zonealarm

[eldon]

Has anyone else experienced any problems with the latest version of za?Ever since I upgraded it 3.1 I have noticed an increase of disconnections from the iternet.Am now using the firewall that came with xp does anyone know if it`s anygood for sure? Thanks for any info.

[DilLy]

To be honest I have never had that problem with any version of ZA.

Actually I use ZAPro (i suppose you are too). I just upgraded to 3.1.395 (latest version) and it works better than any previous version I have had and seems to use a lot less memory than the last version.

[DilLy]

Just a thought. It could be your settings in ZA??

[eldon]

thanks I will chech the settings.Oh yes in case it may help I am using a dsl modem (USB).

[DilLy]

If you have your internet settings on high, you might need to open the advanced section and enable DHCP if you don't use a static IP address.

Do you have a static IP?

[eldon]

Yes i have the same address always.

[lil Jimmie]

You may also have to allow the outgoing DNS.

[DilLy]

This is what I do when I install ZAPro.
After its all done installing and i let it give IE permission to access, I go to my Firewall Settings and put everything on High.
Then I click the advanced tab (on the same page) and click "block all fragments" and click the "Exclude networks from the Trusted Zone upon detection" button.
Then I click the Custom button on the Internet Security Zone section and make sure that DHCP is enabled (i dont have a static IP). I also allow "broadcast/ multicast".
Then I go to the Privacy section and make sure all privacy features are turned off (especially code control).
Then I go to Alerts and Logs, and make sure it doesn't show me any alerts (alerts get annoyuing) and make sure logging is "on" and program logging is on high.
You also might want to enable you email protection if you need it (wont work for hotmail ofcourse).
Finally go to the overview section and click the preferences tab.
Make sure it is set to start up with Windows, and click the "hide the last octet of my IP address when applicable" check box (for added securtity).

Up there where I mentioned "block all fragments"... this is for added security from outside sources. And when I had it Exclude networks, this is because I only use one machine and technically have no trusted zone. Sometimes (under certain circumstances) it will redetect your network and ask what to do. This makes sure it always excludes it, since it detects it when you first install ZA and it doesn't go away (you can't even manually getrid of it).

I hope this was clear and helps a bit. After this I am able to connect with no problems or speed decreases (even though I am on High security settings).
Remember that some things in the advanced tab for Firewall settings are for super duper security and can sometimes hinder your ability to connect. Read the Readme for more info on those things. I just have it block fragments (the rest I leave at default).

It may be that ZA isn't your problem, but then again you are able to connect fine with just XP's firewall so we shall see.


Try what Lil Jimmie said too. (I don't need DNS enabled myself, but you might)

[eldon]

Thanks folks I`ll try out your suggestions,this place has always been a big help everytime I needed it.

[eldon]

Am thinking I may have a modem going bad.It works okay then all of a sudden it will lose connection,also noticed last few mornings I have had to unplug my modems usb plug after starting cpu,and then plug it back in to get my connection going,course ISP claims the lines are fine and that with dsl you sometimes have to do that 3-4 times daily,although I`ve had dsl for a year and it`s just starting to do this.May try a diff. modem instead of usb modem next time.

[lil Jimmie]

Ya know this sounds similar to when I was using a dial-up and the modem I was using had worked flawlessly then out of the blue I would get disconnected regularly and after changing modems, replacing the phone lines, numerous call to ma bell and ISP it turned out that I had a bad phone that was causing all of the problems. I really don’t know if DSL modems can be affected in the same manner or not, but I thought I’d throw this out as something to think about.

Sarge might know, but I don't think he checks in the 2000/XP forum too often.

[DilLy]

Well, DSL needs to have a filter on every jack that uses another device (just plugs right in). If the filters go bad then the digital line can get screwy. Sometimes a portable phone that uses a certain bandwidth can cause problems for a DSL modem, not because it is hooked up to the line, but because of the radio signals being transmitted.

Your right it could be any number of things. The modem, the lines, the service, the NIC or USB port, internet settings, Firewall settings.
Jeez the list goes on.

[eldon]

I just updated the drivers for my modem,will see how long that lasts,also found out during my search alcatel makes sorry modems,if forced to buy another,it will not be that brand.Any suggestions on a good model in case my update doen`nt cure my ills? Thanks to all who have helped with the time and research all have contributed.

[eldon]

UPdate Been running with the new drivers that alcatel modem has for xp and so far so good think that may have cleared my problem up.If anyone else has alcatel speedtouch dsl ,usb modems and have problems holding connection then go to their website and update from there,seems to work for me.Thanks all.