Want to monitor my HOME network

Hello,
I am looking for some shareware that is similar in function to the Dell Network Assistant which cost $40 yearly.
I am not trying to be "cheap", just that with the Dell NA you have to renew yearly @ $40 .... a bit too expensive for my limited needs.
I want to monitor/fix/repair my HOME (DSL) network which has: 2 PCs, plus 2 printers and several external HDs.

Right now I can NOT print from my desktop to either of the printers UNLESS my laptop (with a HP USB printer attached) is turned on. The other printer
a Brother MFC240C is "networked" via the 2Wire Router.
I thought maybe a network assistant such as Dell's would find and fix the problem.
Any suggestions?
TexasMom

 

Thank you for your suggestion, I tried it, but it doesn't seem to have what I am looking for.
TM