SharkLauncher (formerly AquaEthereal) is a free, open-source application launcher, written in Python, for the Unix-based WireShark (formerly Ethereal) network monitoring program on Mac OS X. WireShark is a sophisticated GUI for the tcpdump command-line utility, and runs under Fink or MacPorts in Apple's X11 environment. While the program can be launched from within the X11 application, it requires administrator authorization (a user password), and the SharkLauncher tool provides a convenient way to start the program.

To begin WireShark, just click on the SharkLauncher icon in the Dock. This launches the X11 environment. SharkLauncher then prompts you for an administrator password, since WireShark itself must be run under these conditions.

• Updated to reflect change of Ethereal name to WireShark