Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Feb 15, 2012 20:55:58 GMT
Hello
It may seem that I don't come here often, because I don't post messages ~ that's because I know nothing about computers ~ but I do check in regularly and read most of the posts ~ at least the ones that I understand.
But once again I am posting because I would greatly appreciate your advice.
I run Zone Alarm Free firewall on both my desktop computer and laptop which are windows XP and Windows Vista respectively.
Recently I have had problems on both computers with the programme not operating correctly and, to be quite honest, I am getting more than a little fed up with it!
I was wondering if anyone else has experienced any problems with Zone Alarm, or if any of you could suggest an alternative which would not create as many problems.
My thanks in anticipation
Becky
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Post by Lynnrose on Feb 16, 2012 8:15:12 GMT
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Feb 16, 2012 10:42:46 GMT
Thank you Lynnrose. I'll give that a try and let you know if it's any better.  |
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Post by mikkh on Feb 16, 2012 11:07:23 GMT
There really is no great need for a software firewall if you have a router (hardware firewall) and most people do nowadays. If you dont use a router, you should consider getting one - about £20 or so, it saves having extra resource hogging software on your PC and you can just use the built in Windows one instead although there's no real point in that either apart from shutting up the whinging from the security center. At least the built in Windows one is very light on resources, so it's no problem. The threat of being 'hacked' is practically nil anyway, just use a decent password on your router to stop the dabblers who get in mostly because people leave the password on the default settiing which is easy to find out on the internet
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Feb 16, 2012 23:07:19 GMT
Hello Mikkh
I'm afraid I don't really understand your answer, I know that makes me sound stupid, but as far as computers go, I think I am. I connect to the Internet with Talk Talk. I am connected to my desktop with an Ethernet (I think) cable, and wirelessy to my laptop. That's all I know. I can install and install programmes etc, but that's about all I know. Sorry!
I have installed Comodo and uninstalled Zone Alarm. The uninstalling took longer than the installing, that's all I can tell you at the moment. Except that everything seems alright up to now.
One more thing I would ask of you Mikkh? I assume that is your picture here? How would I do that?
Becky
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Feb 16, 2012 23:11:10 GMT
I'm sorry! That should read I can install and UNinstall programmes etc, but that's about all I know. Sorry! (I think that say's it all  ) Becky |
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Post by mikkh on Feb 17, 2012 2:05:52 GMT
Profile at the top (next to logout) then pick 'modify profile' to insert a different picture and/or signature
If you're using wireless, then you almost certainly have a wireless router/modem which is a hardware firewall as well, so having a software firewall too is a bit of overkill especially as most firewall programs are pretty heavy on resources and slow the computer down. Don't use a software firewall basically. The only time you'd need a software firewall would be when using the laptop on another wifi source, say like on a train for instance or anywhere they boast of 'free' wifi. If you regularly do that type of thing, you'd be safer using a Linux live CD instead of Windows, but that's a whole new ball game
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Becky
New Member
Posts: 32
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Post by Becky on Feb 18, 2012 0:35:05 GMT
Hello Mikkh, I think that my laptop has only ever been out of the house once and I rarely use trains! Thank you for all your advice. I've read many of your postings about the advantages of Linux, but I think - to me - the great thing about Windows is it's "point and click" thing. I'd need to go on some specialised course to understand anything else, even then I don't think I'd get it  . I know what you are saying about not needing a firewall as such, but I don't need a lot of "speed" on my computer. Just enough to send e-mails, to type letters, to upload my photographs and to try to understand some of the posts here.  . Thank you both for your help in this. I'm happy - at the moment - with the Comodo Firewall, it doesn't really slow me down, and it isn't a pain in the bum like Zone Alarm had become. Now I'll go and try to do my profile picture Lots of love Becky |
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