** New Release **: ZoneAlarm antivirus-firewall combo 10

[fax]

ZAfree Antivirus-firewall released to public on download.com

http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-57424416-12/new-zonealarm-antivirus-firewall-combo-competes-for-free/?tag=mncol;cnetRiver-{ Quote: "ZoneAlarm is making an aggressive move to attract new people to its line of security programs with what may be a first: a free antivirus program pre-packaged with a free firewall.

Available exclusively from Download.com today, ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+Firewall 2013 (download) (http://download.cnet.com/zonealarm-free-firewall/3000-10435_4-75708651.html) could very well make big waves in the free security-suite space. It's the same free firewall that ZoneAlarm has produced for years, but with basic antivirus and anti-malware tools included. It's basically ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus+Firewall (http://download.cnet.com/zonealarm-antivirus-firewall/3000-2239_4-10291283.html) from last year, with an updated engine. And did I mention that it's free?" }- ....and here below if you do not like download.com
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm

[narenbisht]

Whats the autoupdate AV frequency in the released version?

And changelog for the released version?

[sg09]

-{ Quote: "Whats the autoupdate AV frequency in the released version?" }-
24 hours

[Cimmerian]

Will the latest beta auto-update to the release version?

[fax]

Normally no...

[Brocke]

Is the av engine still kaspersky ? What stripped from the av part anything ?

[Cimmerian]

-{ Quote: "Normally no..." }-

Thanks..Can the release be installed on top of the beta, or do you recommend a clean install?

[fax]

Always better to remove the beta before installing the official version. :)

[Cimmerian]

Got it...thanks again..:thumb:

[fax]

You're welcome! :thumb:

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Is the av engine still kaspersky?" }-Yes-{ Quote: "What stripped from the av part anything ?" }- Scheduled AV autoupdates (manual updates unlimited). I don't know if anything else have been stripped... seems not.

[sm1]

Thanks for sharing:) Cnet says that advanced scanning options are not enabled by default. I think detection of PUPS may not be enabled. I will have to see it myself.

[narenbisht]

-{ Quote: "Thanks for sharing:) Cnet says that advanced scanning options are not enabled by default. I think detection of PUPS may not be enabled. I will have to see it myself." }-

Cnet says its enabled by default & customization is also possible.

[Brocke]

does auto learn mode just add the safe programs to the firewall and unknown it prompts?

[RejZoR]

Cool. A final release. I like. Especially since it's powered by Kaspersky. A very strong competition.

[fax]

-{ Quote: "does auto learn mode just add the safe programs to the firewall and unknown it prompts?" }- No, all is added except known unsafe. You need to select the other mode to have known safe to be allowed and unknown to be prompted.

[asr]

-{ Quote: "Cool. A final release. I like. Especially since it's powered by Kaspersky. A very strong competition." }-

Would like to add on to RejZor comment. Installed with no problem. Updated virus and spyware def's., and everything is running flawless:) Very nice GUI and as RejZor stated powered by Kasperksy which makes it a very completitive software..:thumb:

[Zyrtec]

@ Fax:

Is there an off-line standalone installer that could be downloaded for this product? If so, any links?


Thanks.


Carlos

[Brocke]

-{ Quote: "No, all is added except known unsafe. You need to select the other mode to have known safe to be allowed and unknown to be prompted." }-


so if i Set it to firewall to Max and the defenseNet Setting to Auto that should only allow known and ask for unknown?

i think im correct.

[Brocke]

i see that the AV doesnt scan mail, and is set to on access scanning only. so Scanning when reading and their smart scanning is disabled

those are paid only. so far that all i see that is restricted. still not bad.

im really liking the suite.

ive set mine both to max and manual. still havnt gotten a popup.

[asr]

-{ Quote: "@ Fax:

Is there an off-line standalone installer that could be downloaded for this product? If so, any links?


Thanks.


Carlos" }-

Zyrtec I went to ZoneAlarm web site, downloaded their installer approx 5mb.
than installed the software approx 81 mb.

[asr]

-{ Quote: "Yes Scheduled AV autoupdates (manual updates unlimited). I don't know if anything else have been stripped... seems not." }-

Just a note to add, in the updates, I manually updated 5 tiimes so far. ZA states will auto update every 24 hrs.

[Zyrtec]

-{ Quote: "Zyrtec I went to ZoneAlarm web site, downloaded their installer approx 5mb.
than installed the software approx 81 mb." }-


Thanks, asr but I already know about that 5MB stub that can be downloaded and, works as a download manager, downloading the full standalone installer.

Although, ZoneAlarm used to provide a direct link with the full standalone installer for those [like me] who don't like to download the 5MB stub.
I'm hoping they didn't change their policy regarding this full-installer, though.


Carlos

[KelvinW4]

I like it.:thumb:

[IceCube1010]

Just curious, but those of you using win7 64, do you notice a Audit Failure under the event viewer/security which states this:

Code Integrity determined that the page hashes of an image file are not valid. The file could be improperly signed without page hashes or corrupt due to unauthorized modification. The invalid hashes could indicate a potential disk device error.

File Name: \Device\HarddiskVolume3\Program Files\CheckPoint\ZAForceField\Plugins\ISWSHEX.dll


thanks
Ice

[acr1965]

are there any (or many) pop up ads or nag screens to upgrade to the paid version?

[KelvinW4]

There wasn't any in the beta, but I would probably assume there arn't any...

[Cimmerian]

-{ Quote: "Just curious, but those of you using win7 64, do you notice a Audit Failure under the event viewer/security which states this:

Code Integrity determined that the page hashes of an image file are not valid. The file could be improperly signed without page hashes or corrupt due to unauthorized modification. The invalid hashes could indicate a potential disk device error.

File Name: \Device\HarddiskVolume3\Program Files\CheckPoint\ZAForceField\Plugins\ISWSHEX.dll


thanks
Ice" }-

I'm seeing this, same message, different hard disk volume:

Code Integrity determined that the page hashes of an image file are not valid. The file could be improperly signed without page hashes or corrupt due to unauthorized modification. The invalid hashes could indicate a potential disk device error.

File Name: \Device\HarddiskVolume2\Program Files\CheckPoint\ZAForceField\Plugins\ISWSHEX.dll

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "are there any (or many) pop up ads or nag screens to upgrade to the paid version?" }-
No,i'm not seeing any nag screens.
Installed,rebooted and after half an hour the memory usage is huge.I have 3 gigs of RAM,but still....too much for my taste.

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "No,i'm not seeing any nag screens.
Installed,rebooted and after half an hour the memory usage is huge.I have 3 gigs of RAM,but still....too much for my taste." }-
I talked to them about the high memory usage. According to them, the memory used does not affect the performance hit, so it is not a problem.

[fax]

Some interesting results if you beleive in tests:-{ Quote: "ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall is the most complete free Internet security solution for PC users. And according to AV-TEST, our new product is just as – if not more effective than – leading “paid” antivirus software." }-http://blog.zonealarm.com/2012/05/new-zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall-2013-is-here.html

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "I talked to them about the high memory usage. According to them, the memory used does not affect the performance hit, so it is not a problem." }-
Yes,they're right,it doesn't seems to affect the system but i really don't like it this way.But it's just me.

[narenbisht]

-{ Quote: "Just a note to add, in the updates, I manually updated 5 tiimes so far. ZA states will auto update every 24 hrs." }-

Nowadays AV database updates are not in 1-2 bulk updates but few-many mini updates.

So autoupdates once in 24 hours simple sucks.

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "I'm seeing this, same message, different hard disk volume:

Code Integrity determined that the page hashes of an image file are not valid. The file could be improperly signed without page hashes or corrupt due to unauthorized modification. The invalid hashes could indicate a potential disk device error.

File Name: \Device\HarddiskVolume2\Program Files\CheckPoint\ZAForceField\Plugins\ISWSHEX.dll" }-

This might be a 64bit issue as I don't see this message on my win7 32 machine. Does this mean the forcefield integration is not working?

Ice

[fax]

No, just an audit (soft warnings) from the OS that based on the hash the file may be corrupted. You can safely ignore, the file is fine and works OK. May be ZA development will need to modify the file to make the OS happy. Probably a minor issue to be fixed in future bug fix releases? Or may be not. No idea sorry.

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "No, just an audit (soft warnings) from the OS that based on the hash the file may be corrupted. You can safely ignore, the file is fine and works OK. May be ZA development will need to modify the file to make the OS happy. Probably a minor issue to be fixed in future bug fix releases? Or may be not. No idea sorry." }-

Thanks! I figured it was ok since the 2 pc's that are running this suite work fine. I did email support on this but they have not responded. I did read somewhere that this was not an issue but I can't remember the source.

Still, a nice piece of software and you can't beat the price.:thumb:

Ice

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Still, a nice piece of software and you can't beat the price.:thumb: Ice" }- Hey! I am starting to be jealous, my retail version is running an older AV engine version now!! >:(:-\ ...... ;D ;D

[Cimmerian]

-{ Quote: "Nowadays AV database updates are not in 1-2 bulk updates but few-many mini updates.

So autoupdates once in 24 hours simple sucks." }-

I agree to a point. 24 hour auto-updates are not ideal, but as stated before, manual updates are unlimited. I perform a manual update on startup, and again a bit before shutdown.
For what Checkpoint is giving us for free, I'm very willing to deal with this.:thumb:

[Brocke]

what a good setting for application control settings should be set at?

[fax]

On a clean machine you can set it at AUTO for the first couple of weeks and then move it to Max. Done

[Brocke]

-{ Quote: "On a clean machine you can set it at AUTO for the first couple of weeks and then move it to Max. Done" }-

What happens when you set the defensenet to auto or manual then ?

[fax]

You will get a pop-up for programs not yet listed in your application list with suggestion on trusting or not depending if they are known to the central ZA database of safe application. Normally the best is to leave it as AUTO and focus more on the unknows rather than blocking the knowns. You may want to consult the online help and review the various functions and options, since there are many related program control options and conditions to get a pop-up :)

[KelvinW4]

Back to this:thumb: I love it!

[Brandonn2010]

Can the AV be installed without the FW?

Do you think it would be good to put it in my top-5 AVs on my site instead of Unthreat? A free Kaspersky AV would probably be better than the free Vipre AV in Unthreat.

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "Can the AV be installed without the FW?

Do you think it would be good to put it in my top-5 AVs on my site instead of Unthreat? A free Kaspersky AV would probably be better than the free Vipre AV in Unthreat." }-
No, there is no option for a different optional install.
It may be a good choice, as unthreat has not been updated(program) for some time.

[RejZoR]

What i don't like is the download dialog which also auto asks if i want to run the downloaded file. It's so annoying. And i also don't like the look of the skinned download dialog if you turn off Advanced Download scan.

[zapjb]

Yes that's what stopped me from downloading this. I want a full install package not a ~6MB install that'll probally download 200MB on install. Of course this means I can't install this on PCs with slow or no internet access.

[Dark Shadow]

-{ Quote: "I like it.:thumb:" }-
I just put this on my sons netbook Along side Anti-Excutable and its very nice for free,Feels light and fast.Nice job on ZA's part.

[acr1965]

does the av allow configuration for on demand scan only?

[RejZoR]

Yes, but i couldn't find any setings to supress warnings about disabled components which is a bit annoying...

[fax]

I don't think there is an option to disable the warnings. Please consider that main kernel drivers (AV and/or firewall) will be loaded even if you disable the features in ZA. It is simply not designed to be run in half baked form (i.e. only AV, only firewall, only on demand, etc...).

Please also note that the wide availability of webinstaller is to avoid users to install it in offline mode. ZA may not install correctly if offline. Connection is needed to configure properly various ZA components including, but not limited, the network setup and application control). The webinstaller will also take care of installing the right files for your OS and the language pack if on other languages. The full installer is gigantic and many user complained about it. Sorry. :)

[zapjb]

That really sounds like poop. I don't believe it.

[fax]

You're welcome zapjb! LOL
You are indeed free not to beleive it ;D ;D

[fax]

Quite good overall results! Always if you beleive in tests :)
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2403843,00.asp

[wtsinnc]

Probably a bad idea to post this comment as it might lead to a 'one versus the other' discussion, but...

I wonder if this (ZA) is a better overall solution than either the free suite from Outpost or CIS.

[zapjb]

I just meant about the install having to be online. Instead of getting a full download they gave us poop. Can't use it on dialup or offline PC. Glad you laughed.;D

[RejZoR]

Anyone checked vsmon.exe process? I find 200+ MB memory consumption a bit absurd even for security suite (even free one).

[Kees1958]

-{ Quote: "Anyone checked vsmon.exe process? I find 200+ MB memory consumption a bit absurd even for security suite (even free one)." }-

On modern CPU's with 2/4/more core's and plenty of RAM it is not an issue, neither is the high disk I/O ;D

[narenbisht]

-{ Quote: "Can the AV be installed without the FW?

Do you think it would be good to put it in my top-5 AVs on my site instead of Unthreat? A free Kaspersky AV would probably be better than the free Vipre AV in Unthreat." }-

Due to autoupdate once in a day, I think you should not put it in your top 5 AV's. Average users may not know & even if they know they tend to forget to manually update the AV. This is my opinion.

[narenbisht]

Under behaviour settings, in the final version 4 options are unchecked by default, right?

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "Under behaviour settings, in the final version 4 options are unchecked by default, right?" }-

All the options were checked for me by default. The suite does use a bit of memory but as kees mentioned with more powerful cpu's and system loaded with ram and fast disks this is not an issue. Not sure how it would run on a single core, 512m, winxp machine.

All in all, I really like it. Any popups I get are really clear to understand. Plus I always liked zonealarms more info button that would give you a bit more information that made sense.

Ice

[narenbisht]

-{ Quote: "All the options were checked for me by default. The suite does use a bit of memory but as kees mentioned with more powerful cpu's and system loaded with ram and fast disks this is not an issue. Not sure how it would run on a single core, 512m, winxp machine.

All in all, I really like it. Any popups I get are really clear to understand. Plus I always liked zonealarms more info button that would give you a bit more information that made sense.

Ice" }-

You did a clean install or upgrade from beta?

I did a clean install & 4 options under behaviour are unticked.

Iam trying it on XP SP3 with 512 RAM without toolbar, running fine with occasional slight slow down & freeze.

[fax]

Not surprised, minimum requirements are the following:
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/system-requirements-zonealarm-products.htm

-{ Quote: "
Operating system requirements

Microsoft® Windows® 7: SP0 or SP1
All Versions:

32-bit / 64-bit, 2 GB RAM
2 GHz or faster processor
250MB of available hard-disk space (100MB for ZoneAlarm free firewall)Microsoft Windows Vista SP2
All Versions:

32-bit / 64-bit, 2 GB RAM
2 GHz or faster processor
250MB of available hard-disk space (100MB for ZoneAlarm free firewall)Microsoft Windows, XP SP2 or SP3
Home / Professional:

32-bit, 1GB RAM
1 GHz or faster processor
250MB of available hard-disk space(100MB for ZoneAlarm free firewall)" }-

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "You did a clean install or upgrade from beta?

I did a clean install & 4 options under behaviour are unticked.

Iam trying it on XP SP3 with 512 RAM without toolbar, running fine with occasional slight slow down & freeze." }-

Installed over the last beta. It kept all my previous settings.

[BonskY]

Hmmm...

Maybe I will give an other chance to my old good friend Zone Alarm (costumer since 2002)

My point that I'm uncertain (and reason that I was leaving the ship) is the sandboxies compatibilty issues with the advanced download proctection and it seem that Check point are overwhelmed with Firefox fast upgrade version policy...bref...I really don't like the web security module.

Thats why I liked the previous version that it was possible to not install the web protection module...my best setup was ZA antivirus ver 9.3 (web module not installed, no toolbar) + Sandboxies + Firefox (with the classic security extention, WOT, No script, adblock +, ect...)

I will see...

[Brocke]

the system tray icon is it just the 'Z' or does it show the red and green bars for the firewall? just curious.

[Cimmerian]

-{ Quote: "the system tray icon is it just the 'Z' or does it show the red and green bars for the firewall? just curious." }-

Just the "Z", no in/out animation anymore...
It does indicate scans or updates, though it's only a slightly different icon.

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "Anyone checked vsmon.exe process? I find 200+ MB memory consumption a bit absurd even for security suite (even free one)." }-
On mines max is 300mb ;D ;D
but it doesn't slow down my computer :thumb:

[Brocke]

anyone runing this on a netbook? I have one that has 2gb with win7, just curious what poeple think

[KelvinW4]

I am
3gb
Vista 32bit

[Zyrtec]

Hey, Fax:

Any response from you or ZA [Check Point] in regards to this inquiry?

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2049959&postcount=18

Thanks.


Carlos

[fax]

Answer is just few messages above yours:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2050691&postcount=51

-{ Quote: " Please also note that the wide availability of webinstaller is to avoid users to install it in offline mode. ZA may not install correctly if offline. Connection is needed to configure properly various ZA components including, but not limited, the network setup and application control). The webinstaller will also take care of installing the right files for your OS and the language pack if on other languages. The full installer is gigantic and many user complained about it. Sorry. :)" }- To complete the above, the full installer may reach up to 200MB (with all language packs) while the online install can be limited to around 60MB (Excluding AV signatures). The issue is not new and vaild also for retail products, you can also check posts by Checkpoint staff directly at the ZA forum. Sorry

Hope this helps to clarify the issue.

Cheers,
fax

[sm1]

Real time protection doesn't work for me. Downloaded eicar and IE Pass view (nirsoft) using opera and executed them but no detection/alert or removal. Context menu scan detected them. I set ZA to max and selected full data base option during install. I deselected the toolbar and search engine option during install. My OS is Vista 64bit. I downloaded the installer from http://free.zonealarm.com/

[sm1]

I forgot to mention that I have restarted the machine manually after installation. No alerts in from security center. It said av, ZA firewall and anti spy were turned on

[fax]

That site leads to an installer hosted at babylon.com and a version that is not the final.... weird. How did you manage to find that site? The download link is posted at the top of this thread and all links from the main ZA site lead to the correct file not that beta version! :doubt:

And for testing be sure to use the official eicar, for example this: http://www.eicar.org/download/eicar.com

[Brocke]

Does the firwewall protect at the os level ?

[fax]

Yes, it does.

[smage]

Here is a nice review for it :)
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kikpzc00Gxc&list=UUrNjCidRWiOf8_Tt_rH4e3Q&index=1&feature=plcp-

[fax]

Awful review, not letting ZA cleaning, running malware with application control on auto (= no hips). 100% useless review. LOL
Why people still watching this amateurish testing is a mystery to me.

[NSG001]

-{ Quote: " LOL
Why people still watching this amateurish testing is a mystery to me." }-
Bit harsh :(

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Bit harsh :(" }- Well, this is a slightly better review than another one I saw. Testing on a VM with not enough memory. LOL
More seriously, it has been said ad infinitum, these reviews are useless and often been removed by moderators too.

[kupo]

-{ Quote: "Well, this is a slightly better review than another one I saw. Testing on a VM with not enough memory. LOL
More seriously, it has been said ad infinitum, these reviews are useless and often been removed by moderators too." }-
I agree, the only reason I will watch a 'review' is to familiarize myself with the software, not for detections, protection, etc. ;D

[fax]

Better you familiarize with the software yourself, since what you see there is just clicking randomly around with no explanation whatsoever and a view of, may be, 10% of features or options (badly used). IMHO, those reviews serve only the purpose of giving fuel to trolls (both side) ;D

[Mops21]

Hi

Can you fix the issues and Gabe the Programm Some Performance See the languy99 Video Review

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=m3hp7t1n7#/watch?v=kikpzc00Gxc

[Brocke]

languy99 review you dont even get to see his settings.

who knows how its configured. could be set to auto instead of max.

[RejZoR]

He's using default settings unless stated otherwise.

[cruelsister]

He even states that fact at the end of the review. The real question is why ZA let the product out of the door with suboptimal settings as default?

[fax]

Simple. They are the optimal settings for normal use. i.e. minimising pop-ups, maximising compatibility and providing optimal protection. What you see in the review is not normal use. With a proper set-up ( and proper testing ) the results are different as you can see from AV-TEST and PCMAG tests.

[cruelsister]

I think the tests show ZA hardly provides "optimal protection" at default settings, and it's only a guess how much improvement there will be with settings maxxed.

Also, there are a number of products that will perform well at their defaults no matter how much they are bombarded. There is no reason to settle.

[kupo]

-{ Quote: "I think the tests show ZA hardly provides "optimal protection" at default settings, and it's only a guess how much improvement there will be with settings maxxed.

Also, there are a number of products that will perform well at their defaults no matter how much they are bombarded. There is no reason to settle." }-
-{ Quote: "...What you see in the review is not normal use..." }-
And as he stated, look at the proper test. (AV-Test)

[fax]

-{ Quote: "I think the tests show ZA hardly provides "optimal protection" at default settings, and it's only a guess how much improvement there will be with settings maxxed. Also, there are a number of products that will perform well at their defaults no matter how much they are bombarded. There is no reason to settle." }-

The video show absolutely nothing apart from a pathetic clicking around, blocking ZA from cleaning, running software that you can simply remove from XP add/remove programs. Finally mix this horrible soup with other tools. Default settings are perfectly fine for normal use. Unless your "normal use" is to running mix junk on the system all day long.

As already said the video serves the only purpose to help this thread getting junked too. :(

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "The video show absolutely nothing apart from a pathetic clicking around, blocking ZA from cleaning, running software that you can simply remove from XP add/remove programs. Finally mix this horrible soup with other tools. Default settings are perfectly fine for normal use. Unless your "normal use" is to running mix junk on the system all day long.

As already said the video serves the only purpose to help this thread getting junked too. :(" }-

In the past I have watched some of his videos but feel he is a little biased. I do watch them on occasion for a good chuckle though.;D

In any event, I feel this is a really good security suite. I have it running on 3 different machines and it's working without a hitch. Except for the Audit Failure thing.

Ice

[sm1]

-{ Quote: "That site leads to an installer hosted at babylon.com and a version that is not the final.... weird. How did you manage to find that site? The download link is posted at the top of this thread and all links from the main ZA site lead to the correct file not that beta version! :doubt:

And for testing be sure to use the official eicar, for example this: http://www.eicar.org/download/eicar.com" }-

Thanks. I tried again with the final version after restoring a clean image. But the problems were still there. I may try the product after a few months. For the moment I am going back to Kaspersky Internet Security.

[fax]

Well, tried here and could not really replicate it. The download was blocked even before saved on the disk. Probably some conflicts with your setup. You will be fine with KIS paid anyway! No need to shift to ZAfree if it works fine. Sorry.

[sm1]

May be vista 64 bit specific problems:P

[fax]

Could be, can't test with Vista. Got rid of if long time ago. Sorry.

[acr1965]

-{ Quote: "In the past I have watched some of his videos but feel he is a little biased. I do watch them on occasion for a good chuckle though.;D

In any event, I feel this is a really good security suite. I have it running on 3 different machines and it's working without a hitch. Except for the Audit Failure thing.

Ice" }-
A bit biased? I would have to agree. He's done some interesting videos. But there is Comodo which is always going to be #1 in his book no matter what. I still remember he made a video one time with an intro of a Comodo box, maybe a new version, 3 or 4 maybe...and there was theme music the same as in this video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfAfuwPXtBA

I can't find the video on his youtube page anymore so he must have taken it down. But it was a classic.

Oh yeah, in his book Comodo = Elvis. Maybe even better.

[fax]

Biased or not, these tests says nothing. You can find everything and its exact contrary. For example, -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lilhiWUecUA-, same nonsense test but ZA detected everything. The lesson is: simply ignore them and try the software yourself.

Most free security suite solutions provide excellent protection but only some will work best with your setup and/or your needs. :) :thumb:

[phyniks]

Installed yesterday....
Enjoying....
using kaspersky engine and database makes it powerfull
cons:
no offline installer
updating is not that fast
there is no manual quarantine
the gui is not great,avast's is faaaaaaaaaaaar better

the technical staff are not that experst,I chatted 3times,none of them knew which version of kasper they are using

[fax]

-{ Quote: "there is no manual quarantine" }-
Antivirus settings --> scan options --> UNcheck "Enable automatic treatment" -{ Quote: "the technical staff are not that experst,I chatted 3times,none of them knew which version of kasper they are using" }- There is no technical support for the ZA free versions and technical support for retail products is there to troubleshoot ZA product related issues, not to give technical details on ZA components :)

[Legendkiller]

ok, i have a prob.........i tried trendmicro's latest AV 6 beta which caused BSOD's at every restart.

I had AV disabled for that.After removing TM, i just found out that App control under FW, has forgotten all the apps i had specifically blocked.

No of apps have gone down from 104 before BSOD to 51 now....could it be because of BSOD and frequent restarts?

[fax]

BSOD may have corrupted the ZA databases where settings are stored. If you are testing other security tools (moreover if betas) you should remote ZA. Kernel drivers are loaded even if you disable ZA components and this may have been the cause of the BSOD.

If ZA free support backup of settings (not sure) just use it and restore them after reinstall.

[Legendkiller]

-{ Quote: "BSOD may have corrupted the ZA databases where settings are stored. If you are testing other security tools (moreover if betas) you should remote ZA. Kernel drivers are loaded even if you disable ZA components and this may have been the cause of the BSOD.

If ZA free support backup of settings (not sure) just use it and restore them after reinstall." }-
yes it does.i reloaded them. Also thanks for letting me know that drivers are uploaded even if the component have been disabled.

[fax]

You're welcome! :thumb:

[Tele2k]

I installed ZA suite Saturday, after having Outpost SS on my Dell XP SP3 with 2GB for a while. Although the memory footprint is quite large, 300MB, the laptop runs faster than with any AV+FW I have used, including Avast with Kerio! I am not that deep into how it is doing this, but I am very happy with the results so far.

Anyone having any issues with the daily update? To me that is not an issue.

I would recommend ZA to anyone who just wants a solid AV/FW solution without popups and slowing down the PC.

VW

[JoeBlack40]

They definitely have to do something about the huge amount of RAM usage.Not even those antimalware solutions with 2 engines are using that much.

[fax]

IMO, if ram use has no adverse impacts then I see little point in addressing it.
Low memory use may not mean a faster or lighter system. :)

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "IMO, if ram use has no adverse impacts then I see little point in addressing it.
Low memory use may not mean a faster or lighter system. :)" }-
Very good point. That is why even 300mb ram usage is light on my system ;D

[Mops21]

Hi all

10.2 is out

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/home.htm

[AlexC]

-{ Quote: "IMO, if ram use has no adverse impacts then I see little point in addressing it.
Low memory use may not mean a faster or lighter system. :)" }-

In the other hand a high use of RAM will surely mean a slower system if Windows is forced to use virtual memory. Probably not the better choice for older computers...

[MDRockstar]

Changelog for version 10.2 ?
It run pretty light on my 5 years old pc.

[AlexC]

-{ Quote: "Changelog for version 10.2 ?
It run pretty light on my 5 years old pc." }-

What's the OS? How much RAM your computer have?

[MDRockstar]

I have windows 7 sp1 and 3g of ram.

[AlexC]

-{ Quote: "I have windows 7 sp1 and 3g of ram." }-

That's nice. I'm thinking about computer's with 1 or 2 GB when running a bit heavier applications...

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "Changelog for version 10.2 ?
It run pretty light on my 5 years old pc." }-
How much ram uses ZA on your machine?

[MDRockstar]

A lot of ram.... one process over 200 mb but no system impact. They need to work on this for older computer.

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "A lot of ram.... one process over 200 mb but no system impact. They need to work on this for older computer." }-
As i expected...i thought that maybe with this new program update they changed something about that.But they don't.Too bad.Thank you for the head up.

[Brocke]

any news on the update change log?

[Mops21]

Jes you can check the Forum

http://forums.zonealarm.com/

http://forums.zonealarm.com/showthread.php?t=78659

[Hardov]

-{ Quote: "Awful review, not letting ZA cleaning, running malware with application control on auto (= no hips). 100% useless review. LOL
Why people still watching this amateurish testing is a mystery to me." }-


this is the correct setting? ( see the pic plss)

[fax]

yes, this would be the recommended settings after some few weeks of use (i.e. ZA having learned all your applications).

[Hardov]

thanks

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "As i expected...i thought that maybe with this new program update they changed something about that.But they don't.Too bad.Thank you for the head up." }-


That one process (vsmon?) in ZoneAlarm has always taking a crap load of ram. If they have not cleaned up the code by now, they probably never will.

[fax]

Sorry its by design. Nothing to do with an uncleaned code. It has been said already several times in here...

For some users, use of RAM is key for others not. For some users ZA is lighter than previous ZA versions (that were actually using less RAM) for others not. For some users it works perfectly fine, for other not. Each system has its own history and react differently. If it does not work for you I am sure there are other tools they will work instead.

The substance is... if does not work for your does not necessarily mean it does not work for others. The only way to know is to try it. Most of the time is a matter of personal taste and subjective impression about feeling secure and/or light, etc... :)

An example is posted just above.... -{ Quote: "I installed ZA suite Saturday, after having Outpost SS on my Dell XP SP3 with 2GB for a while. Although the memory footprint is quite large, 300MB, the laptop runs faster than with any AV+FW I have used, including Avast with Kerio! I am not that deep into how it is doing this, but I am very happy with the results so far." }-

[fax]

-{ Quote: "thanks" }- You're welcome! :thumb:

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "Sorry its by design. Nothing to do with an uncleaned code. It has been said already several times in here...
" }-


So they "designed" their program to take 10x more RAM than many of their competitors? Wonderful!

I will load it back up tonight, and check what the peak memory & virtual memory use is.

[fax]

... key point is....

-{ Quote: "IMO, if ram use has no adverse impacts then I see little point in addressing it. Low memory use may not mean a faster or lighter system. :)" }- In other words... its not about the RAM use but how well it runs on the system...
Some of you will never liked it some others will not care as far as it works as intended. Some others will have problems (old system with lack of memory). Some others will have problems even if with 8GIGA. You simply can't generalise... less RAM better the tool is...

Btw, Have you ever tried to measure the RAM usage of a web browser? Open a couple of sites in multiple tabs in Chrome and you can easily have more than 200MB of RAM usage, try the same with IE9 and you will get even more. This has actually no impact on the system unless you have no RAM to offer.

[Cloud]

Decided to give this free suite a try alongside Kingsoft AV.

Though from the tests I saw, the multiple popups looked a little confusing like AVG but worse. Also, the file download window doesn't match the new interface at all. :\

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "Decided to give this free suite a try alongside Kingsoft AV.

Though from the tests I saw, the multiple popups looked a little confusing like AVG but worse. Also, the file download window doesn't match the new interface at all. :\" }-
How is it? Does it "feel" light? Not including ram usage* I wanted to try it out today but I was busy with other stuff

[Cloud]

Opening of windows and browsers was noticably slow, and browsing speed went down as well. I uninstalled it and moved on to F-Secure.

[pjb024]

-{ Quote: "Decided to give this free suite a try alongside Kingsoft AV. \" }-

Do you think it's a great idea to test this suite with another AV installed?

[KelvinW4]

-{ Quote: "Do you think it's a great idea to test this suite with another AV installed?" }-
Please note that Kingsoft AV is compatible with other security solutions

[gery]

webroot too:thumb:

[KelvinW4]

Wow the Ram usage wasn't as high as before it is only 60k here:thumb:

[pjb024]

-{ Quote: "Please note that Kingsoft AV is compatible with other security solutions" }-

The poster was complaining of poor browsing speed etc. How does he know if this is attributable to ZoneAlarm if he is running other AV software at the same time?

[Cloud]

-{ Quote: "The poster was complaining of poor browsing speed etc. How does he know if this is attributable to ZoneAlarm if he is running other AV software at the same time?" }-
I was not "complaining". Kelvin asked a question and I answered.

I am pretty sure I know what I am doing. ;) Anyways, those issues happened before I had even attempted to install KAV.

[IceCube1010]

I did notice a slowdown on the pc startup with this installed. As for browser speed, I did not experience any slowdown. The memory consumption was on the high side.

Ice

[gery]

when i installed the Parental Control it really slowed down everything browsing and the computer started to hit the cpu. uninstalled and is just ok ( ZA extreme)

[fax]

** UPDATE ** ZoneAlarm version 10.2.068.000

Added: Stop all internet activity option
Added: Snooze Firewall for 5 mins option
Improved: Security toolbar
Improved: Installer
Fixed issue: Riskware options usability
Fixed issue: Various other improvements and fixeshttp://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm

[JoeBlack40]

When we will see something like
Fixed issue:high memory usage?

[fax]

** UPDATE ** ZoneAlarm version 10.2.072.000


-{ Quote: "
Added: Firefox 14 support
Fixed issue: Chrome configuration fix
Fixed issue: ZA Free, messaging usability improvements" }-

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm

[Legendkiller]

-{ Quote: "** UPDATE ** ZoneAlarm version 10.2.072.000




http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm" }-
thanks for the heads up.

[Duradel]

Running ZA Extreme Security on my computer and its great. Love the GUI as there are so many options & features. Web browsing speeds are fast and no excess CPU usage occurring.

Installed the free version on another computer and it runs efficiently as well. Probably the best free security suite out there at the moment.

[SafeBrowser]

Is it not possible to set AV scan times in this new ZA Free+AV? Mine are greyed-out.

[fax]

All that is greyed out is not in the free version, sorry.

Btw, a follow up article on the AV-test.org by PCMAG:
http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/none/300959-most-antivirus-products-improve-in-latest-av-test-report

[SafeBrowser]

Thanks for the reply. I had already seen the av-test.org report. Thanks

I think that I will try Comodo FW+AV free version 5.10.xx. It auto updates AV every 45 minutes, allows scheduled scanning date/time and has received some very positive reviews and high ratings on some FW/AV tests. Sorry to see that av-test.org did not include it.

[fax]

Well, good luck then... ;D

[fax]

** UPDATE ** ZoneAlarm version 10.2.073.000

-{ Quote: "

Optimized: Installer, component installation order
" }-

http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm

[Legendkiller]

There are two options regarding Databse Update now, one partial and the other a full database update.

If i choose the full database option, will it still require to download a big update after installation like previous version?

[fax]

You mean the AV? As far as I know no, it will not require you to have the big download after, if you have opted to do it before. It would be weird (bug) if otherwise :)

[Legendkiller]

-{ Quote: "You mean the AV? As far as I know no, it will not require you to have the big download after, if you have opted to do it before. It would be weird (bug) if otherwise :)" }-
thanks, will see.

[fax]

** UPDATE ** ZoneAlarm version 10.2.078.000 -{ Quote: "

Added: Firefox 15 support" }- ZAfree+AV (http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/zonealarm-free-antivirus-firewall.htm) and for other retail installers, here (http://server.iad.liveperson.net/hc/s-28464961/cmd/kbresource/kb-3914931848501917831/view_question!PAGETYPE?sq=download&sf=101113&sg=0&st=694421&documentid=345310&action=view).

[clocks]

Holy crap! VSMON.exe alone takes up 297meg of ram. Zonealarm really needs to get on that.

[fax]

Yes. By design, normally around 100meg, KAV SDK is demanding. RAM will go up during and after an AV update then it will go slowly back to the base. This is to minimise swap to HD and avoid slow down especially on low speed HD. This will result in an overall light effect on the system and considerably faster perfomances. A different approach was in version 9 and 10.0, in which vsmon was consuming very little but then you get a croud of users complaining about heaviness. ;)

By the way you posted the same in #123 above:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070855&postcount=123

and got an answer here:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070867&postcount=124

Short memory or really you are not a good couple (you and ZA) :D
Hey! I am missing JoeBlack40 into the RAM party ;D

[clocks]

~ Snipped as per TOS (https://www.wilderssecurity.com/faq.php?faq=wilders_tos#faq_wilders_tos_1) ~ It's a new build, so I wanted to see if they made any improvements.

[fax]

Replying to your post is at #124 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070867&postcount=124)

-{ Quote: "Sorry its by design. Nothing to do with an uncleaned code. It has been said already several times in here..." }- Any difficulties to read? I guess at this point really not an happy couple ;D

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "Replying to your post is at #124 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070867&postcount=124)

Any difficulties to read? I guess at this point really not an happy couple ;D" }-


No. Peak ram use is at over 600meg. Kingsoft AV on the same computer has peak ram use of 65meg.

Why do you need to keep editing your posts?

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "

Any difficulties to read?" }-

Apparently you do not know how to write a sentence.

[fax]

I keep editing because I am trying to be as clear as possible. It looks like it does not work since you seem to be posting always the same. :)

OK, now the RAM has leviated too much ;D . You should get around 300 as top (inbetween and after AV updates). Or you mean theoretic PEAK RAM from task manager? If not the latter, it can be a conflict with something else at your end. Running other security tools or trying it in a VM? Both scenario can create issues. Or you have gigantic availability of RAM? like 8GIGA?

Is ZA running wrong? Slow? Hangs? etc..?

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "
Is ZA running wrong? Slow? Hangs? etc..?

EDIT:... test... ;D" }-


Yeah, very slow. Programs were taking about 5x longer to open, but still testing.

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "
Hey! I am missing JoeBlack40 into the RAM party ;D" }-
Miss me?Ok,i'm here to tell you that i have won a free license for ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite and i'm not planing in using it very soon (or maybe not at all!) because of the RAM reason.:thumbd: :P ;D

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Yeah, very slow. Programs were taking about 5x longer to open, but still testing." }-
Then.. Its not for you! No need to insist. LOL ;D

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Miss me?Ok,i'm here to tell you that i have won a free license for ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite and i'm not planing in using it very soon because of the RAM reason.:thumbd: :P ;D" }-

Watch out, licenses can expire soon. [just kidding] ;D

Back to serious mode: I guess you will need to wait long time I am afraid. Despite the RAM usage ZA is running light, not just for me, but also for many other users. If it was not the case, the ZA forum would be flooded by complaints ;) Well, you could still sell the license ;D

EDIT: A new beta will began soon when windows 8 will be out. So, watch out... you never know.

[JoeBlack40]

-{ Quote: "Watch out, licenses can expire soon. [just kidding] ;D

Back to serious mode: I guess you will need to wait long time I am afraid. Despite the RAM usage ZA is running light, not just for me, but also for many other users. If it was not the case, the ZA forum would be flooded by complaints ;) Well, you could still sell the license ;D" }-
Not a problem,i'm a patient guy.;D And if still nothing happens to joy my heart and my RAM :P ,than i'll be force to pick something else.Like i'm using now.
Interested to buy it?;D

-{ Quote: "EDIT: A new beta will began soon when windows 8 will be out. So, watch out... you never know." }-
Like i said,i'm a patient guy.And hope never dies!!

[fax]

-{ Quote: "Interested to buy it?;D" }- eheh, thank you very much for the offer but I only use the Extreme version as it is the only one of the ZA line with browser sandboxing. Okok... offtopic... close and out :thumb:

[gery]

i almost never know what ZA does on my computer as it is set and forget and i know it is a bit heavy but not as heavy as some others like trustport or
so.
@fax ... the new beta is a new thing or just a fit to Windows 8?
secondly is there any possibility to changing the GUI? It is too simplistic

[fax]

Hi Gery!
Nice to hear from you. Sorry, I have no information on the new beta, most likely only support to WIN8. We will know for sure as soon as it is released :)

Cheers,
Fax

[fax]

-{ Quote: " Kingsoft AV on the same computer has peak ram use of 65meg." }- Btw, just realised now, ZA does not use Kingsoft (KAV) but Kaspersky (KAV) :)

[RejZoR]

-{ Quote: "Yes. By design, normally around 100meg, KAV SDK is demanding. RAM will go up during and after an AV update then it will go slowly back to the base. This is to minimise swap to HD and avoid slow down especially on low speed HD. This will result in an overall light effect on the system and considerably faster perfomances. A different approach was in version 9 and 10.0, in which vsmon was consuming very little but then you get a croud of users complaining about heaviness. ;)

By the way you posted the same in #123 above:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070855&postcount=123

and got an answer here:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=2070867&postcount=124

Short memory or really you are not a good couple (you and ZA) :D
Hey! I am missing JoeBlack40 into the RAM party ;D" }-

It has nothing to do with KAV SDK. VSMON was a fat process ever since i know ZoneAlarm. Long before they started using KAV...

[fax]

Nope... the specific issue discussed has nothing to do with the firewall part of vsmon. Sorry ;)
Vsmon in past versions was normally flying at as little as 2kb up to 80 MB dpending on the charge.

You may want to install the firewall only version to see the difference. You will never get 300MB.

[RejZoR]

It has everything to do with it. That thing was eating 300 megs easily even before when it was just firewall. Thats several years back already...

[fax]

Yes, very true on version 7 or 8 then it was re-designed from scratch (if I remember well with version 9 or 9.1... can't remember) :)
Then there was a period with KAV as a separate process then KAV in vsmon and tricks to reduce RAM and finally now with KAV in vsmon and maximum load on RAM to avoid swapping. We will see whats next but all now is strictly linked to KAV SDK.

[IceCube1010]

-{ Quote: "It has everything to do with it. That thing was eating 300 megs easily even before when it was just firewall. Thats several years back already..." }-

I've used ZA firewall off and on through the years even before check point bought it out and it was always on the high side but not like this latest version with the AV module included. I also assumed it had something to do with the KAV SDK but having never used KAV's original product, so not sure if that uses a lot of memory also. One thing I can tell you is that it runs extremely light on any system I install it on. Maybe that is why it's in memory. It does seem strange that it uses 300m. On my laptop it usually tops out around 175m. On my desktop it's around 300m. Both machines are using win7 64 and have 6G of memory on board. I will continue using this since I like the firewall/app control module and I really like the AV module.

just my .02 cents
Ice

[RejZoR]

It was like this even before CheckPoint bought them. If you used P2P app, memory consumtion rocketed to the sky...

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "Btw, just realised now, ZA does not use Kingsoft (KAV) but Kaspersky (KAV) :)" }-


I know that. I said I have Kingsoft on the same machine, and its peak ram (and avg working set) is 10X lighter. Obviously ZA is a bloated mess at this point, but feel free to keep defending it, with smiley faces and all. As others have pointed out, ZoneAlarm has a long history of being very heavy.

I moved back to Twister 8 AV beta 3, which uses 2-3meg of ram on average. I like having my RAM free to run games, VMs, etc...

[fax]

@clocks: No one here says that ZA does not use RAM. The point is that RAM says nothing on lightness of a software. Its simply plain wrong. There will be obviously users that do not like RAM usage while others do not care as far as the software runs light on the system. No one is forcing you to use it. If you don't like it or it does not work for you then don't use it. Just don't come here every time with the same music.

You keep hammering on ZA since 2008, enough to look to your post history. Once you don't like KAV, next RAM usage, Next ZAPRO, next ZA Extreme. It has been going since forever. Yes, we understood! ZA is not for you and you do not like it. No need to pestering all these years. And no need to go on the personal, this is a friendly platform of security enthusiasts. :)

@IceCube1010: just monitor vsmon during AV updates and you will see jumping the RAM (also dending on the amount of signature digested). This should be both on desktop and laptop. Then it will go back to normal but really slow. Thats why it can be confusing as sometimes you see it on the high and there is no download of AV updates.

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "No one is forcing you to use it. If you don't like it or it does not work for you then don't use it. Just don't come here every time with the same music.
" }-

I don't use it. But its a free country & forum. I can test it if I want and post my comments. So don't tell me what I can and can't do. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[fax]

Ah, ok. Now I undestand why you keep posting the same. Because its a free country. Indeed :blink:

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "Ah, ok. Now I undestand why you keep posting the same. Because its a free country. Indeed :blink:" }-


I'm as free to post my thoughts are you are yours. You are posting the same stuff yourself, spouting your "300 meg of RAM is a good thing" propaganda. I don't know if your daddy works for ZoneAlarm, or why you have this inherent need to be their resident fan boy defender. The fact that you have time to dig up all my post history tells me you need to get a life.

[gery]

guys lets just not turn this talk into a fight
humble thought

[fax]

-{ Quote: "I'm as free to post my thoughts are you are yours. You are posting the same stuff yourself, spouting your "300 meg of RAM is a good thing" propaganda. I don't know if your daddy works for ZoneAlarm, or why you have this inherent need to be their resident fan boy defender. The fact that you have time to dig up all my post history tells me you need to get a life." }- I don't need to dig on your post history, I was there. Everytime trying to explain you what to expect and what not from ZA. However your hate for the product keeps you coming back asking for the same. Its not about been fan-boy is to avoid this thread to be junked as usual. All of this is not annoying but very sadly near to pathetic :(

OK, added the user to the ignore list so I am not tempted to come back next time I will receive his kind, attentive and constructive criticism! LOL ;D

[clocks]

-{ Quote: "However your hate for the product keeps you coming back asking for the same." }-

Never said I hate the product, just wished it was more efficient, but I guess that is too much for you to understand the difference. I wish their was a way for me to put your emoticons on ignore.

[KelvinW4]

Yes, the ram usage is high. But they are doing it a diffrent way that reduces performance impact. So if you have lots of ram this is a good product for you for its lightness. (Yes, a program with low ram usage can be heavy) But if you have limited ram this may not be a good idea to use it.

[Cimmerian]

I like this av solution, I keep coming back to it. Even wound up buying the Pro av a couple of weeks ago. Comes in around 230 megs ram usage, but for me it's really light. No slowdowns, even start ups are quick.

[flip21]

ZoneAlarm Firewall now forces it's toolbar on you. It is malware. I did a custom install and unchecked the box that said download toolbar and it downloaded it anyway. My system is slower and I have yet to find a way to uninstall it. Their website Help comveniently denies that it does this and gives no directions to remove it.

[Aventador]

A toolbar has never been malware related. Adware yes. Why don't you just do a system restore or download the installer for ZA.

[fax]

Not even adware. Just go to XP "add/remove" programs or WIN7 "uninstall a program", scroll down the list and remove "ZoneAlarm Security Toolbar" and the drama is resolved.

[moontan]

i tried it for the last couple of days.

i uninstalled it after i got BSODed this morning playing around in the application settings.

i have no other security products running.
the only time i get blue screens is when testing security software.

i did not test the AV but the firewall lacks control and seem to have a mind of its own.

[Aventador]

I had a similar issue. Laptop was locked up. I mounted my stored image.

[fax]

In normal circumstances you could report it directly to ZA support. But as ZAfree offers no official support, there is not much to do.

But, there is currently a beta available for XP/VISTA/WIN7/WIN8 (www.zonealarm.com/beta) download the version there and test it. If you have still problems then you can report it to them. The advantage is that the feedback will go directly to ZA development team.

Cheers,
Fax