Before

Here is the default “Network Activity Indicator” in one of our example systems…regardless of what is going on it looks pretty lifeless (and boring).

Setup

When you download the app it will be in a zip file and contain only three files. Once you have unzipped the contents you will need to create a “Program Files” folder, place the contents inside, and create a convenient shortcut. Now you are ready to “replace” the default “Network Activity Indicator” and enjoy some classic goodness.

After

As soon as you start the app you will have two “Network Activity Indicator” icons temporarily displaying in your “System Tray”.

Time to make the default “Network Activity Indicator” disappear. Use the “Customize Command” to open the “Notification Area Icons Window”.

Scroll through and set the default “Network Activity Indicator” to “Hide icon and notifications”…

And set “NetworkIndicator.exe” to “Show icon and notifications”. Click “OK” when you are finished.

Now you can easily see when network activity is occurring.

Menus & Settings

This is the “Right Click Menu” for the app… You can access the settings from here and to close it you will actually need to click on “Close Menu”.

Here are the settings. You can customize the “Blink Duration” and set the app to automatically load when Windows starts.

Conclusion

If you have been wanting a “Network Activity Indicator” that shows more life than the default built into Windows 7, then you should definitely give this app a try.

Links

Download the Network Activity Indicator for Windows 7 (version 1.7)