These sites include phishing scams, viruses, online fraud, cyber predators, and more.

    Why can't I see the Home Network Defender task?
    The Home Network Defender task will be available on the Network Magic's Tasks page only if you're using a supported Linksys by Cisco router. Supported routers are listed here.

    Language Settings

    How can I change the language settings used by Network Magic?
    By default, Network Magic uses the language set in the computer's operating system settings. To change the language used by Network Magic, from the Tools menu located at the top of the Network Magic window, click Options. In the General tab, select the Language you want Network Magic to use. After you make your language selection, Network Magic will automatically close and reopen in the language you selected.

    Firewall Settings and Issues

    What firewall configuration problems does Network Magic solve?
    One of the most frustrating tasks in setting up a network is getting computers with different firewall settings to communicate with each other. Network Magic makes it easy by automatically detecting the different firewalls, like Symantec/Norton, McAfee and Zone Alarm, and walking you through the key settings you need to adjust to allow your computers to communicate with each other.

    Connection Issues

    What if I have more than one wireless connection manager on my computer?
    When you use the Wireless Connection Manager to connect to a wireless network, one of the following messages displays: Other Wireless Networking Software Is Enabled or This software is not compatible with Network Magic's Wireless Connection Manager.

    These messages mean Network Magic has detected that you are already using a third party wireless management software. Since you only need one method for connecting to your wireless network, you should continue to use your third party software.

    Using Network Magic with Macs

    Do I have to activate Network Magic on my Mac?
    Yes, if you purchased Network Magic for the Mac version 4.0.8266 or later.

    Is there a limit to the number of Macs I can use with Network Magic?
    You can use Network Magic on up to eight Macs. Please note that the Network Magic for Mac add-on is designed to solve several issues users have in a mixed PC/Mac environment, for example printer and file sharing. For the best experience, we recommend that Network Magic be installed on a PC as well as Macs.

    Does the latest Mac version support the Parental Controls and Monitoring features?
    Not at this time. Current plans are to add these features into a future release.

    Discontinuing Net2Go/Remote File Access

    What is the Net2Go/Remote File Access feature End of Life Notification?
    NNetwork Magic 4.9 is the last version to support this feature. Future versions of Network Magic will no longer include this functionality. If you currently use the Net2Go feature with a 4.x version of Network Magic and you upgrade to 5.5, you will lose the Net2Go capability.

    How long will Net2Go support be available?
    There are no plans at this time to discontinue Net2Go support for 4.x versions of Network Magic. However if this changes, users will receive at least 60 days notice if the service discontinues.

    Technical Support

    What kind of technical support is available?
    Users who purchase Network Magic Essentials or Pro receive free support for one year. Please visit our support page at: http://www.networkmagic.com/support/. If you can't find an answer to your question there, use the Ask Support a Question link to contact our Support team by email.

    What is the Network Magic Support Services feature?
    The Support Services feature is an opt-in feature that provides information about your network to Support personnel. When you call Support, they can instantly see information about the types of devices on your network, including types of computers (PCs or Macs) operating systems, firmware versions, connectivity information and so on. This information is used only by a support representative and only when helping you with a problem. It is not associated with you until you contact a support representative and give them your unique Support Code.

    To use this support feature, in Network Magic, click the Help menu and then click Help Center.

    The Information for Technical Support area displays the following:
    • The version numbers of the Network Magic application and Platform that are installed on your computer.


    • Your unique Support Code
      • If you ever call Technical Support, we can use that Support Code to access information sent to our servers by Network Magic to help us diagnose and troubleshoot any problems more quickly and efficiently.

      Without your Support Code, it is not possible to access any personal information in our database about your network.

    • Time and date of last upload
      • The date and time that Network Magic last uploaded your network data.

    • Not Yet Uploaded
      • This displays if you've recently installed Network Magic and it has not sent the first data upload.

    • Communication Error
      • This displays if your computer was unable to access the Internet, or if you had some firewall or other security software blocking communication between Network Magic and our servers. This error applies to the most recent upload attempt only. So if network data had been sent before, you will still have a Support Code as well as the last successful upload date and time.
    You can opt-out or back in to this feature at any time. To do this, in Network Magic, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. In the Options dialog box, click the Privacy tab and specify whether to use your network information to assist Technical Support.

    What routers does Network Magic support?
    Network Magic features work with most routers sold today. There are, however, specific routers that support the Network Lock feature.

    Routers that support Network Lock

    I need help setting up my router. What should I do?
    Router set up varies by manufacturer. When setting up a router, follow the directions that came with it. Also, refer to our Tips and Advice page (www.networkmagic.com/advice/) for helpful information about setting up a router

  • Network Magic System Requirements

    Personal Computer

    • Operating system: Microsoft® Windows® Vista (all editions including 64-bit editions) and Windows XP (all versions with SP1 or later, including x64 edition)
    • Processor: Intel® Pentium® III or equivalent
    • Memory: 256 megabytes (MB) RAM for Windows XP; 512 megabytes (MB) RAM for Windows Vista
    • Network adapter: wired (Ethernet) or wireless, with Internet connection (router, gateway)
    • Disk space: 100 megabytes (MB)
    • Web browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later

    Language Versions

    As of Network Magic 5.1, the product is available in the following languages:

    Residential Router

    • The Network Lock feature in both Network Magic Essentials and Network Magic Pro works with certain routers - here's the list.
    • The Wireless Encryption feature in both Network Magic Essentials and Network Magic Pro works with certain routers - here's the list.


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  • Compare Products

    Whether for home or your small business, Network Magic offers a host of solutions to address your networking needs

    Network Magic 7-day Free Trial Download Includes all Network Magic Pro Features.

    Features by Product Pro 5.5 Essentials 5.5 Basic 5.5 Mac Add-on
    $49.99 US
    Buy Now    		 $29.99 US
    Buy Now    		 No charge. Available for Linksys by Cisco Hardware Customers $25.00 US
    Buy Now
    Easy to Use
    See everything on a network map included included included  
    Use guided wizards to complete tasks included included included included
    View device details included included included included
    Access everything from a centralized dashboard included included included included
    Connect Devices
    Select your wireless network of choice included included included  
    Go wireless automatically included included included  
    Add new devices included included included  
    Share Files and Printers
    Print from any computer in your network** included included 7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro included
    Share files included included 7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro included
    Network Attached Storage (NAS) device support included   7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro  
    Control and Monitor Your Network
    Control Internet access on other computers included   7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro plus 30 day trial of Home Network Defender  
    Take real-time screenshots of other users’ activity included   7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro plus 30 day trial of Home Network Defender  
    Receive daily computer usage reports included   7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro plus 30 day trial of Home Network Defender  
    Restrict access to inappropriate content and block web threats Available thru Home Network Defender* (30 day free trial) Available thru Home Network Defender* (30 day free trial) Available thru Home Network Defender* (30 day free trial)  
    View network activity included included included  
    Protect Your Network
    Add Wireless security† included included included  
    Detect Intruders† included included included  
    Protect shared files while roaming included included 7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro  
    Maintain and Repair Your Network
    Internet connection repair included included included included
    Test Internet speed included   7 day free trial of Network Magic Pro included
    Network health and security alerts included included included  
    Hardware support
    Supports Linksys by Cisco hardware included included included included
    Supports non-Linksys hardware included included   included
    Operating system support
    Works on Windows XP, Vista included included included  
    Mac file and printer sharing support** (sold separately)       included
    Licensing and Support
    1 Year Free Tech Support included included included  
    Priority Tech Support Line included included    
    Max number of computers Up to 8 Up to 3 Up to 8 Up to 8
     

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    Download Free Trial

    * Home Network Defender powered by Trend Micro is sold separately. Available in select routers.

    ** Network Magic for Mac Add-on is sold separately. Currently Network Magic for the Mac Add-on only enables printer sharing between Macs and PCs for printers supported by the Macintosh operating system. To view a list of supported printers, go to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301175. If your printer is not on the list or does not have an "X" under the "Modern Driver" column, it will not work. However, Apple is hard at work to improve printer compatibility. As they continue to build in more printer drivers to their OS, these will automatically be picked up by Network Magic.

    † Wireless Protection/Network Lock works with certain routers. (Check List)