BMExtreme

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on March 31, 2009

BMExtreme is a great tool for computer users who enjoy hot-rodding their Internet connection. Much like a dashboard's gauges tell a driver everything they need to know, this program does the same for Internet-related system information.

This free unlimited trial downloads in the form of a medium-size box that allows a fully-customizable look at your system's bandwidth usage. The main screen measures the megabytes sent, received, and total for the session, day, and month. This is a great snapshot, but if you want something more particular, opening the configuration tab gives a world of variables. In addition, there are five different measurable stats at the bottom of the screen. Choose between a graph of the connection's speed, IP List, shared space with other computers and the days, weeks, and months of specific bandwidth usage over the program's lifespan.

Like other Internet monitoring programs, BMExtreme appeals mostly to users with a knowledge of the terms, facts, and figures. However, the aspect we liked most was how the display wasn't intimidating to new users, even though there is no information provided about what the various boxes and columns mean. If you are already obsessed with your computer's performance, this is a good freeware utility to add to your toolbox. If you are a novice, BMExtreme is a simple place to see if you want to learn more.