Online Armor 3.5.0.32 Release [Archive]

ThE WiZ

July 14th, 2009, 01:18 AM

Mike what is this I posted it at OA forum.

A-squared Free + Online Armor Personal Firewall Bundle 4.5.0.1/3.5.0.14

Publisher's description of A-squared Free + Online Armor Personal Firewall Bundle
A-squared Free + Online Armor Personal Firewall Bundle screenshot
From Emsi Software:

http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/#download

or from cnet

http://download.cnet.com/A-squared-Free-Online-Armor-Personal-Firewall-Bundle/3000-8022_4-10909642.html

This bundle includes the freeware a-squared Free, a non limited malware scanner that comes with two major scan engines against all types of viruses, trojans, bots, keyloggers, spyware and adware. But the scan duration is not double long as it would be with two standalone virus and spyware scanners. A free commandline scanner is bundled too. Additionally, the freeware desktop firewall Online Armor is included to protect your PC from unwanted guests. Online Armor is a powerful personal firewall, with HIPS and a host of other security features to keep your PC clear of infections and running smoothly. Online Armor is designed to be easy to use for beginners and offers powerful performance.

Follower

July 14th, 2009, 05:46 AM

Great product. :thumb:

firzen771

July 14th, 2009, 05:49 AM

OAs release versions seem to be similar to firefox lol i just noticed

bollity

July 14th, 2009, 06:03 AM

keylogger detection is back again in the free version

Follower

July 14th, 2009, 06:31 AM

Hi,

I know you get from what you pay.
But does OA Free give decent protection for a novice like me?

Thanks!

MikeNash

July 14th, 2009, 07:17 AM

-{ Quote: "Hi,

I know you get from what you pay.
But does OA Free give decent protection for a novice like me?

Thanks!" }-

Why not install it and give her a spin :)

pykko

July 14th, 2009, 07:49 AM

Mike, any approximate date for OA Beta with support for Windows 7 ? ;D

MikeNash

July 14th, 2009, 07:55 AM

-{ Quote: "Mike, any approximate date for OA Beta with support for Windows 7 ? ;D" }-

Depends. We have a couple of issues with it, it would not be ready for a general beta until they are solved - but once it's running seems to work stable.

So it could be a couple of days

mvdu

July 14th, 2009, 10:17 AM

-{ Quote: "Depends. We have a couple of issues with it, it would not be ready for a general beta until they are solved - but once it's running seems to work stable.

So it could be a couple of days" }-

So the Windows 7 version will not work on Vista 64-bit? If not, will 64-bit follow shortly?

vijayind

July 14th, 2009, 10:41 AM

-{ Quote: "So the Windows 7 version will not work on Vista 64-bit? If not, will 64-bit follow shortly?" }-
+1 : When can we get some love for x64 :(

MikeNash

July 14th, 2009, 07:47 PM

-{ Quote: "So the Windows 7 version will not work on Vista 64-bit? If not, will 64-bit follow shortly?" }-

Win7 version just hit our private test team, and we will whip it into Beta pretty quickly.

Then we will start Win64. I do not think that x64 will follow "shortly" as its an awful lot different to Win32.

Mike

mvdu

July 14th, 2009, 09:40 PM

-{ Quote: "Win7 version just hit our private test team, and we will whip it into Beta pretty quickly.

Then we will start Win64. I do not think that x64 will follow "shortly" as its an awful lot different to Win32.

Mike" }-

Hopefully as soon as you can, as there aren't many HIPS options for Vista 64-bit.

MikeNash

July 14th, 2009, 09:47 PM

-{ Quote: "Hopefully as soon as you can, as there aren't many HIPS options for Vista 64-bit." }-

Oh sure - we aren't going to hang around unnecessarily :)

the Tester

July 14th, 2009, 09:48 PM

Another nice, stable version.
Thanks Mike.:thumb:

lu_chin

July 15th, 2009, 02:28 AM

I really hope M. Rizos can soon do a youtube video on OA++ so that more folks can see how OA++ works with its HIPS and twin engines + OASIS against 0day malwares.

Fuzzfas

July 15th, 2009, 03:45 AM

Nice release. Just for information, this persists in the new version:

http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=8409

rdsu

July 15th, 2009, 05:25 AM

Since I discover Online Armor, some years ago, I found it very unstable and consumed a lot of resources...

With this version it seems these issues were almost resolved and the free version also have new great features...

I'm using it right now, for almost a week, and until now I'm happy with it... :)

In ChangeLog (http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=6308) I see you added the Import & export option in OA Free, but it still unavailable in GUI.
The Online Armor Comparation (http://www.tallemu.com/comparisons.html) also doesn't have a check in this feature on Free version...

Fuzzfas

July 15th, 2009, 06:06 AM

-{ Quote: "Since I discover Online Armor, some years ago, I found it very unstable and consumed a lot of resources... " }-

CPU usage was drammatically reduced since the previous version already.

My main problem with OA free is this "liberty" in opening ports. Before i knew it, i had a rule auto-created, permitting port 135 INbound, just because i had forgotten to use Dcombulator to close it from within windows. I would much prefer to be asked at least for the INCOMING connections before i accept them. And the risk is low, because i am behind a router and only user and i had already in network connection properties disabled Netbios. But for someone who is directly connected to the internet, this can be really risky. You can end up Netbios allowed inbound and God knows what else. Of course such things don't upset Matousec.

-{ Quote: "In ChangeLog I see you added the Import & export option in OA Free, but it still unavailable in GUI." }-

True, a glitch probably.

MikeNash

July 15th, 2009, 06:12 AM

-{ Quote: "CPU usage was drammatically reduced since the previous version already.

My main problem with OA free is this "liberty" in opening ports. Before i knew it, i had a rule auto-created, permitting port 135 INbound, just because i had forgotten to use Dcombulator to close it from within windows. I would much prefer to be asked at least for the INCOMING connections before i accept them. And the risk is low, because i am behind a router and only user and i had already in network connection properties disabled Netbios. But for someone who is directly connected to the internet, this can be really risky. " }-

The port is only opened for Intranet applications. You should not be able to connect to it from outside.

rdsu

July 15th, 2009, 06:23 AM

"Run Safer (http://www.tallemu.com/run_as_limited_user.html)" feature is similar to GeSWall (http://www.gentlesecurity.com/), right?

MikeNash

July 15th, 2009, 06:26 AM

-{ Quote: ""Run Safer (http://www.tallemu.com/run_as_limited_user.html)" feature is similar to GeSWall (http://www.gentlesecurity.com/), right?" }-

Runsafer is the same as DropMyRights basically.

Fuzzfas

July 15th, 2009, 06:38 AM

-{ Quote: "The port is only opened for Intranet applications. You should not be able to connect to it from outside." }-

Ah, so there is an intelligent control behind it. For instance, if i was in a direct connection and had allowed svchost.exe, if someone tried a Netbios attack in 137-139, the ports wouldn't open automatically, correct?

Still this thing worries me a bit, because if you install a trojan and by mistake click allow, then it will automatically get server rights too, without asking you.

rdsu

July 15th, 2009, 06:54 AM

-{ Quote: "Runsafer is the same as DropMyRights basically." }-
It is a great feature! :)

A reference of using Online Armor Run Safe feature: http://cybercoyote.org/security/drop.shtml

Keyboard_Commando

July 15th, 2009, 07:05 AM

Online Armor might benefit from Windows Update Mode, opening Win Update fully admin rights enabled. I had a frothing at the mouth :wacko: incident a while back. With IE opened with dropped rights ... I was unable to update the Updater active X.

Or am I wrong here, when clicking Windows Update does the IE browser (if enabled dropped rights with OA) open anyway with full admin rights? I was only able to get it working with dropped rights disabled.

MikeNash

July 15th, 2009, 07:12 AM

-{ Quote: "Ah, so there is an intelligent control behind it. For instance, if i was in a direct connection and had allowed svchost.exe, if someone tried a Netbios attack in 137-139, the ports wouldn't open automatically, correct?

Still this thing worries me a bit, because if you install a trojan and by mistake click allow, then it will automatically get server rights too, without asking you." }-

Sure. Let me explain - the model we wanted (in standard mode) was to allow trusted programs to be able to access the web with the minimum of prompting.

The idea is that "mum'n'dad" are going to install Yahoo or whatever, and then not understand about act as a server and all that jazz.

You can of course turn off the autoconfigure of programs , and the auto allow of trusted programs.

However, this brings us a problem. As you point out , some trusted programs you don't want on the internet at large. For example, I have two MSSQL server instances running - and I do not want them internet accessible.

This is where the restricted ports list comes in. What it basically says is "Even though I auto allowed this trusted program, if it's port is on the restricted port list - restrict it's access to private IP ranges."

Additionally, you can mark an interface as unknown trust status which will stop netbios.

In your example of accidentally clicking a trojan, sure, this could well happen. However, we decided that the average user doesnt really get the difference between acting as a server or not - and would click anyway.

MikeNash

July 15th, 2009, 07:12 AM

-{ Quote: "Online Armor might benefit from Windows Update Mode, opening Win Update fully admin rights enabled. I had a frothing at the mouth :wacko: incident a while back. With IE opened with dropped rights ... I was unable to update the Updater active X.

Or am I wrong here, when clicking Windows Update does the IE browser (if enabled dropped rights with OA) open anyway with full admin rights? I was only able to get it working with dropped rights disabled." }-

If you click Windows Update it should work. The windows updater process also is allowed to work.

Fuzzfas

July 15th, 2009, 10:58 AM

-{ Quote: "Sure. Let me explain - the model we wanted (in standard mode) was to allow trusted programs to be able to access the web with the minimum of prompting.

The idea is that "mum'n'dad" are going to install Yahoo or whatever, and then not understand about act as a server and all that jazz.

You can of course turn off the autoconfigure of programs , and the auto allow of trusted programs.

However, this brings us a problem. As you point out , some trusted programs you don't want on the internet at large. For example, I have two MSSQL server instances running - and I do not want them internet accessible.

This is where the restricted ports list comes in. What it basically says is "Even though I auto allowed this trusted program, if it's port is on the restricted port list - restrict it's access to private IP ranges."

Additionally, you can mark an interface as unknown trust status which will stop netbios.

In your example of accidentally clicking a trojan, sure, this could well happen. However, we decided that the average user doesnt really get the difference between acting as a server or not - and would click anyway." }-

Thanks for the explanation Mike. I see. By restricted ports list i presume you mean adding a manual rule denying those ports. (cause i see no other way to make such list, maybe it's a Pro feature).

Anyway, ok. I just must be careful when i click allow internet connection to some new program.

pykko

July 15th, 2009, 12:33 PM

MaB69

July 15th, 2009, 01:09 PM

-{ Quote: "By restricted ports list i presume you mean adding a manual rule denying those ports. (cause i see no other way to make such list, maybe it's a Pro feature)." }-

Hi,

Fuzzfas, Restricted Ports tab is an advanced mode only feature so of course not available for the free version.

Regards,

MaB

Xitrum

July 20th, 2009, 09:32 AM

OA is not on implementing virtualization feature as KIS/KAV2010 current implementation. Is it a should-be-better security feature OA sees a need?
I personally prefer OA for its clean GUI (although still some minor bugs there), and the most with its securing on one-by-one item, like each commandline params lists. Ghost Security Suite is another security soft implemented this feature but OA yet.

gery

July 20th, 2009, 04:16 PM

when i install OA paid it causes the system to shut down . I had been trying for three days and no success today i gave up
no other FW or AV installed on my laptop.

Cudni

July 20th, 2009, 05:03 PM

-{ Quote: "when i install OA paid it causes the system to shut down . I had been trying for three days and no success today i gave up
no other FW or AV installed on my laptop." }-
what was the error message? maybe check the event viewer logs and/or minidump file as those can point to what caused the error.

darthsideous666

July 20th, 2009, 05:11 PM

-{ Quote: "when i install OA paid it causes the system to shut down . I had been trying for three days and no success today i gave up
no other FW or AV installed on my laptop." }-

What version of Windows are you using? Did you inquire over at the Online Armor forum????

Escalader

July 20th, 2009, 10:06 PM

-{ Quote: "when i install OA paid it causes the system to shut down . I had been trying for three days and no success today i gave up
no other FW or AV installed on my laptop." }-

Ahh you have Norton 360 in your signature it is an AV for sure???

skism

July 20th, 2009, 10:19 PM

i had to uninstall nav 2009 to get Online Armor 3.5.0.32 to work although it worked with the earliar version 3.5.0.14. gone back to using nod32 av and everything ok again ..

gery

July 21st, 2009, 12:52 AM

-{ Quote: "Ahh you have Norton 360 in your signature it is an AV for sure???" }-
no that is not in my machine anymore just did not change my sig

MikeNash

July 21st, 2009, 02:37 AM

-{ Quote: "Mike, any approximate date for OA Beta with support for Windows 7 ? ;D" }-

Just an update - I've passed this to our beta team today, as those in our private test team for the main part have few problems with it. It's not ready for public beta yet - but we're moving closer.

Mike

Xitrum

July 21st, 2009, 05:58 AM

Although OA is not officially supporting windows server 2003, it still works out but it not sure it is working properly as designated for it to work on windows workstation box rather than a server box.
I still see some bugs still with the builds came after v3.5. After a day of working, after turn off and turn on the box, some newly added applications to the OA list (after OA asked for permissions on them) when ran, OA asked it again and again every time; it could remember newly things users asked OA to remember it. Is this a bugs with OA even with the latest build .32
Of course, Safe Run not functioning in server box. Hope OA goes back support windows servers. I have Outpost Security Suite 2009, but I still prefer to OA for some features and its GUI.

How Mike can say something about? Does OA not support server box.

one111

July 26th, 2009, 06:02 PM

Does the software download automatically with the updates or do we have to download it manually?

Also I presently have 3.5.0.14 and on systems status it says"latest version installed"

MikeNash

July 26th, 2009, 06:05 PM

-{ Quote: "Does the software download automatically with the updates or do we have to download it manually?

Also I presently have 3.5.0.14 and on systems status it says"latest version installed"" }-

It will update automatically, updates started to roll out last week , paused over the weekend, and will continue today. We roll out updates not in an all-in-one fashion.

rdsu

July 26th, 2009, 06:09 PM

MikeNash,

I can't use the RSS of your Blog to read the posts...

Gives an error.

Zyrtec

July 27th, 2009, 01:15 AM

Hi,

This question goes to Mike Nash:

Mike, I'm using the latest released version of OA [paid] 3.5.0.32 on two computers along with Ad Muncher 4.73 beta 30615/2475. The setup of both PCs is nearly the same, the only thing that changes is the A/V. On one of the computers, I run ESET NOD32 4.0.437 and the other PC runs Avira Antivir Premium 9.0.0.442. Both PCs run Windows Vista Business with SP-2.

Lately I started to see IE8 crashing very frequently every time I try to open more than two tabs or when I access a web site with some Flash content [e.g.: YouTube]. I see a message that says: “Failure when trying to route connection through Ad Muncher, further connections may not be filtered. Failure reason: Too many connections currently routed through Ad Muncher” and the IE8 crashes afterward on both computers [the one with NOD32 and the one with Avira 9].

I checked with Ad Muncher developers and they said they aren't aware of any problems with Ad Muncher and recommended me to check with the vendors of my security software [AVs and FW]. Since NOD32 and Avira are different in the way they handle the Internet traffic on both PCs and the only common software to both computers is OA. To do some test, I shut down OA momentarily on both PCs and re-opened IE8 with multiple tabs on both PCs and it didn't crash this time so, I'm guessing OA might have something to do with Ad Muncher povoking IE8 to crash on Win Vista.

Are you guys aware of some incompatibility between OA 3.5.0.32 [paid] and Ad Muncher?

Thanks in advance, Mike for your reply.

Kind regards,

Carlos

MikeNash

July 28th, 2009, 02:39 AM

-{ Quote: "Hi,

This question goes to Mike Nash:

Mike, I'm using the latest released version of OA [paid] 3.5.0.32 on two computers along with Ad Muncher 4.73 beta 30615/2475. The setup of both PCs is nearly the same, the only thing that changes is the A/V. On one of the computers, I run ESET NOD32 4.0.437 and the other PC runs Avira Antivir Premium 9.0.0.442. Both PCs run Windows Vista Business with SP-2.

Lately I started to see IE8 crashing very frequently every time I try to open more than two tabs or when I access a web site with some Flash content [e.g.: YouTube]. I see a message that says: “Failure when trying to route connection through Ad Muncher, further connections may not be filtered. Failure reason: Too many connections currently routed through Ad Muncher” and the IE8 crashes afterward on both computers [the one with NOD32 and the one with Avira 9].

I checked with Ad Muncher developers and they said they aren't aware of any problems with Ad Muncher and recommended me to check with the vendors of my security software [AVs and FW]. Since NOD32 and Avira are different in the way they handle the Internet traffic on both PCs and the only common software to both computers is OA. To do some test, I shut down OA momentarily on both PCs and re-opened IE8 with multiple tabs on both PCs and it didn't crash this time so, I'm guessing OA might have something to do with Ad Muncher povoking IE8 to crash on Win Vista.

Are you guys aware of some incompatibility between OA 3.5.0.32 [paid] and Ad Muncher?

Thanks in advance, Mike for your reply.

Kind regards,

Carlos" }-

Hi Carlos,

No - but I know that we have had issues with NOD32 detecting us as a virus.

Please try to disable/remove NOD32 and see if you still get the symptoms. If you do - then we better check it out. I know our Beta guys a lot of them use Admuncher and we had no complaints about it for a while that I can recall.

Mike

Kid Shamrock

July 30th, 2009, 05:41 PM

-{ Quote: "Hi,

This question goes to Mike Nash:

Mike, I'm using the latest released version of OA [paid] 3.5.0.32 on two computers along with Ad Muncher 4.73 beta 30615/2475. The setup of both PCs is nearly the same, the only thing that changes is the A/V. On one of the computers, I run ESET NOD32 4.0.437 and the other PC runs Avira Antivir Premium 9.0.0.442. Both PCs run Windows Vista Business with SP-2.

Lately I started to see IE8 crashing very frequently every time I try to open more than two tabs or when I access a web site with some Flash content [e.g.: YouTube]. I see a message that says: “Failure when trying to route connection through Ad Muncher, further connections may not be filtered. Failure reason: Too many connections currently routed through Ad Muncher” and the IE8 crashes afterward on both computers [the one with NOD32 and the one with Avira 9].

I checked with Ad Muncher developers and they said they aren't aware of any problems with Ad Muncher and recommended me to check with the vendors of my security software [AVs and FW]. Since NOD32 and Avira are different in the way they handle the Internet traffic on both PCs and the only common software to both computers is OA. To do some test, I shut down OA momentarily on both PCs and re-opened IE8 with multiple tabs on both PCs and it didn't crash this time so, I'm guessing OA might have something to do with Ad Muncher povoking IE8 to crash on Win Vista.

Are you guys aware of some incompatibility between OA 3.5.0.32 [paid] and Ad Muncher?

Thanks in advance, Mike for your reply.

Kind regards,

Carlos" }-

I'm seeing the same error with Ad Muncher on my box. I'm running XP Pro SP3. Problem didn't start until I installed OA 3.5.0.32 (paid). Ad Muncher version is 4.73 beta. Browser is IE8. Other AV/AM programs are a-squared, zemana and defensewall. The conflict seems to be with OA's HIPS components. When I ran the OA firewall only, there were no problems. IE8 doesn't crash completely, just one or sometimes two tabs close and then reopen after a few seconds with a pop-up saying there was a problem with the website. I sometimes also get the message about too many connections thru Ad Muncher. Let me know if you need any more information to help troubleshoot this.

Kris

MikeNash

August 1st, 2009, 04:07 AM

-{ Quote: "I'm seeing the same error with Ad Muncher on my box. I'm running XP Pro SP3. Problem didn't start until I installed OA 3.5.0.32 (paid). Ad Muncher version is 4.73 beta. Browser is IE8. Other AV/AM programs are a-squared, zemana and defensewall. The conflict seems to be with OA's HIPS components. When I ran the OA firewall only, there were no problems. IE8 doesn't crash completely, just one or sometimes two tabs close and then reopen after a few seconds with a pop-up saying there was a problem with the website. I sometimes also get the message about too many connections thru Ad Muncher. Let me know if you need any more information to help troubleshoot this.

Kris" }-

Hi Kris,

I'd love to get debug logs on this issue, or steps to reproduce it. If you're a member at our forums too, that would be the most appropriate way, though we can communicate by PM or email :)

Mike

wolfrun

August 2nd, 2009, 08:53 AM

A question about BAK files in OA program files. A disc cleaner I use picked up a bunch of BAK files relating to OA free edition "to delete" but was unable to. Are those files permanent or can you or should you delete them periodically manually? Thanks in advance.

Escalader

August 2nd, 2009, 01:33 PM

-{ Quote: "A question about BAK files in OA program files. A disc cleaner I use picked up a bunch of BAK files relating to OA free edition "to delete" but was unable to. Are those files permanent or can you or should you delete them periodically manually? Thanks in advance." }-

FWIW, never delete BAK files unless you KNOW what the impact will be!

Brummelchen

August 2nd, 2009, 03:46 PM

AFAIR OA deletes that files itself on next boot.
in progam folder it's pcu (program components update)

MikeNash

August 3rd, 2009, 07:47 PM

-{ Quote: "A question about BAK files in OA program files. A disc cleaner I use picked up a bunch of BAK files relating to OA free edition "to delete" but was unable to. Are those files permanent or can you or should you delete them periodically manually? Thanks in advance." }-

The BAK files are protected by OA. They are autobackup files of OA systems state and should not be deleted.

Pentangle

August 4th, 2009, 07:19 PM

Respectfully addressed to Mike Nash.
I posted the following at the OA Forums yesterday.

http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=9603

Adrian locked the thread without offering advice or help and simply referred me to a seven page, five week old thread on this very issue that remains unresolved for many users. This thread should have been made a sticky!

http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=9077

I've installed and un-installed OA Premium five or six times since v3.5 came out, up to and including the current .32. I've scoured the OA forums for weeks and tried every suggestion I've been able to find to improve my computer's boot speed. Both warm and cold boots take between five and six minutes 'til I have a usable desktop. I've just uninstalled .32 (again!) and gone back to the Windows firewall which cuts boot time to about 60 seconds. Running XP Pro, SP3, Avast AV. Have already cut autoruns to the bare minimum. Any suggestions on how to improve boot speed would be most welcome. I'd hate to give up on this program.

Dell Optiplex GX270 1.5GB RAM
Intel Pentium4 CPU 2.60GHz
XP Pro SP3 fully patched
Maxtor 80GB HDD
FW: Online Armor w IP blocklist
AV: avast! Home Edition
Browser: Fx 3.51
SAS Free (on demand)
MBAM (on demand)
WinPatrol Plus 16.0.2009.6:16.0.2009.6
Spywareblaster
hpHosts & MVPS Hosts File (via HostsMan)

alex_s

August 4th, 2009, 07:56 PM

-{ Quote: "Any suggestions on how to improve boot speed would be most welcome" }-

I think the only way to go is to find out what other realtime security OA has compatability problem with in your case. This should not bee too difficult, just disable the programs one by one.

innerpeace

August 4th, 2009, 09:29 PM

Halvah, Are you importing rules/settings to the new install? One person seems to have fixed their problem by starting from scratch with the rules. http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=98107&postcount=63

danny9

August 4th, 2009, 09:51 PM

-{ Quote: "Halvah, Are you importing rules/settings to the new install? One person seems to have fixed their problem by starting from scratch with the rules. http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=98107&postcount=63" }-

You bring up a good point innerpeace.
When I upgraded to OA++ a week ago I started from scratch.

No problems or slowdowns here. 8)

Brummelchen

August 4th, 2009, 10:01 PM

-{ Quote: "The BAK files are protected by OA" }-
I'm afraid Dave - i cant do that - means: they are not protected - i just deleted them this minute.
(BAK files in program folder)

tmaertin

August 5th, 2009, 12:45 AM

-{ Quote: "Halvah, Are you importing rules/settings to the new install? One person seems to have fixed their problem by starting from scratch with the rules. http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=98107&postcount=63" }-

I am the guilty party! I emailed OA Support my settings files so I hope a solution comes from it.

Halvah - Did you check your firewall/port rules for explorer.exe? Also was stated that Chrome as the default browser can cause issues? If you already did, sorry for repeating.

alex_s

August 5th, 2009, 01:50 AM

-{ Quote: "I think the only way to go is to find out what other realtime security OA has compatability problem with in your case. This should not bee too difficult, just disable the programs one by one." }-

Another reason for a slow boot can be "Block all the traffic during system boot" option enabled. Some systems feel very poor when network is blocked on boot.

mvdu

August 5th, 2009, 02:33 PM

I have a pause of about 13-15 seconds from the welcome screen to the desktop when using OA. Not sure if this is normal or not.

danny9

August 5th, 2009, 03:07 PM

-{ Quote: "I have a pause of about 13-15 seconds from the welcome screen to the desktop when using OA. Not sure if this is normal or not." }-

I'm getting that also but don't find it a big deal.
Don't reboot much anyway.
My computer runs around the clock. :)

Pentangle

August 5th, 2009, 05:09 PM

-{ Quote: "Halvah, Are you importing rules/settings to the new install? One person seems to have fixed their problem by starting from scratch with the rules. http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=98107&postcount=63" }-

Installed .32 from scratch, everything including all autoruns are trusted. Only security programs running in real time are Avast Home and WinPatrol Plus. "Block all the traffic during system boot" option is not ticked. I'm at a total loss. The last version of OA that I used was 3.0.0.09 free and I had no problems whatsoever--they began with v3.5. If you check the OA Forums thread I referenced in my original post (five weeks old, seven pages long and still unresolved) you can see that there are many others with similar issues. I believe that the OA team should own the problem and address it fully before they concentrate on Win7. Just my POV. Thanks to all who offered advice.

MikeNash

August 5th, 2009, 08:52 PM

-{ Quote: "Installed .32 from scratch, everything including all autoruns are trusted. Only security programs running in real time are Avast Home and WinPatrol Plus. "Block all the traffic during system boot" option is not ticked. I'm at a total loss. The last version of OA that I used was 3.0.0.09 free and I had no problems whatsoever--they began with v3.5. If you check the OA Forums thread I referenced in my original post (five weeks old, seven pages long and still unresolved) you can see that there are many others with similar issues. I believe that the OA team should own the problem and address it fully before they concentrate on Win7. Just my POV. Thanks to all who offered advice." }-

Hi :)

Any problems that we can reproduce and fix, we do so as quickly as we can. If you are happy to help us, we will definitely review any logs.

A lot of the time it comes down to some conflict or other :(

As for Win7 - we're damned if we do, and we're damned it seems if we don't. People have been asking me since the first builds were available for Win7 support and complaining that the lack of such support is terrible, and we're slow, and that they don't want to see a repeat of the Vista release delay (which was basically me not caring much about Vista - even now, only 23% of our visitors use Vista so by rights we should still focus on XP).

We've also working on x64 - by frequent request - because apparently, we're bad, bad people for not doing so.

In fact, we're doing precisely what you suggest - sort of ;) The focus at the moment for me is on bugfixing, and the only thing we're working on is Win7 (done, for all intents and purposes) and x64.

Aside from this we *might* enhance a couple of small features in some small ways, but nothing significant is currently in the pipeline.

Mike

innerpeace

August 5th, 2009, 08:58 PM

Halvah, You might try what alex_s suggested.
-{ Quote: "I think the only way to go is to find out what other realtime security OA has compatability problem with in your case. This should not bee too difficult, just disable the programs one by one." }-
I would start by disabling Winpatrol as it has some similar protections as OA.

I would also try getting rid of your HOSTS file/s (backup if needed), disable spywareblasters protection and delete OA's IP blocklist. You can disable one at a time and see if it helps your reboots.

Also, if you uninstall OA again, reboot it once more before trying to install it again which may help delete the drivers.

P.S. Hang it there! I know conflicts or bugs can be frustrating but the only way squash them is by trying.

tmaertin

August 5th, 2009, 09:30 PM

MikeNash

August 6th, 2009, 05:24 AM

demonon

August 6th, 2009, 08:20 AM

-{ Quote: "I have a pause of about 13-15 seconds from the welcome screen to the desktop when using OA. Not sure if this is normal or not." }-

This has happened to me too.
Just use the program for a week or so and do a reboot once in a while.
Your boot time will be a few seconds faster, but it will not be the same as without OA.

stapp

August 6th, 2009, 03:44 PM

I don't have this delay.

Dark Star 72

August 6th, 2009, 04:00 PM

I have a delay of 4 - 5 secs with OA (Premium or ++) and the same without it. And I have a 6 year old machine running XP Home.
The only Security software that has caused longer than that is MSE and that is not on my machine any more.

Pentangle

August 6th, 2009, 07:40 PM

-{ Quote: "Halvah,

I have a question on how you are installing OA? When running setup for .32, are you choosing to "trust all programs" or to manually set up your programs list?

The reason I bring this is up that manually setting my program list up was the only way i had a successful .32 install. i uninstalled .14 and clean installed .32 this way.

If you want the .14 install exe - pm me - i still have it and can get it to you.

Thanks,
Tom" }-

The first time I installed it I manually set up the program list. I was advised by either Adrian or CatPrincess (can't remember which) of the OA Forums to always install on a "trust all programs" basis, so that's what I've been doing. I'd certainly try the .14 version again, some commentators at the OA Forums suggested that they didn't have the problem with .14. I'll probably devote some time to a re-install on Sunday. I use my computer for work all day and I'm just running the Windows firewall at the moment.

chris1341

August 7th, 2009, 04:37 AM

-{ Quote: "Very strange how different software runs differently on different systems haha.

How about overall boot-up time? I recall OA delayed my overall boot-up time by several significant seconds haha. " }-

Yeah, strange indeed. I'm using OA++ on my main machine at present and it's by far the fastest boot up I've ever had with any security software (too embarrassing to say how many I've tried but it's lots!)

I did have OA related boot time delays in the past but I for one am not experiencing it now. Are those with the delay maybe using the 'block all the traffic during system boot' firewall option?

Cheers

demonon

August 7th, 2009, 05:54 AM

I found it strange that on my XP system with OA free installed the Windows load screen with the bar moving from the left to the right was displayed shorter than without OA. But the welcome screen would stay for a full minute or so.

chris1341

August 7th, 2009, 03:29 PM

-{ Quote: " Are you using Windows XP by the way?" }-

No Vista 32 SP2.

Out of interest I tried OA free on an older XP machine I have for testing. It's up to date but has no security software installed. It holds the welcome screen for around 7 seconds. Before OA install this was around 4 seconds.

Seeing your previous comments on boot times I know you wont agree but my view is that an extra 3 seconds on boot is nothing compared to the protection offered, the quality support you get and commitment to product development Tall Emu provides.

I guess that everyone's set up is different either in machine build, installed software or settings so the variables to be considered are too great to compare one users timings with another. The best thing to do is try it for yourself. If it works for you and your happy with performance stick with it. If not move on as you did, after all there is plenty of choice!

Cheers

fax

August 7th, 2009, 03:58 PM

-{ Quote: "Seeing your previous comments on boot times I know you wont agree but my view is that an extra 3 seconds on boot is nothing compared to the protection offered, the quality support you get and commitment to product development Tall Emu provides. " }-

+1 :thumb: Here OA++ has minimal impact on boot , for this reasons I use it on on a super old laptop. :)

Cheers,
Fax

mvdu

August 7th, 2009, 04:13 PM

-{ Quote: "Very strange how different software runs differently on different systems haha.

How about overall boot-up time? I recall OA delayed my overall boot-up time by several significant seconds haha. I'm talking about the time it takes from pressing the computer switch on button, until every icon in system tray etc is loaded and displayed properly. Seriously though, I am as picky as they come. I am already suffering a bit with Sandboxie slowing down browser opening by 1-2 seconds." }-

Once the desktop finally does come on, there's not much more delay. But I haven't noticed much decrease in wait times after rebooting.

danny9

August 7th, 2009, 04:38 PM

-{ Quote: "No Vista 32 SP2.

Seeing your previous comments on boot times I know you wont agree but my view is that an extra 3 seconds on boot is nothing compared to the protection offered, the quality support you get and commitment to product development Tall Emu provides.

Cheers" }-

Totally agree chris. :thumb:
3 seconds is nothing.
I don't understand the fuss over this.

danny9

August 7th, 2009, 05:41 PM

-{ Quote: "It's more like 10-15 seconds for me (Windows XP). But even then, and as I said, it's nothing to fuss over. I'm just personally very very particular about slow-down, and probably should seek help haha." }-

I don't think you need any help. 8)
A few seconds on start up is no big deal.
If it lingered a long time it would be and corrective action would be taken.

On line surfing does bother me.
No pauses or stalls.
I click it, I want it.
That's why I never used any kind of web guard previously.
Though I am using it in OA with no hang ups.

See, everyone is particular in one way or another.
Help seeking is not necessary, besides it's to damn expensive.
Buy another program instead!! ;D

mvdu

August 7th, 2009, 05:47 PM

Boost

August 7th, 2009, 06:35 PM

With Online Armor installed on my XP computer,I get maybe a 3-second delay at the welcome screen when I restart the computer,which for me is not an issue,as I leave the computer on 24/7

Pentangle

August 7th, 2009, 07:43 PM

-{ Quote: "Totally agree chris. :thumb:
3 seconds is nothing.
I don't understand the fuss over this." }-

Well, boot time for me with OA Premium was between 5 and 6 minutes. I spent over four hours this morning weeding out possible conflicts with Autoruns and Process Explorer and rebooting many, many times. Uninstalled and re-installed clean three times. Finally gave up the fight and installed Outpost Free. Works like a charm. And I have a new two year licence for OA Premium! Thanks to those who offered uncritical advice.

MICRO

August 7th, 2009, 08:34 PM

-{ Quote: "
How about overall boot-up time? " }-

Can anyone advise re. the above on XP Home please ?
- I dumped the
Gigabyte start screen, the Windows XP screen, and something else
but it appears the 'Black screen time' during boot-up fills in for them, and so it STILL
takes '45 seconds' from button press to desktop ready to work.

danny9

August 7th, 2009, 08:49 PM

subset

August 7th, 2009, 09:25 PM

-{ Quote: "Well, boot time for me with OA Premium was between 5 and 6 minutes." }-
You can download the logging version to track down this issue - if you like.
http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=98394&postcount=69

From what I have seen this kind of problems are because of a driver conflict and/or because of uninstall remains from other security software.

I have a lot of snapshots with XP, Vista and 7 for testing, basically standard OS installations and all boot without noticeable delays - even with OA Betas.

And guys like Mr. 'Operated by Comodo' will always have slow boot and all kind of issues with OA... for months, for years, but never asked anyone for help during this time. :P

Cheers

stapp

August 8th, 2009, 01:49 AM

A member, balloonshark, over on the OA forums noticed that quite a few people having slow boot problems had winpatrol installed.

Also had passive protections such as Spywareblaster and Hosts.

Pentangle

August 8th, 2009, 06:33 PM

-{ Quote: "A member, balloonshark, over on the OA forums noticed that quite a few people having slow boot problems had winpatrol installed.

Also had passive protections such as Spywareblaster and Hosts." }-

As part of my uninstall/reinstall process yesterday, I removed WinPatrol Plus, and HostMan. In truth, one should ask: Do we need to configure our machines endlessly to fit a firewall or should the firewall be fitted to our needs. I've spent a fair amount of time at the OA Forums and the thread dealing with very slow boot times for users is up to 8 pages now.

http://support.tallemu.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=9077

In any event, I installed Outpost Free yesterday and it's running beautifully.

By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

danny9

August 8th, 2009, 06:39 PM

That's great.
Glad to hear it. :thumb:

It just surprises me that WinPatrol could be the cause of this.
Usually it's one of the few programs that seems to get along with everything.

MikeNash

August 8th, 2009, 10:01 PM

-{ Quote: "Well, boot time for me with OA Premium was between 5 and 6 minutes. I spent over four hours this morning weeding out possible conflicts with Autoruns and Process Explorer and rebooting many, many times. Uninstalled and re-installed clean three times. Finally gave up the fight and installed Outpost Free. Works like a charm. And I have a new two year licence for OA Premium! Thanks to those who offered uncritical advice." }-

Oh my god.

I am more than happy to refund you the cost of OA. In fact, if you're having such a drama I'd _really_ like to get to the bottom of it because that's just insane and clearly something is not right. Very sorry you had this issue. You shouldnt have to mess with OA for hours to get it working.

With a 5-6 min bootup, I must admit you've been a lot more patient than I would have.

Mike

SafetyFirst

August 8th, 2009, 11:05 PM

Does anyone have this issue:

On Windows startup I get a no-entry sign (red circle with horizontal white line in the middle of it) all over the screen, then I get the Windows screen to choose a user account. Sometimes small no-entry signs are placed in the sistray instead of normal icons and sometimes icons on the desktop are replaced by gray squares.

This didn't use to happen before having installed OA. Anyone?

MikeNash

August 8th, 2009, 11:07 PM

-{ Quote: "Does anyone have this issue:

On Windows startup I get a no-entry sign (red circle with horizontal white line in the middle of it) all over the screen, then I get the Windows screen to choose a user account. Sometimes small no-entry signs are placed in the sistray instead of normal icons and sometimes icons on the desktop are replaced by gray squares.

This didn't use to happen before having installed OA. Anyone?" }-

Do you know what they are? Any chance of a photo? That sounds very strange

innerpeace

August 9th, 2009, 12:12 AM

-{ Quote: "Can anyone advise re. the above on XP Home please ?
- I dumped the
Gigabyte start screen, the Windows XP screen, and something else
but it appears the 'Black screen time' during boot-up fills in for them, and so it STILL
takes '45 seconds' from button press to desktop ready to work." }-
Micro, I'm running what's in my siggy and OA free 3.5 causes almost no delay in my startup times. I really don't pay attention to the black or blue windows screen when booting up so I can't advise there. My boot times are around 46 seconds. I leave my MSI screen up and I also have 5 second FD-ISR screen included in my times. My hardware is a Q6600 quad core overclocked to 3.0GHz with 4GB of RAM. My XP SP3 install is also mildly nlited.

P.S. I've tried several of OA beta's so I've installed and uninstalled several times. TBH, I was quite impressed how the 3.5 version of OA doesn't slow boot ups.

Pentangle

August 9th, 2009, 07:01 PM

-{ Quote: "Oh my god.

I am more than happy to refund you the cost of OA. In fact, if you're having such a drama I'd _really_ like to get to the bottom of it because that's just insane and clearly something is not right. Very sorry you had this issue. You shouldnt have to mess with OA for hours to get it working.

With a 5-6 min bootup, I must admit you've been a lot more patient than I would have.
Mike" }-

Thanks for the offer Mike. I'd like to hold on to my license until the next release when I'll try again (although I may then beg for an extension of time) ;). I've used the free OA v3.0.0.19 for months without difficulty. The problems only began with v3.5 premium and subsequent releases. In any event, I set up Outpost Free yesterday, have my rules in place and it's running beautifully. Boot time is under 60 seconds from cold computer to usable desktop. Life goes on. ;D

IceCube1010

August 10th, 2009, 12:40 PM

-{ Quote: "Thanks for the offer Mike. I'd like to hold on to my license until the next release when I'll try again (although I may then beg for an extension of time) ;). I've used the free OA v3.0.0.19 for months without difficulty. The problems only began with v3.5 premium and subsequent releases. In any event, I set up Outpost Free yesterday, have my rules in place and it's running beautifully. Boot time is under 60 seconds from cold computer to usable desktop. Life goes on. ;D" }-

This is strange but I had the reverse problem in that prior to 3.5, I had slow downs intermittent on boot-up. When I uninstalled 3.0.... version the slow down was gone. This was on a Vista Home (sp1) and Win XP (sp3) machines. When I installed 3.5, the slow downs disappeared!

I have used the other free firewall programs available but find this one much easier to use.

Ice

Wildest

August 10th, 2009, 01:37 PM

I just installed OA on my secondary box.
So far it has been pleasant experience!

Installation was smooth, steps about to taken clearly explained, and a logical GUI compared to some other highly rated freeware firewalls.

It is refreshing. :thumb:

EDIT: Uh Oh. May have spoken too soon.
GUI just crashed; restarted without issues, but this is a very clean box...
Definitely not a good second impression. :(

Athletic

August 11th, 2009, 04:07 AM

1. I had some previous versions of Online Armor free(3.0),with no problems,except one beta...but only a little ''problem'' was with other 3.0 versions.There was no run safer border for some applications (I think for Foxit Reader,Microsoft Office 2000,Gonvisor Viewer,The KM Player ? )...I'm not sure if I tried make it run safer from program files in windows explorer,like saw some advice here.....did you notice that there is no run safer coloured border for some applications ? *puppy*

2. Impact on the browsing speed is the correct question ? Because almost all security programs had some delay on boot,for reason that they starts automatic with windows,and that is no problem....
O.K. then,how good is your browsing speed now with Online Armor 3.5 ,how fast other programs now can load ? :thumb:

3.O.K. Run Safer is almost same as DropMyRights...but what is that mean ? Can I update my browser,or set and save new bookmarks,set new options in browser,update addons when the browser runs RUN SAFER ? Same with other risky programs?

Thanks !