posted on December 13, 2000 01:01:29 PM new
Thanks for the link. I have downloaded the program (I put it through my virus scanner, of course, you can never be sure). So far, it seems that my simple ZoneAlarm firewall is working properly. At least, the testing program could not get through to the web. And that's what I wanted to know, as my computer is always on for 24/7.
posted on December 13, 2000 02:39:16 PM new
Hi. Steve says the only one that's totally secure is ZoneAlarm. Here is a partial copy and paste from his email:
QUOTE
"LeakTest is used to check your firewall's vulnerability to an
extremely common and easily exploited design flaw revealed by
this test. At this time, EVERY FIREWALL BUT ONE is vulnerable to
this danger, and some are more vulnerable than others.
(Due to the strength of its design, the FREE ZoneAlarm firewall,
produced by ZoneLabs, Inc., can not be penetrated by this test.) "
END QUOTE
posted on December 13, 2000 09:38:31 PM new
Hello mcjane. Here is the ZoneAlarm Q&A site which I think will be able to answer your question regarding whether you need a firewall. BTW, I do highly recommend ZoneAlarms's firewall.
posted on December 14, 2000 08:34:24 PM new
I do use Norton Internet Security, and it seems to work: at least, the Leak test said it could not enter, so that's good. I do have security set to high, and Java and ActiveX disabled. Thanks for the link tho! One never knows.
I tried to use Zone alarm before, but did not understand it, and had no idea what to do everytime it told me somebody was trying to enter my computer...Made me paranoid..
I was not thrilled with Symantec lately, but they seem to have fixed a nasty problem, so I'll stick with it for a while...
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posted on December 14, 2000 11:47:58 PM new
I have had Zone Alarm on my computer for some time but recently switched to Black Ice after hearing great things about it and I LOVE IT......the program is very user friendly, comes highly recommended , but for the heck of it, think I will put it thru leak test and see if it truly was money well spent.....Pam
posted on December 15, 2000 02:43:05 AM new
I learned about ZoneAlarm from posts here at AW about 4 months ago and have used it ever since.
Very nice program!
(Where do you get the 'Black Ice' program? Never heard of it before.)
posted on December 15, 2000 07:51:44 AM new
Hi Powerhouse....The black ice program can be downloaded from the site or purchased at the store. I really think its the best....It has a window that shows you the attacks or scans on your computer....what type they are....gives you the opportunity to block them or trust them.....and when you get scanned , it has a button that says "advice" and when you click it, it takes you to a page that descrbies the attack you just experienced...since purchasing this program...I have had 12 different attacks...and each one has been explained to me and lets me know what level of security concern it could be.....and lots more. This award winning program has been highly rated in PC World etc...The best 39.95 I spent in a long time...I believe you can download a trial version from their website...let me know if anyone wants the URL..Regards, Pam
posted on December 15, 2000 12:56:02 PM new
Norton firewall OK with this too. I do not kid myself that a firewall is going to keep out someone who's bound to get in, but it does fine against garden variety port probers.
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I never had one, and I didn't want one, and I don't, so now I do...