Network Instruments Observer 10 for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP gets excellent marks, especially for easy implementation and usage. Minor glitches in the previous version have been fixed. Observer 10 has more features than Network General Sniffer, and costs much less. Therefore, Observer is the recommended protocol analyzer. A particularly good new feature is the interface for triggers and alarms, which made it easier for testers to set up a troubleshooting process. Observer 10 has data mining abilities that save time by allowing the user to apply filters to data files before loading a trace. Observer 10 also has a better reporting engine with new templates that can be easily customized. New wireless enhancements allowed testers to run Observer 10 on 802.11g equipment, which is not supported by Sniffer. Many views can be applied to the same data, and Observer 10 has new virtual LAN detection abilities and a statistical view that indicates the overall virtual LAN load and allows users to begin tracking and isolating problems. Testers liked having all troubleshooting tools and information available in the interface, although some users may find it crowded. Testers would like Network Instruments to add the following abilities: distinct default decode colors for each protocol, easier application of color schemes based on type of troubleshooting, and automatic updating abilities.