Zone Alarm Question

[jnibori]

I use the freeware version of Zone Alarm. I have the security settings maxed out. I leave my computer on during the day, even when I am away.

Is there any reason to use the locking program, which prevents data from entering or leaving my system, via the internet. Or, am I secure enough without it.

The reason I ask is because I usually have to re-boot after I disable the locking option to use Outlook Express again.

Thank-you for taking the time to review this.

[spy1]

jnibori - Welcome!

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/support/znalmGeneralFAQ.jsp#14general is about all I can find on that from ZA, but when I used to use it and read about it a lot, often I would read that people would suffer various weirdnesses from leaving the internet lock on for long periods when they weren't on the Internet, too.

If the program is properly configured, it should be enough to protect your computer while it's un-attended without the use of the Internet lock, although why people want to leave their machines live on the Internet unattended is really quite beyond me. HTH Pete

[marti]

I have always felt that the system was secure without the locking system. I don't use the locks.

[jnibori]

Thanks for the replies.

I have posted this elsewhere too, and I have not received one answer telling me I should use it. I guess what made me ask the question was the feature that allows the lock to be enabled after a pre-selected time period during on-line inactivity. It almost infers to use it.

I close my browser when I am finished, but I leave my system booted during the day, with cable. I thought I was always 'on-line". I have even heard stories about how there are capabilities to enter your computer, via the back door, even if it's off, but you are still connected using cable. That's way beyond me, and I am not that paranoid - yet.

Again, thanks for the replies.

[spy1]

When I'm not using my computer, I turn it off - mainly because I can see no reason to leave it on and eating up electricity, but also because WinMe doesn't do well when left on continuously.

If there's an exploit out there that can harm/hack my computer while it's turned off (regardless of the fact that the modem itself is still on) , I haven't heard of it.

You're quite welcome.
Pete

[Paul Wilders]

Gents,

Could it be, the "lock function" is merely used in emergency cases while on line, in effect using your system? (SYN) Floods, etc.

regards.

paul

[spy1]

Paul - yes, that's what I've always thought. And not only as a defense against inbound, but OUTbound also.

Of course, since they did away with the DeskBand.... Pete

[Paul Wilders]

Pete,

-{ Quote: "yes, that's what I've always thought. And not only as a defense against inbound, but OUTbound also." }-

I'm with you here.

-{ Quote: "Of course, since they did away with the DeskBand...." }-

ahh..perhaps the time has come to switch? LnS and Kerio are doing quite nicely over here - time between them equally divided ;)

regards.

paul

[eyespy]

Personally,
I use the "lock" when away from my PC. I turn off my PC at night. (it has to rest too !)LOL
But when I'm away from my machine, nothing in or out !!
That's just me !!
regards,
bill ;)

[Paul Wilders]

Hi Bill,

-{ Quote: "But when I'm away from my machine, nothing in or out !!" }-

If you don't encounter any probs in doing so (others have reported probs): good decision! ;)

regards.

paul

[spy1]

<g> Switched a long time ago.

Time equally divided between L'n'S and OutPost. Pete

[Paul Wilders]

-{ Quote: " quoting: spy1 link=board=23;threadid=2789;start=0#18943 date=1028404542]
<g> Switched a long time ago.

Time equally divided between L'n'S and OutPost. Pete
" }-

LOL! Now, why is it, I'm not surprised? ;D

regards.

paul

[eyespy]

-{ Quote: " quoting: Forum Admin link=board=23;threadid=2789;start=0#18942 date=1028403553]
Hi Bill,

If you don't encounter any probs in doing so (others have reported probs): good decision! ;)

regards.

paul



" }-

Paul,
never had any problems whatsoever !!
With XP running, you WANT to keep track of the "outbound" connections !!

bill