A tool that monitors all network services on a Server and alerts the user in case one of them stops functioning.

Pros: The First Alert Service Monitor is a tool that can monitor all network services on a Server. So for example if a web site stops functioning (because of some Server process going down) then the user will be alerted and he / she can take some appropriate action to fix the problem. The same is true of any other network service which goes down. Alerting is done in a number of ways, including but not limited to: a sound alert, an alert message, an alert email (both at the start and end of the alert event), paging, and even running a pre-specified program. It helps especially in the case where the site is being hosted remotely by a service provider, because the tool can still monitor that and alert the user. The logging function maintains a record for referencing later, if required.

Cons: It has a very basic interface that looks very much like it is the output of a VB program (with not too much enhancement whatsoever). This is a fault. Overall, it does have that look and feel of a temporary effort, so that although options are available it is hard to find them and use them. Plus one really has to have a firm grasp of what one is doing to be able to use it successfully because the tool will not help you (or surprise you) with its simplicity or intuitiveness.

Overall: 3 stars. 4 stars also possible. The alerting function works. But the interface is not very user friendly.