ZoneAlarm is causing havoc with Alcohol 120%. Whilst I don't frequently use the latter, I do need it to work when I use it. So far, uninstalling ZoneAlarm is the only thing that helps.

So I'm after suggestions for ZA. I prefer individual application control in the same way ZA works. Currently running window's own firewall.

EDIT: I'm running AVAST which I'm happy with so will need to run along it.

What do you use Alcohol 120% for? Have you tried using Daemon Tools instead?

Mounting images so I can run things off the hdd, if I need to make copies or situations where I have to have a disc in. Will think about daemon tools.

Erm... is there any reason why the Windows firewall isn't enough - patient data or such-like?

If you're a Joe-normal domestic user on a modern OS, not using admin rights and sat behind a router and an OS firewall, you're not very likely to get attacked at all tbh. Firstly there are plenty of easier targets, secondly there are plenty of more interesting targets and thirdly script-kiddies don't really attack small systems using those kinds of methods any more.

The main reason for having a software firewall is not to protect you from attacks. It's to notify you when software is trying to silently access the internet.

I used to use ZA many years ago when I had dialup but it became quite rubbish and slow with terrible memory leaks, so I gave up. I rely on my anti-malware package now, along with Windows firewall and the hardware firewall.

I've been using Virtual Clone Drive + ZA together without issue for some time now.

I prefer overkill. Patient info has to be anonymised.


If you're a Joe-normal domestic user on a modern OS, not using admin rights and sat behind a router and an OS firewall, you're not very likely to get attacked at all tbh.[/quote]
Win7, but I'm using the only account on here which has admin rights (I think).


Bingo - I've often identified dodgy software which is trying to "phone home" and can block it.


Will look into this.

have you looked at agnitum outpost firewall free
i always found it worked well on a win box ...

I've been using ZA for many years on XP and Win 7, so unfortunately I don't have any good alternatives - it's always been the best I've tested.

I've always preferred a 3rd party firewall, and especially for the reasons mentioned earlier to see and block software which is trying to connect out - this is a feature which should be standard in all OS firewalls.