Issues......

dell_2

wolfman wrote:

Ok. Here's a few tips that may help:

Anti-Virus: Norton is ok, reasonable detection rate and it does get more bad press than it deserves. There are better though. One of the best around is Nod32 (£25), or you could go for a free av, such as AVG.

Just re-read this and realised that I'd made the same mistake that you had (no offence intended)

I'm running NORMAN not NORTON

does this shed any light?

Rex_Mundi

dell wrote:

Cheer "chap" (in a non-gender specific way)!

Must admit this is my "gut" instinct too.

It's currently at default settings (having scared the life out of myself earlier - but that's another story!)

Any hints as to how to make it "easier" yet still be safe?

Currenty virtually everything is blocked - including the "extra smileies" on this this site!

I would go through your program control settings to see what you've got blocked, and whether it is a program you need to use on the net. Generally,any programs you use on the net, you can set to allow (left click on the permission and select allow). There are normally very few programs need server access for the net (block these normally).

On the firewall settings. Set your internet security as high, and set your trusted zone at medium. This is pretty standard settings for Zonealarm.

Go through these first, then see if you are still having problems with any programs.

matty_c608

NORMAN LMAO

See Here:

http://www.norman.com/

pchelpman

Wolfman & Rex are helping you on this so I'll try not to confuse by saying yet something different.

All I will say is nads may have problems with setting up Zone Alarm Pro (there will always be people with problems) but, like the others here, I have that same firewall and have absolutely no problems with it at all.

As you suggest it may be worth your while investing a little time to familiarise yourself with its workings. Once set up to your own likes ZAP will hold your preferences and look after you well.

Oh yes .... and don't foget to install other free stuff like SpyWareBlaster, SpywareGuard, Microsoft Antispyware and Spybot S&D (activate the TeaTimer "real time" protection in S&D as well). Keep them all updated too. Some folk forget that.....

Best of luck.

Rex_Mundi

It did get me going a bit when I read Norman antivirus. This program does not have the best reputation.

nads

pchelpman wrote:

All I will say is nads may have problems with setting up Zone Alarm Pro (there will always be people with problems)

:rotfl:

thanks for that! The reason I sugegsted to move from ZAP is because dell wanted something easier to configure, having used ZAP and Outpost, I know Outpost is far simpler to configure and pinpoint problems in, more powerful... and less memory hungry 9but probably not as other firewalls)... this is all imho

dell_2

Rex_Mundi wrote:

It did get me going a bit when I read Norman antivirus. This program does not have the best reputation.

Ok, so I guess I ought to stop being tight and Scottish!

Nod32 - worth having?

Not that i'm doubting the recomendation - would just like to have a number of opinions before spending any brass!

thanks again for the replies!

Toxteth_OGrady

dell wrote:

Nod32 - worth having?

The best in my experience.

:cool:

TOG

pchelpman

Rex_Mundi wrote:

It did get me going a bit when I read Norman antivirus. This program does not have the best reputation.

As it's been mentioned I'll have to go with Rex on this one.

Norman can be very complicated to use for the home user (unless you like tweaking every aspect of your protection manually!!), it's rather expensive and slower than even Norton (which is another antivirus product I don't advocate).

Also I believe Norman won't remove e-mail viruses before they hityour inbox and there's no freephone support.

All comments are mine alone and I guess it's possible some or all of these might have improved over time. You'd need to check the precise detail.

nod32 .... I don't use it myself but I have to say I've only heard good things about it.

Rex_Mundi

dell wrote:

Nod32 - worth having?

This AV always gets very high ratings from its users. It's definately at the top end of AV programs.