PRTG Freeware Edition: Enterprise-Level Monitoring at Zero Cost

PRTG Freeware Edition is the fully functional, zero-cost tier of Paessler’s powerful network monitoring suite. While commercial versions scale up for large infrastructures, the Freeware edition is ideal for small teams or standalone admins who need visibility into their systems — and don’t want to build an entire monitoring stack from scratch.

With its web-based interface, auto-discovery, and deep sensor library, it offers serious capabilities out of the box — up to 100 sensors, completely free.

What It Offers (Up to 100 Sensors)

Feature

What It Does

Auto-discovery

Scans subnets and auto-creates sensor trees per host.

SNMP and WMI monitoring

Gathers OS, hardware, and interface stats from Windows and network devices.

Ping, HTTP, port checks

Verifies host availability and service responsiveness.

Bandwidth monitoring

Uses SNMP or flow protocols (NetFlow, sFlow, etc.).

Sensor library

Includes sensors for VMware, SQL, Exchange, printers, RAID, and more.

Maps and dashboards

Custom visual layouts with live status and charts.

Built-in alerting

Threshold-based notifications via email, push, or custom scripts.

Mobile apps

View alerts and dashboards on Android or iOS.

Installation Overview (Windows Only)

1. Download the installer
https://www.paessler.com/prtg/download

2. Run as administrator
The wizard installs a local web server, database, and core engine.

3. Initial setup
– Define admin credentials
– Choose subnet(s) to scan
– Set SNMP/WMI credentials if needed

4. Review auto-discovery results
Devices are grouped, sensors added automatically.

5. Customize monitoring
You can add/remove sensors, create groups, define alert rules, and design dashboards.

6. Access via browser
Interface runs on port 8080 or 8443 by default. Fully web-based.

Why It’s Worth Using

PRTG Freeware gives small teams a taste of enterprise-grade monitoring without the usual complexity. Its built-in sensors cover most typical needs, from router uptime to Windows CPU load to SSL certificate age. The setup is guided, the UI is responsive, and it just works — even for admins who aren’t monitoring experts.

For shops that want visibility without having to learn an entire monitoring framework, PRTG Freeware often hits the sweet spot.

PRTG Freeware hands-on backup checklist covering jobs, reports and test restores | BackupInfra

PRTG Freeware: Simplifying Network Backup and Recovery

Managing network backups can be a daunting task, especially for small to medium-sized businesses with limited resources. PRTG Freeware offers a comprehensive solution for network management, including a robust backup and recovery system. In this article, we will explore how to use PRTG Freeware for offsite backups, creating a local and offsite backup strategy, and discuss the benefits of using PRTG Freeware as a free backup software alternative to expensive backup suites.

Understanding PRTG Freeware Backup Capabilities

PRTG Freeware provides a range of features that make it an ideal solution for network backup and recovery. These include repeatable jobs, retention rules, and encrypted repositories. With PRTG Freeware, you can create a backup strategy that meets your specific needs, ensuring that your data is safe and easily recoverable in case of a disaster.

Key Features of PRTG Freeware Backup

Repeatable jobs: Create custom backup jobs that run automatically at scheduled intervals.
Retention rules: Define how long backups are stored, ensuring that you have a history of changes and can recover data from any point in time.
Encrypted repositories: Store backups in secure, encrypted repositories, protecting your data from unauthorized access.

With these features, PRTG Freeware provides a robust backup and recovery system that is easy to use and manage.

Creating a Local and Offsite Backup Strategy with PRTG Freeware

A comprehensive backup strategy includes both local and offsite backups. Local backups provide quick access to data in case of a disaster, while offsite backups ensure that data is safe in case of a catastrophic event. PRTG Freeware makes it easy to create a local and offsite backup strategy.

Local Backup Strategy

For local backups, PRTG Freeware allows you to create custom backup jobs that run automatically at scheduled intervals. You can define the frequency and scope of backups, ensuring that your data is always up-to-date.

Offsite Backup Strategy

For offsite backups, PRTG Freeware provides a range of options, including cloud storage and external hard drives. You can define the frequency and scope of offsite backups, ensuring that your data is safe and easily recoverable in case of a disaster.

Backup Type	Frequency	Retention
Local Backup	Daily	30 days
Offsite Backup	Weekly	90 days

By creating a local and offsite backup strategy with PRTG Freeware, you can ensure that your data is safe and easily recoverable in case of a disaster.

PRTG Freeware as a Free Backup Software Alternative

PRTG Freeware is a free backup software alternative to expensive backup suites. With its robust backup and recovery system, PRTG Freeware provides a comprehensive solution for network management.

Feature	PRTG Freeware	Expensive Backup Suites
Repeatable jobs	Yes	Yes
Retention rules	Yes	Yes
Encrypted repositories	Yes	Yes
Cost	Free	Expensive

As a free backup software alternative, PRTG Freeware provides a cost-effective solution for network management.

In conclusion, PRTG Freeware provides a comprehensive solution for network backup and recovery. With its robust backup and recovery system, PRTG Freeware is an ideal solution for small to medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

Backup Software	PRTG Freeware	BackupAssist	Acronis Backup
Cost	Free	$199	$499
Repeatable jobs	Yes	Yes	Yes
Retention rules	Yes	Yes	Yes
Encrypted repositories	Yes	Yes	Yes

By using PRTG Freeware, you can ensure that your data is safe and easily recoverable in case of a disaster.

PRTG Freeware